Geopolitical Relations: Uganda’s Role in the Development of the River Nile

This study examined the geopolitical relations of the Nile Basin by looking at Uganda as a case study, and analyzed Uganda’s use and development of the River Nile. It reviews the history of transboundary politics and treaties along with Uganda’s development projects in the region. The paper then discusses modern relations and agreements, with a focus on the most recent agreement between the Riparian States, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, and how Uganda fits into them with regards to their interest in hydropower development within their borders on the Nile. It then explores possible future developments on the river and the potential for future conflict in the region, and finishes by making recommendations for the Nile Basin and Uganda. The whole project is looked at using the sustainable development paradigm. This study was conducted over six weeks through primarily document review and eight expert interviews. All documents reviewed were from peer edited sources, such as books, scholarly journals, and accredited news sources. The documents provided historical information and facts and statistics on the modern development and geopolitical relations of the Nile Basin. Interviews served to enhance and further the information gathered in document review. All the interviewees were experts in their fields and most worked within the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ugandan Ministry of Water and Environment and their directorates. The study was conducted in accordance to ethical considerations and all wishes of interviewees were upheld throughout the paper. The researcher found that modern geopolitics of the region have been greatly influenced by the 1929 and 1959 colonial agreements that gave Egypt power of the Nile, and that today negotiations focus on changing this status quo, despite protests from Egypt. Uganda must balance its position as both an upstream and downstream Riparian state, and could be a key middle ground country for maintaining peace in the region by appealing to both sides of the water sharing debate. Uganda’s primary investment in the river is hydropower, and so they must balance the want to release enough water to generate electricity, and preserving the catchments of Lake Victoria and the Nile to protect the resource for long term use. Other than hydropower, which is a hotspot for international criticism due to environmental and cultural impacts, Uganda has a large potential for developing irrigation from the Nile and Lake Victoria that could increase agricultural yields which could improve the country’s food security. Uganda’s position in the Nile Basin makes it unique both in its ability to use and regulate the White Nile, and in the political framework of the region

Weak values and the Leggett-Garg inequality in solid-state qubits

An implementation of weak values is investigated in solid-state qubits. We demonstrate that a weak value can be non-classical if and only if a Leggett-Garg inequality can also be violated. Generalized weak values are described, where post-selection on a range of weak measurement results. Imposing classical weak values permits the derivation of Leggett-Garg inequalities for bounded operators. Our analysis is presented in terms of kicked quantum nondemolition measurements on a quantum double-dot charge qubit.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

On the brink of transformation : Becoming Ones True Self

It brings me great joy to share with you the story of my journey through Academia. This thesis will cover some of the milestones I’ve reached throughout my studies here at the University of Arkansas, which led me to be able to attain an MFA in Theatre with an Acting Emphasis. You’ll be granted an all access pass into some of the works I’ve been able to produce while studying here at the U of A Including my one person show, statement of artistry, a link to my website, and information on my career as a professional stand-up comedia

ECoG correlates of visuomotor transformation, neural plasticity, and application to a force-based brain computer interface

Electrocorticography: ECoG) has gained increased notoriety over the past decade as a possible recording modality for Brain-Computer Interface: BCI) applications that offers a balance of minimal invasiveness to the patient in addition to robust spectral information over time. More recently, the scale of ECoG devices has begun to shrink to the order of micrometer diameter contacts and millimeter spacings with the intent of extracting more independent signals for BCI control within less cortical real-estate. However, most control signals to date, whether within the field of ECoG or any of the more seasoned recording techniques, have translated their control signals to kinematic control parameters: i.e. position or velocity of an object) which may not be practical for certain BCI applications such as functional neuromuscular stimulation: FNS). Thus, the purpose of this dissertation was to present a novel application of ECoG signals to a force-based control algorithm and address its feasibility for such a BCI system. Micro-ECoG arrays constructed from thin-film polyimide were implanted epidurally over areas spanning premotor, primary motor, and parietal cortical areas of two monkeys: three hemispheres, three arrays). Monkeys first learned to perform a classic center-out task using a brain signal-to-velocity mapping for control of a computer cursor. The BCI algorithm utilized day-to-day adaptation of the decoding model to match the task intention of the monkeys with no need for pre-screeening of movement-related ECoG signals. Using this strategy, subjects showed notable 2-D task profiency and increased task-related modulation of ECoG features within five training sessions. After fixing the last model trained for velocity control of the cursor, the monkeys then utilized this decoding model to control the acceleration of the cursor in the same center-out task. Cursor movement profiles under this mapping paralleled those demonstrated using velocity control, and neural control signal profiles revealed the monkeys actively accelerated and decelerated the cursor within a limited time window: 1-1.5 seconds). The fixed BCI decoding model was recast once again to control the force on a virtual cursor in a novel mass-grab task. This task required targets not only to reach to peripheral targets but also account for an additional virtual mass as they grabbed each target and moved it to a second target location in the presence of the external force of gravity. Examination of the ensemble control signals showed neural adaptation to variations in the perceived mass of the target as well as the presence or absence of gravity. Finally, short rest periods were interleaved within blocks of each task type to elucidate differences between active BCI intention and rest. Using a post-hoc state-decoder model, periods of active BCI task control could be distinguished from periods of rest with a very high degree of accuracy: ~99%). Taken together, the results from these experiments present a first step toward the design of a dynamics-based BCI system suitable for FNS applications as well as a framework for implementation of an asyncrhonous ECoG BCI

