16,377 research outputs found
Interactive Sonic Environments: Sonic artwork via gameplay experience
The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of video-game technology in the design and implementation of interactive sonic centric artworks, the purpose of which is to create and contribute to the discourse and understanding of its effectiveness in electro-acoustic composition highlighting the creative process. Key research questions include: How can the language of electro-acoustic music be placed in a new framework derived from videogame aesthetics and technology? What new creative processes need to be considered when using this medium? Moreover, what aspects of 'play' should be considered when designing the systems? The findings of this study assert that composers and sonic art practitioners need little or no coding knowledge to create exciting applications and the myriad of options available to the composer when using video-game technology is limited only by imagination. Through a cyclic process of planning, building, testing and playing these applications the project revealed advantages and unique sonic opportunities in comparison to other sonic art installations. A portfolio of selected original compositions, both fixed and open are presented by the author to complement this study. The commentary serves to place the work in context with other practitioners in the field and to provide compositional approaches that have been taken
Balancing the urban stomach: public health, food selling and consumption in London, c. 1558-1640
Until recently, public health histories have been predominantly shaped by medical and scientific perspectives, to the neglect of their wider social, economic and political contexts. These medically-minded studies have tended to present broad, sweeping narratives of health policy's explicit successes or failures, often focusing on extraordinary periods of epidemic disease viewed from a national context. This approach is problematic, particularly in studies of public health practice prior to 1800. Before the rise of modern scientific medicine, public health policies were more often influenced by shared social, cultural, economic and religious values which favoured maintaining hierarchy, stability and concern for 'the common good'. These values have frequently been overlooked by modern researchers. This has yielded pessimistic assessments of contemporary sanitation, implying that local authorities did not care about or prioritise the health of populations. Overly medicalised perspectives have further restricted historians' investigation and use of source material, their interpretation of multifaceted and sometimes contested cultural practices such as fasting, and their examination of habitual - and not just extraordinary - health actions. These perspectives have encouraged a focus on reactive - rather than preventative - measures.
This thesis contributes to a growing body of research that expands our restrictive understandings of pre-modern public health. It focuses on how public health practices were regulated, monitored and expanded in later Tudor and early Stuart London, with a particular focus on consumption and food-selling. Acknowledging the fundamental public health value of maintaining urban foodways, it investigates how contemporaries sought to manage consumption, food production waste, and vending practices in the early modern City's wards and parishes. It delineates the practical and political distinctions between food and medicine, broadly investigates the activities, reputations of and correlations between London's guild and itinerant food vendors and licensed and irregular medical practitioners, traces the directions in which different kinds of public health policy filtered up or down, and explores how policies were enacted at a national and local level. Finally, it compares and contrasts habitual and extraordinary public health regulations, with a particular focus on how perceptions of and actual food shortages, paired with the omnipresent threat of disease, impacted broader aspects of civic life
Rainfall Prediction: A Comparative Analysis of Modern Machine Learning Algorithms for Time-Series Forecasting
Rainfall forecasting has gained utmost research relevance in recent times due to its complexities and persistent applications such as flood forecasting and monitoring of pollutant concentration levels, among others. Existing models use complex statistical models that are often too costly, both computationally and budgetary, or are not applied to downstream applications. Therefore, approaches that use Machine Learning algorithms in conjunction with time-series data are being explored as an alternative to overcome these drawbacks. To this end, this study presents a comparative analysis using simplified rainfall estimation models based on conventional Machine Learning algorithms and Deep Learning architectures that are efficient for these downstream applications. Models based on LSTM, Stacked-LSTM, Bidirectional-LSTM Networks, XGBoost, and an ensemble of Gradient Boosting Regressor, Linear Support Vector Regression, and an Extra-trees Regressor were compared in the task of forecasting hourly rainfall volumes using time-series data. Climate data from 2000 to 2020 from five major cities in the United Kingdom were used. The evaluation metrics of Loss, Root Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error, and Root Mean Squared Logarithmic Error were used to evaluate the models' performance. Results show that a Bidirectional-LSTM Network can be used as a rainfall forecast model with comparable performance to Stacked-LSTM Networks. Among all the models tested, the Stacked-LSTM Network with two hidden layers and the Bidirectional-LSTM Network performed best. This suggests that models based on LSTM-Networks with fewer hidden layers perform better for this approach; denoting its ability to be applied as an approach for budget-wise rainfall forecast applications
The applied psychology of addictive orientations : studies in a 12-step treatment context.
