Singing synthesis with an evolved physical model

A two-dimensional physical model of the human vocal tract is described. Such a system promises increased realism and control in the synthesis. of both speech and singing. However, the parameters describing the shape of the vocal tract while in use are not easily obtained, even using medical imaging techniques, so instead a genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to the model to find an appropriate configuration. Realistic sounds are produced by this method. Analysis of these, and the reliability of the technique (convergence properties) is provided

The impact of foreign direct investment on post-war South African economic development

Bibliography: leaves 305-324.The thesis examines the theory of the determinants and welfare impact of foreign direct investment on host countries, concluding that resource transfer effects are not necessarily beneficial in certain circumstances. The distribution and penetration of foreign direct investment in the South African economy is analysed in the context of the debate about dependency and the role of technology in economic development. It is concluded that given the small amounts of fixed capital actually transferred to South Africa and the negative basic transfer which has occurred since the war, the role of technology in the economic development of South Africa has been crucial. It is argued that despite the relatively low level of foreign direct investment penetration in south Africa, efforts to reduce this penetration are hampered by continuing high dependence on foreign technology, which reflects the ~ay in which the international technology market works. The conclusion is that this dependence can only be reduced by assimilating and copying foreign technology, which should, if necessary, be purchased separately from capital, especially if foreign investors are reluctant to risk fixed investment in the New South Africa. The statistical sources used are official South African Reserve Bank figures for capital flows and stocks, a data base constructed by the author from the Bureau of Market Research's unpublished industrial register and the results of a questionnaire administered to a stratified random sample of local and foreign manufacturing firms in South Africa

Is There a Burden of Proof in Mental Health Cases?

This article examines the concept of the burden of proof in the context of the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health). Whereas it is well established that in an adversarial system the burden of proof in a case will always rest with the party bringing the action, the position in an inquisitorial system is far less clear. At least 4 positions have been competing for supremacy on this issue for over 30 years

Inertial sensor-based knee flexion/extension angle estimation

A new method for estimating knee joint flexion/extension angles from segment acceleration and angular velocity data is described. The approach uses a combination of Kalman filters and biomechanical constraints based on anatomical knowledge. In contrast to many recently published methods, the proposed approach does not make use of the earth’s magnetic field and hence is insensitive to the complex field distortions commonly found in modern buildings. The method was validated experimentally by calculating knee angle from measurements taken from two IMUs placed on adjacent body segments. In contrast to many previous studies which have validated their approach during relatively slow activities or over short durations, the performance of the algorithm was evaluated during both walking and running over 5 minute periods. Seven healthy subjects were tested at various speeds from 1 to 5 miles/hour. Errors were estimated by comparing the results against data obtained simultaneously from a 10 camera motion tracking system (Qualysis). The average measurement error ranged from 0.7 degrees for slow walking (1 mph) to 3.4 degrees for running (5mph). The joint constraint used in the IMU analysis was derived from the Qualysis data. Limitations of the method, its clinical application and its possible extension are discussed

Effects of irradiance and stimulus duration on early gene expression (Fos) in the suprachiasmatic nucleus: temporal summation and reciprocity.

The daily behavioral, physiological, and hormonal rhythms in mammals are regulated by an endogenous circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and are synchronized by the natural 24 hr light/dark cycle. We studied the response properties (threshold, saturation, and linearity) of the photic system to irradiance by assaying light induction of Fos, the protein product of the immediate early gene c-fos. Fos expression was quantified by image analysis in the SCN and in the retina. Fos expression in the SCN and retina are unrelated because the response differs in terms of threshold, saturation, and range. In the SCN, Fos expression increases proportionately to increases in both irradiance and duration of light exposure. The photic system shows a linear temporal integration of photons for durations ranging from 3 sec to 47.5 min. The principal result of this study shows that in the SCN, Fos expression is directly proportional to the total number of photons rather than to irradiance or duration alone (reciprocity), and that integration occurs over a range of 5 log units of photon number. This report provides the first demonstration that the mechanism of photon integration by the circadian system is expressed at a cellular level in the SCN

Youth participation: Adultism, human rights and professional youth work

This article argues that the right of young people to participate in decisions being made about them forms the basis for professional youth work practice. The authors consider the nature of ‘participation’ and its relation to human rights, and introduces the concept of ‘adultism’ and the challenges for youth workers combatting ‘adultist’ beliefs and practices in the work of participation. The paper considers the benefits and limitations of youth participation models, and addresses the relationship between rights-based participation practice, and critical pedagogy (dialogical) in youth work

Pulmonary Embolism in Transit

A 65-year-old woman with recently diagnosed ovarian cancer presented with near syncope, tachypnea, and hypoxia. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated and hypokinetic right ventricle and a large, mobile mass in the right atrium prolapsing across the tricuspid valve. She was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism in transit and emergent embolectomy was recommended