On the brink of transformation : Becoming Ones True Self

It brings me great joy to share with you the story of my journey through Academia. This thesis will cover some of the milestones I’ve reached throughout my studies here at the University of Arkansas, which led me to be able to attain an MFA in Theatre with an Acting Emphasis. You’ll be granted an all access pass into some of the works I’ve been able to produce while studying here at the U of A Including my one person show, statement of artistry, a link to my website, and information on my career as a professional stand-up comedia

A method for viewing and interacting with medical volumes in virtual reality

The medical field has long benefited from advancements in diagnostic imaging technology. Medical images created through methods such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are used by medical professionals to non-intrusively peer into the body to make decisions about surgeries. Over time, the viewing medium of medical images has evolved from X-ray film negatives to stereoscopic 3D displays, with each new development enhancing the viewer’s ability to discern detail or decreasing the time needed to produce and render a body scan. Though doctors and surgeons are trained to view medical images in 2D, some are choosing to view body scans in 3D through volume rendering. While traditional 2D displays can be used to display 3D data, a viewing method that incorporates depth would convey more information to the viewer. One device that has shown promise in medical image viewing applications is the Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display (VR HMD). VR HMDs have recently increased in popularity, with several commodity devices being released within the last few years. The Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality HMDs like the Samsung Odyssey offer higher resolution screens, more accurate motion tracking, and lower prices than earlier HMDs. They also include motion-tracked handheld controllers meant for navigation and interaction in video games. Because of their popularity and low cost, medical volume viewing software that is compatible with these headsets would be accessible to a wide audience. However, the introduction of VR to medical volume rendering presents difficulties in implementing consistent user interactions and ensuring performance. Though all three headsets require unique driver software, they are compatible with OpenVR, a middleware that standardizes communication between the HMD, the HMD’s controllers, and VR software. However, the controllers included with the HMDs each has a slightly different control layout. Furthermore, buttons, triggers, touchpads, and joysticks that share the same hand position between devices do not report values to OpenVR in the same way. Implementing volume rendering functions like clipping and tissue density windowing on VR controllers could improve the user’s experience over mouse-and-keyboard schemes through the use of tracked hand and finger movements. To create a control scheme that is compatible with multiple HMD’s A way of mapping controls differently depending on the device was developed. Additionally, volume rendering is a computationally intensive process, and even more so when rendering for an HMD. By using techniques like GPU raytracing with modern GPUs, real-time framerates are achievable on desktop computers with traditional displays. However, the importance of achieving high framerates is even greater when viewing with a VR HMD due to its higher level of immersion. Because the 3D scene occupies most of the user’s field of view, low or choppy framerates contribute to feelings of motion sickness. This was mitigated through a decrease in volume rendering quality in situations where the framerate drops below acceptable levels. The volume rendering and VR interaction methods described in this thesis were demonstrated in an application developed for immersive viewing of medical volumes. This application places the user and a medical volume in a 3D VR environment, allowing the user to manually place clipping planes, adjust the tissue density window, and move the volume to achieve different viewing angles with handheld motion tracked controllers. The result shows that GPU raytraced medical volumes can be viewed and interacted with in VR using commodity hardware, and that a control scheme can be mapped to allow the same functions on different HMD controllers despite differences in layout

A comparison of hip and knee torques produced during a maximal effort full and partial back squat

This study examined the levels of hip and knee torques produced during a one repetition maximum (1RM partial) squat and full squat in order to determine if there would be a difference in the peak torque created at the two depths. Eight male athletes (standing height = 1.84 ± 0.07 m; mass = 87 ± 14 kg; age 23 ± 2.1 years) volunteered for the study. Each subject performed a 1RM squat at full squat (as low as the participant could go, at least 0° or thigh parallel in relation to the ground) and partial squat (thigh at 45° in relation to the ground). The trials were collected in two sessions one week apart. The joint torques were calculated at the instant they reached the maximum depth for each trial, as well as at 45° in the full squat trials. The difference in knee and hip extension torques achieved was not significant at maximum depth (p ≥ .05). The full squat achieved the same level of hip and knee torque as the partial squat with significantly less barbell load. Participants averaged a 60.5% increase in barbell load, which was significant (p \u3c .05), in the partial squat when compared to the full squat. Due to the large increase in barbell load during the partial squat, the participants mentioned much more discomfort and were less inclined to approach a true 1RM as they did with the full squat. The partial squat also slightly changed the mechanics of the squat with the subjects maintaining a more erect posture to alleviate some of the strain placed on the spine and back musculature which could place the spine at an increased risk for injury. For the partial squat to be an effective training lift, the participants would have to increase the load to a point that they find uncomfortable and place the spine under excess stress than would a full squat that would achieve the same levels of joint torques