The clinical data for the studies was collected at The PROMIS Recovery Centre, a Minnesota Model treatmentc entre for addictions,w hich encouragesth e membership and use of the 12 step Anonymous Fellowships, and is abstinence based. The area of addiction is contextualised in a review chapter which focuses on research relating to the phenomenon of cross addiction. A study examining the concept of "addictive orientations" in male and female addicts is described, which develops a study conductedb y StephensonM, aggi, Lefever, & Morojele (1995). This presents study found a four factor solution which appeared to be subdivisions of the previously found Hedonism and Nurturance factors. Self orientated nurturance (both food dimensions, shopping and caffeine), Other orientated nurturance (both compulsive helping dimensions and work), Sensation seeking hedonism (Drugs, prescription drugs, nicotine and marginally alcohol), and Power related hedonism (Both relationship dimensions, sex and gambling. This concept of "addictive orientations" is further explored in a non-clinical population, where again a four factor solution was found, very similar to that in the clinical population. This was thought to indicate that in terms of addictive orientation a pattern already exists in this non-clinical population and that consideration should be given to why this is the case. These orientations are examined in terms of gender differences. It is suggested that the differences between genders reflect power-related role relationships between the sexes. In order to further elaborate the significance and meaning behind these orientations, the next two chapters look at the contribution of personality variables and how addictive orientations relate to psychiatric symptomatology. Personality variables were differentially, and to a considerable extent predictably involved with the four factors for both males and females.Conscientiousness as positively associated with "Other orientated Nurturance" and negatively associated with "Sensation seeking hedonism" (particularly for men). Neuroticism had a particularly strong association with the "Self orientated Nurturance" factor in the female population. More than twice the symptomatology variance was explained by the factor scores for females than it was for males. The most important factorial predictors for psychiatric symptomatology were the "Power related hedonism" factor for males, and "Self oriented nurturance" for females. The results are discussed from theoretical and treatment perspectives
Differences in external match load metrics between professional and semi-professional football players
This study aimed to investigate the differences in external match load between professional and semi-professional footballers, and also aimed to investigate whether periods of fixture congestion throughout the season had an effect on the external match load of players at either the professional or semi-professional level. This study consisted of data from 51 football players, 21 professional and 30 semi-professional footballers, playing in the 2019/2020 football season. The data collected was obtained via MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices, which measured the players’ total distance, high-speed distance, accelerations, decelerations and player load. Once the external match load data was quantified, a comparison between playing levels took place using a univariate ANOVA. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine if significant differences existed in external match load variables across player performance level (2 levels) and time of the season (3 levels) during periods of time when teams experienced fixture congestion. This study found that professional players travelled significantly greater distances in a 90 minute match (10.93 ± 2.46 vs 9.02 ± 1.56 km respectively; P<0.001). No differences in high-speed distance were observed between playing level (P=0.70), whereas semiprofessional players recorded significantly greater player load value than the professional players (88.6 ± 12.2 vs 68.8 ± 18.9% respectively; P<0.001). Periods of fixture congestion were not found to significantly affect any of the match load variables at either playing level despite the time of the season. In conclusion, neither playing level was found to exhibit a superior level of external match load. The other major finding of this thesis was that fixture congestion did not affect match load. Further research is required to quantify and compare the external match load at the non-elite professional and semi-professional level of football, as these levels of football are largely ignored in this field of literature
Strung pieces: on the aesthetics of television fiction series
As layered and long works, television fiction series have aesthetic properties that are built over time, bit by bit. This thesis develops a group of concepts that enable the study of these properties, It argues that a series is made of strung pieces, a system of related elements. The text begins by considering this sequential form within the fields of film and television. This opening chapter defines the object and methodology of research, arguing for a non-essentialist distinction between cinema and television and against the adequacy of textual and contextual analyses as approaches to the aesthetics of these shows. It proposes instead that these programmes should be described as televisual works that can be scrutinised through aesthetic analysis. The next chapters propose a sequence of interrelated concepts. The second chapter contends that series are composed of building blocks that can be either units into which series are divided or motifs that unify series and are dispersed across their pans. These blocks are patterned according to four kinds of relations or principles of composition. Repetition and variation are treated in tandem in the third chapter because of their close connection, given that variation emerges from established repetition. Exception and progression are also discussed together in the fourth chapter since they both require a long view of these serial works. The former, in order to be recognised as a deviation from the patterns of repetition and variation. The latter, In order to be understood in Its many dimensions as the series advances. Each of these concepts is further detailed with additional distinctions between types of units, motifs, repetitions, variations, and exceptions, using illustrative examples from numerous shows. In contrast, the section on progression uses a single series as case study, CarnivĂ le (2003-05), because this is the overarching principle that encompasses all the others. The conclusion considers the findings of the research and suggests avenues for their application
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NOAH-H, a deep-learning, terrain classification system for Mars: Results for the ExoMars Rover candidate landing sites
In this investigation a deep learning terrain classification system, the “Novelty or Anomaly Hunter – HiRISE” (NOAH-H), was used to classify High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) images of Oxia Planum and Mawrth Vallis. A set of ontological classes was developed that covered the variety of surface textures and aeolian bedforms present at both sites. Labelled type-examples of these classes were used to train a Deep Neural Network (DNN) to perform semantic segmentation in order to identify these classes in further HiRISE images.
This contribution discusses the methods and results of the study from a geomorphologists perspective, providing a case study applying machine learning to a landscape classification task. Our aim is to highlight considerations about how to compile training datasets, select ontological classes, and understand what such systems can and cannot do. We highlight issues that arise when adapting a traditional planetary mapping workflow to the production of training data. We discuss both the pixel scale accuracy of the model, and how qualitative factors can influence the reliability and usability of the output.
