Correct ordering in the Zipf-Poisson ensemble

We consider a Zipf--Poisson ensemble in which X_i\sim\poi(Ni^{-\alpha}) for $\alpha>1$ and $N>0$ and integers $i\ge 1$. As $N\to\infty$ the first $n'(N)$ random variables have their proper order $X_1>X_2>...>X_{n'}$ relative to each other, with probability tending to 1 for $n'$ up to $(AN/\log(N))^{1/(\alpha+2)}$ for an explicit constant $A(\alpha)\ge 3/4$. The rate $N^{1/(\alpha+2)}$ cannot be achieved. The ordering of the first $n'(N)$ entities does not preclude $X_m>X_{n'}$ for some interloping $m>n'$. The first $n"$ random variables are correctly ordered exclusive of any interlopers, with probability tending to 1 if $n"\le (BN/\log(N))^{1/(\alpha+2)}$ for $B<A$. For a Zipf--Poisson model of the British National Corpus, which has a total word count of $100{,}000{,}000$, our result estimates that the 72 words with the highest counts are properly ordered

The importance of incorporating technological advancements into the artificial eye process: a perspective commentary

Application of technology into healthcare has typically been targeted to high demand illnesses and treatments. However, with an increasing need to meet patient’s expectations combined with increased accessibility and reduced costs, smaller healthcare fields are starting to investigate its function and usability. Services have historically been led by skills and expertise, and recent developments are being seen by ocularists in the field of prosthetic eyes who acknowledge the potential benefit from technological advancement. Utilising the technologies recently investigated in maxillofacial prosthesis can start the evolutionary process where products are continually re-designed and re-developed to achieve excellent patient outcome and satisfaction levels

Retinoblastoma: Identifying the Diagnostic Signs for Early Treatment

Retinoblastoma is a rare but significant cause of childhood eye cancer world-wide. The prognosis depends upon early diagnosis and treatment but also upon accurate classification of the tumours. Unilateral incidence is normally non-hereditary compared with bilateral incidence where secondary tumours are more common. Survivorship is much better for unilateral compared with bilateral and trilateral retinoblastoma. Early signs are important to detect and photography can assist in identifying no return of “red-eye” during flash photography and yellow appearance of the tumour. Treatment options are discussed together with new psycho-oncology approaches that address potential trauma in the survivor as well as in the family of the survivor

Phylogenetic revision of Atherinopsinae (Teleostei, Atherinopsidae), with comments on the systematics of the South American freshwater fish genus Basilichthys Girard

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/56429/1/MP185.pd

Local Nodes in Global Networks: The Geography of Knowledge Flows in Biotechnology Innovation

The literature on innovation and interactive learning has tended to emphasize the importance of local networks, inter-firm collaboration and knowledge flows as the principal source of technological dynamism. More recently, however, this view has come to be challenged by other perspectives that argue for the importance of non-local knowledge flows. According to this alternative approach, truly dynamic economic regions are characterized both by dense local social interaction and knowledge circulation, as well as strong inter-regional and international connections to outside knowledge sources and partners. This paper offers an empirical examination of these issues by examining the geography of knowledge flows associated with innovation in biotechnology. We begin by reviewing the growing literature on the nature and geography of innovation in biotechnology research and the commercialization process. Then, focusing on the Canadian biotech industry, we examine the determinants of innovation (measured through patenting activity), paying particular attention to internal resources and capabilities of the firm, as well as local and global flows of knowledge and capital. Our study is based on the analysis of Statistics Canada’s 1999 Survey of Biotechnology Use and Development, which covers 358 core biotechnology firms. Our findings highlight the importance of in-house technological capability and absorptive capacity as determinants of successful innovation in biotechnology firms. Furthermore, our results document the precise ways in which knowledge circulates, in both embodied and disembodied forms, both locally and globally. We also highlight the role of formal intellectual property transactions (domestic and international) in promoting knowledge flows. Although we document the importance of global networks in our findings, our results also reveal the value of local networks and specific forms of embedding. Local relational linkages are especially important when raising capital—and the expertise that comes with it—to support innovation. Nevertheless, our empirical results raise some troubling questions about the alleged pre-eminence of the local in fostering innovation

The influence of lower-limb prostheses technology on Paracanoeing time-trial performance

Within the Paracanoeing discipline, it is important to ensure appropriate control is achieved by a paddler with a disability. However, this Paralympic Games discipline has seen very little attention to date. The aims of this study were to understand the kinematic impact to a paracanoeist when not utilising the use of a prosthetic lowerlimb. A kayaker with a uni-lateral transfemoral amputation completed several 200m maximal efforts both with and without their prosthesis. When the prosthetic limb was removed, there were significant differences found in stroke rate, stroke speed, stroke length and overall power output. Sagittal and frontal video analysis demonstrated the residual limb movements when paddling and indicated where support would be required to improve the kayak’s control. It is recommended that those with lower-limb absence wishing to paddle a kayak competitively utilise the use of a prostheses designed for the kayaking environment that supports the residual limb at both the upper and inner thigh and the distal end