Applying NMR Relaxation Methods to the Study of Liquids in Porous Media

The work presented within this thesis focusses on the development of NMR relaxation techniques to unambiguously characterise the adsorption behaviour of liquids imbibed within catalytic materials. Principally, this study is centred on γ-alumina, which is used industrially as both a catalyst and a catalyst support. Ratios of fixed field T1 and T2 values were compared with fast field cycling (FFC-) NMR measurements. For each technique the relative advantages and disadvantages were explored, and methodologies allowing a robust implementation of these techniques to study the adsorption were presented. Fixed field measurements of T1,B/T1,pore and e_surf=-T2/T1 were used to compare the relative interaction strength for a range of liquids imbibed within γ-alumina. A strong correlation between the adsorbate polarity and the T1,B/T1,pore ratio of rigid molecules showed the sensitivity of high field NMR to surface adsorption processes. However when flexible molecules were studied the presence of internal motions distorted the trends in the relaxation behaviour, making both the T1,B/T1,pore and e_surf measurements unsuitable. FFC-NMR was explored as an alternative to fixed field NMR. This allowed the measurement of relaxation behaviour over a range of low field strengths. The FFC-NMR data showed a clear ordering of the solid-liquid interaction strengths, which was more consistent with the predicted physical chemistry of the system than the order given by a fixed field analysis. For methanol and acetone imbibed within γ-alumina multicomponent relaxation behaviour was observed. The origin of this was shown to be functionality specific adsorption behaviour, and the presence of a stable reaction intermediate respectively. These observations led to a more granular understanding of the adsorption. A formal modelling approach was then applied to the FFC-NMR data in order to extract quantitative correlation times that described the dynamics of each adsorbate at the catalyst surface. The sensitivity of FFC-NMR to coadsorption was further studied through the use of binary liquid mixtures. A model for the interpretation of the relaxation behaviour of each component in the binary mixture was proposed and used to demonstrate the liquid structuring and micro-phase separation that occurred during adsorption.EPSRC grant EP/M507350/

Research Integrity/Misconduct Policies of Canadian Universities

In a context of increasing attention to issues of scientific integrity in university research, it is important to reflect on the governance mechanisms that universities use to shape the behavior of students, researchers, and faculty. This paper presents the results of a study of 47 Canadian university research integrity/misconduct (RIM) policies: 41 institutions (87%) had distinct policies dealing with research misconduct, 37 (90%) of which took the form of research integrity/misconduct policies. For each of these 41 documents, we assessed the stated policy objectives and the existence (or not) of procedures for managing allegations of misconduct, definitions of misconduct, and sanctions. Our analysis revealed that, like their American counterparts, most Canadian universities had policies that contained the key elements relevant to protecting research integrity and managing misconduct. Yet, there was significant variability in the structure and content of these policies, particularly with regard to practical guidance for university personnel and review bodies.Dans un contexte où les questions d’intégrité scientifique dans la recherche universitaire suscitent de plus en plus d’attention, il est important de réfléchir aux mécanismes de gouvernance que les universités utilisent pour façonner le comportement des étudiants, des chercheurs et des professeurs. Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude sur les politiques d’intégrité de recherche et d’inconduite scientifique (RIM) de 47 universités canadiennes : 41 établissements (87 %) avaient des politiques distinctes traitant de l’inconduite scientifique, dont 37 (soit 90 %) prenaient la forme de politiques de type RIM. Pour chacun de ces 41 documents, nous avons évalué les objectifs de politique énoncés et constaté l’existence (ou l’absence) de procédures de gestion des allégations d’inconduite, de définitions d’inconduites et de sanctions. Notre analyse a révélé que, tout comme leurs homologues américains, la plupart des universités canadiennes possèdent des politiques comprenant les principaux éléments relatifs à la protection de l’intégrité en recherche, ainsi qu’à la gestion de l’inconduite scientifique. Pourtant, il existe une grande variabilité dans la structure et le contenu de ces politiques, en particulier en ce qui a trait aux conseils pratiques pour le personnel universitaire et les organismes d’examen

Continuous phase amplification with a Sagnac interferometer

We describe a weak value inspired phase amplification technique in a Sagnac interferometer. We monitor the relative phase between two paths of a slightly misaligned interferometer by measuring the average position of a split-Gaussian mode in the dark port. Although we monitor only the dark port, we show that the signal varies linearly with phase and that we can obtain similar sensitivity to balanced homodyne detection. We derive the source of the amplification both with classical wave optics and as an inverse weak value.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, previously submitted for publicatio