We conclude that “landscape level” reliability is critical for the use of the output raster by humans. The output can often be more useful than pixel scale accuracy statistics would suggest, however the product must be treated with caution, and not considered a final arbiter of geological origin. A good understanding of how and why the model classifies different landscape features is vital to interpreting it reliably. When used appropriately the classified raster provides a good indication of the prevalence and distribution of different terrain types, and informs our understanding of the study areas. We thus conclude that it is fit for purpose, and suitable for use in further work
Study of models for the nominal power characterization of a photovoltaic generator and the power estimation of different photovoltaic technologies in Lima, Peru
This work investigates two main aspects related to photovoltaic: systems and module
characterization and performance modeling.
The first part aims to characterize a PV generator located in Spain with a nominal power of
109.44 kW under standard test conditions according to the datasheet. An operational photovoltaic
system's nominal power is a valid parameter for determining its current operational state. The
applicability of a standard procedure to estimate the nominal power of an operating generator,
proposed by MartĂnez-Moreno and based on Osterwald's model, is investigated. However, the
standard procedure does not specify how to deal with experimental data when unexpected behavior
impedes the nominal power estimation under operating conditions. During the 6-month study, the
power-irradiance relation showed a hysteresis effect with varying amplitudes throughout the
campaign. Adding a data filter that removes the non-linear part of the data proves necessary to
estimate the nominal power, complementing Martinez-Moreno's procedure to enable the
generators' characterization.
The second part contributes to closing a knowledge gap in the performance behavior and
predictability of multiple PV technologies in Peru. The quality of two simple analytical models for
estimating the outdoor performance of three different photovoltaic module technologies in Lima
was investigated. Osterwald's and the Constant Fill Factor models were applied to estimate the
maximum power delivered by an Aluminum Back Surface Field, a Heterojunction with Intrinsic
Thin-layer, and an amorphous/microcrystalline thin-film tandem PV module. The results point that
both models overestimate the expected power compared to the measured one. Implementing a
correction factor adjusts the estimated maximum power by both models. This correction factor allows us to estimate losses, calculate an adequate nominal power and minimize the estimated
power error. The normalized root mean square error and mean bias error determine the
implemented methodology's quality. The two crystalline silicon-based technologies present a
similar behavior throughout the year. However, both differ considerably from the tandem one
during different months, implying that the ambient variables have other seasonal impacts on their
performance
Factors Influencing Teachers' Use of ICT in Class: Evidence from a Multilevel Logistic Model
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become a key factor in the educational context, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and, correctly implemented, can help to improve academic performance. The aim of this research was to analyse the factors that influence teachers' decisions to use ICT more- or less frequently to carry out tasks and exercises in their classes. To this end, we estimated a multilevel logistic model with census data from the individualized evaluation of students of the Community of Madrid (Spain) carried out at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year in primary and secondary education. Additionally, we applied multiple imputation techniques to deal with missing values. Based on our results, we found that motivated teachers who have received ICT training, teach calm and respectful classes, and work at schools where students have access to digital devices and frequently use ICT at home, have a high predisposition to use ICT in their classes. Considering our results, our recommendations are aimed at improving teacher training in ICT, encouraging a frequent but responsible use of ICT at home, and increasing the provision of technological resources in schools
Patterns of subspecies diversity in the giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis (L. 1758): comparison of systematic methods and their implications for conservation policy
This thesis examines the subspecific taxonomic status of the giraffe and considers the role of formal taxonomy in the formulation of conservation policy. Where species show consistent. geographically structured phenotypic variation such geographic patterns may indicate selective forces (or other population-level effects) acting. upon local populations. These consistent geographic patterns may be recognised formally as subspecies and may be of interest in single or multi-species biodiversity or biogeography studies for delimiting areas of conservation priority. Subspecies may also be used in the formulation of management policies and legislation. Subspecies are, by definition, allopatric. This thesis explicitly uses methodology of systematic biology and phylogenetic reconstruction to investigate patterns of variation between geographic groups. The taxonomic status of the giraffe is apposite for review. The species provides three independent data sets that may be analysed quantitatively for geographic structure; pelage patterns, morphology and genetics. Museum specimens. grouped according to geographic origin, were favoured for study as more than one type of data was often available for an individual. Population aggregation analysis of forty pelage pattern characters maintained six separate subspecies, while agglomerating some neighbouring populations into a subspecies. A 'traditional' morphometric approach, using multivariate statistical analysis of adult skull measurements, was complemented by a geometric morphometric approach; landmarkrestricted eigenshape analysis. Four morphologically distinct groups were recognised by both morphological analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences indicates five major cIades. Nested cIade analysis identifies population fragmentation, range expansion and genetic isolation by distance as contributing to the genetic structure of the giraffe. The results of the analyses show remarkable congruence. These results are discussed in terms of the formulation of conservation policy and the differing requirements of'blological and legal classification systems. The value of a formal taxonomic framework to the recognition, and subsequent conservation, of biodiversity is emphasised
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