Log-mean linear models for binary data

This paper introduces a novel class of models for binary data, which we call log-mean linear models. The characterizing feature of these models is that they are specified by linear constraints on the log-mean linear parameter, defined as a log-linear expansion of the mean parameter of the multivariate Bernoulli distribution. We show that marginal independence relationships between variables can be specified by setting certain log-mean linear interactions to zero and, more specifically, that graphical models of marginal independence are log-mean linear models. Our approach overcomes some drawbacks of the existing parameterizations of graphical models of marginal independence

Eucalyptus oils: a review of production and markets (NRI Bulletin 56)

The bulletin provides information on the technical and economic aspects of the production of steam-volatile oils from eucalyptus leaf, including the collection or harvesting of the leaf and its distillation. It also reviews recent trends in the world market for eucalyptus oils. It is intended for prospective new producers of eucalyptus oil as well as organizations and individuals appraising projects involving its production. It is particularly intended for those in developing countries

Dutch teacher beliefs on linguistic concepts and reflective judgement in grammar teaching

Item does not contain fulltext28 p

Measuring epistemic beliefs about grammar

In current educational reform much attention is paid to the development of awareness, reflective thinking , and higher order thinking. In language education, the importance of reflectivity for stimulating linguistic awareness and higher order thinking has been emphasized. Crucial for reflective thinking are the underlying assumptions individuals have regarding the nature of knowledge and knowing, so-called epis-temic beliefs. Measuring these beliefs is problematic in the domain of language education, where little is known about students' epistemic beliefs about grammar. This study aims to develop an instrument for measuring students' epistemic beliefs in the L1 grammar domain. We therefore transposed a questionnaire for measuring beliefs about history into the domain of grammar. Seven linguistic experts and 300 pre-university students from the Netherlands and Belgium completed this questionnaire about grammar. Exploratory factor analysis extracted two factors, which we argue reflect convergent and divergent thinking. This study shows that students' scores on convergent thinking are higher than the experts' scores, and that students' scores on divergent thinking are lower than the experts' scores. The results also show that students' scores on epistemic beliefs on divergent thinking are higher than their scores on epistemic beliefs on convergent thinking. Possible explanations for these observations are discussed

Omineca Herald, October, 14, 1931

Contains fulltext : 181560.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)22 p

Into Ulwembu: exploring collaborative methodologies in a research-based theatre production on street-level drug use in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Over a yearlong creative process starting in 2014, The Big Brotherhood, Mpume Mthombeni, Dr Dylan McGarry and myself, Neil Coppen, came together to devise a collaborative theatrical intervention in response to the ‘whoonga crisis’—a proliferation of heroin-based street-level drug abuse—in Durban, South Africa. The transdisciplinary, action-led, research process we adopted for Ulwembu would emerge as, and be refined into, an applied, syncretic theatre-making methodology—a methodology that we would come to call ‘Empatheatre’. Over this thesis, I provide a detailed narrative around the research, devising and dissemination of our production, unravelling the context and conditions from which Ulwembu arose, as well as unpack the process of testing and shaping our new methodology, arriving at an iterative definition of the Empatheatre methodology. By focusing on a variety of practices and methodological approaches employed across research-based theatre forms, I explore some of the complexities that arise when one attempts to bring research to life on the stage, including how empathy in applied theatre approaches may be considered either a ‘cathartic cop-out’ or ‘epiphany inducing catalyst’. In acknowledging the integral role empathy was to play—both in shaping our creative journey and our critical responses as practitioners, as well as impacting the reception of the production—I attempt to measure the pedagogical impacts of our project on both the Empatheatre practitioners and audience members. I do this primarily—but not exclusively—through the lens of the pedagogical empathetic impacts that the devising and dissemination of Ulwembu was to enable. I ask, firstly, how the experience of co-creating Ulwembu—and our deep immersion in the research process—transformed our understanding of street-level drug addiction and the way we subsequently devised Ulwembu. These transformations also shaped the way we intend to approach social justice theatre projects of this kind in the future. In exploring this process, I take a critical look at my own role and function within the Ulwembu theatre-making processes as cofacilitator, playwright and director. Secondly, I ask if, how, and to what extent, our Empatheatre methodology and production was able to shift perceptions around drug use and the whoonga ‘problem’ in Durban and inspire greater reflexivity in local city institutions and organisations, to ultimately move them collectively towards less judgmental and more compassionate outcomes

Structure and function of the cerebral cortex in Huntington's disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive autosomal dominant inherited neurodegenerative disorder.The primary aim of this thesis is to examine alterations in the cerebral cortex in HD gene carriers. Different image modalities and approaches will be used to extent the knowledge on both structural and functional cortical brain changes in early disease. Although striatal atrophy is more extensively present in HD, changes in the cerebral cortex can also be detected in the pre-symptomatic stage. Different methodological approaches used in our studies all showed a consistent pattern of cortical atrophy making volumetric MRI a reliable and effective tool to assess early in-vivo cortical brain changes, even in a rare neurodegenerative disorder such as HD. The influence of cortical changes on other clinical signs that occur in HD should not be overlooked. Our results demonstrate that volume loss and thinning of the cerebral cortex, especially the posterior brain regions, is detectable in early stages and contributes to the presence of specific motor signs and cognitive impairments. We believe that intervention trials could benefit from using cortical volumes as outcome measures, instead of using striatal volumes alone.Chipsoft; Verengiging van Huntington; Stichting Alkemade-Keuls; Afdeling Neurologie LUMCLUMC / GeneeskundeLUMC / Geneeskunde Repositoriu

How have lockdown measures affected library services and usage, and what changes to library services should be carried forward to the “new normal”? A case study of the libraries at City, University of London.

Background: COVID-19 has changed many aspects of life and work and meant altering or developing new processes to meet those changes and continue to deliver services. This has also been the case within academic libraries, who although were already largely shifting towards digital collections, found they had to continue to deliver services to students. Aim: This study aims to quantify how library usage changed at City, University of London, to explore how these changes affected staff and students, and to identify if any changes that took place as a result of lockdown measures should be continued when normal service can resume. Method: Library usage data from the lockdown period was reviewed, and compared to the past three years’ data. Transcript data from the library’s online chat application was quantified and reviewed. A previous survey of students at City that had been carried out by the library was analysed and the answers coded. Seven semi-structured interviews were carried out with different members of library staff at City. Results: The research showed that many of the existing trends in library usage, such as reductions in print circulation and usage of CityLibrary Search were accelerated by the lockdown measures. Although print and library spaces were used less than in previous years, they are still a vital space for some students and for library staff. The new measures that were introduced, or existing ones that were prioritized, have made the library service a more well-rounded one, and better for students overall. Conclusion: Although this is only a case study of one university library and did not include a bespoke survey of library users, it demonstrated the effects of lockdown on some key parts of library usage and services, and how these changes were perceived by staff, and to a lesser extent, students. It also provided recommendations for how the service could work going forwards, incorporating some of these new services or changes of focus

Meeting Minutes

Meeting minutes for March 6, 1967