Effective Action of Matter Fields in Four-Dimensional String Orientifolds

We study various aspects of the Kahler metric for matter fields in N=1,2 orientifold compactifications of type IIB string theory. The result has an infrared-divergent part which reproduces the field- theoretical anomalous dimensions, and a moduli-dependent part which comes from N=2 sectors of the orientifold. For the N=2 orientifolds, we also compute the disk amplitude for two matter fields on the boundary and a twisted closed string modulus in the bulk. Our results are in agreement with supersymmetry: the singlet under the SU(2)_R R-symmetry has vanishing coupling, while the coupling of the SU(2)_R triplet does not vanish.Comment: 24 pages, JHEP LaTex, no figures, v2: references added, typos correcte

Curvature terms in D-brane actions and their M-theory origin

We derive the complete $(curvature)^2$ terms of effective D-brane actions, for arbitrary ambient geometries and world-volume embeddings, at lowest order (disk-level) in the string-loop expansion. These terms reproduce the $o(\alpha'^2)$ corrections to string scattering amplitudes, and are consistent with duality conjectures. In the particular case of the D3-brane with trivial normal bundle, considerations of $SL(2,\mathbb{Z})$ invariance lead to a complete sum of D-instanton corrections for both the parity-conserving and the parity-violating parts of the effective action. These corrections are required for the cancellation of the modular anomalies of massless modes, and are consistent with the absence of chiral anomalies in the intersection domain of pairs of D-branes. We also show that the parity-conserving part of the non-perturbative R^2 action follows from a one-loop quantum calculation in the six-dimensional world-volume of the M5-brane compactified on a two-torus.Comment: tex file, 31 pages, uses harvmac. Some rewriting of section 2, conclusions and appendix B, in particular in what concerns the discussion of seven-branes in the conclusions and the structure of $\alpha'^2$ terms in appendix B. Other minor corrections plus added reference

Clinical and biochemical improvements in a patient with MNGIE following enzyme replacement.

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of thymidine phosphorylase (TP, EC2.4.2.4) due to mutations in the nuclear gene TYMP. TP deficiency leads to plasma and tissue accumulations of thymidine and deoxyuridine which generate imbalances within the mitochondrial nucleotide pools, ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.1 MNGIE is characterized clinically by leukoencephalopathy, external ophthalmoplegia, peripheral polyneuropathy, cachexia, and enteric neuromyopathy manifesting as gastrointestinal dysmotility. The condition is relentlessly progressive, with patients usually dying from a combination of nutritional and neuromuscular failure at an average age of 37 years.2 Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) offers a permanent cure. Clinical and biochemical improvements following AHSCT have been reported but it carries a high mortality risk and is limited by matched donor availability.3 A consensus proposal for standardizing AHSCT recommends treatment of patients without irreversible end-stage disease and with an optimally matched donor; a majority of patients are ineligible and thus there is a critical requirement for an alternative treatment

Handbook for Learning-centred evaluation of Computer-facilitated learning projects in higher education

This handbook supports a project funded by the Australian Government Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development (CUTSD). The amended project title is “Staff Development in Evaluation of Technology-based Teaching Development Projects: An Action Inquiry Approach”. The project is hosted by Murdoch University on behalf of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE), as a consortium of 11 universities. The rationale of the project is to guide a group of university staff through the evaluation of a Computer-facilitated Learning (CFL1) project by a process of action inquiry and mentoring, supported by the practical and theoretical material contained in this handbook

The Impact of Neuro-Developmental Treatment on the Performance of Daily Living Tasks by Children with Cerebral Palsy - Pilot Studies in Measuring NDT Outcomes

The Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) framework is commonly used around the world for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), yet only a relatively small number of studies have investigated outcomes. Evidence of the benefit of NDT has not been established, although families and public funding bodies who are considering the inclusion of NDT in intervention programs request it. The research study described in this thesis was carried out in four phases, which comprised a literature review and three pilot studies. The aim of the research was twofold. The first aim was to develop a measurement model that could measure and quantify changes to posture and movement demonstrated by children with CP. The second aim was to use the measurement model to describe the changes in performance of relevant daily living tasks of a small group of children with CP who received an intensive course of NDT. Two pilot studies investigated and trialed methodology that was appropriate for use in the clinic to measure change in children’s motor participation in daily tasks following NDT. The study aimed to reflect the current theoretical base and practice model of the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association of North America (NDTA; Howle 2002). Phase One of the research was a literature review that identified two potentially effective outcome measurement methods for use in later phases of the study: Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS; Kiresuk, Smith et al. 1994) and video recording. These methods showed the potential to identify functional change in children with ‘diverse movement skills’, such as those with CP. GAS and video recording methods were trialed in the next two phases of the study in the form of two pilot studies. In Phase Two, the first pilot study employed critical case study methods. Using procedural and biomechanical task analytic methods, the researcher developed GAS scales that were tailored to two selected daily living tasks that were targeted by the children and their families for improvement. DVDs were made of the children performing the tasks before and after a short period of NDT. Ten expert NDTA Coordinator Instructors (CIs) were asked to rate one performance from randomly assigned DVDs with GAS scales, while blinded to pre- or post-test condition. This represented the first of two training periods for the CIs in using the GAS outcome measures. Phase Three was the second pilot study in which a filming protocol was developed to further maximise ‘onscreen’ clarity, and increase the accuracy of GAS rating. Three regular video cameras included three views of functional skill performance, related to current therapy goals for each of six children. The three views were edited to allow simultaneous viewing on DVD format (Final Cut Pro, 2007). The filming procedure was designed to be child friendly and provide increased visual clarity (for reliability in rating). The protocol included a ‘low tech’, low cost and portable filming kit and child friendly measurement procedures. The focus for this study was to produce video footage, that was easily captured and analysed in the clinic, of a wide variety of daily functional tasks in a comfortable and playful setting for children. After generation of GAS scales for the six children, where performance was written in at -2 (the pre-test level) and using the task analytic methods employed in Phase Two of the research, the DVDs were randomly assigned to the CIs, who were ‘blinded’ to the condition of intervention and who rated the GAS scales. All outcome measures were utilized in the third pilot study, which was a quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test, outcome study with follow-up. The filming protocol, developed through the pilot studies, became central to the ‘NDT Measurement Model’ used. This pilot study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate the occupational performance outcomes of 12 children with CP aged between two and 15 years after an intensive course of NDT intervention. The intervention was administered by therapists under the guidance of instructors in an NDTA certification course. Outcomes at the conclusion of the intervention, as measured by GAS scales, indicated significant positive change for the children between pre-test performance and post-test performance, as evaluated by both the researcher and the ‘blinded’ CI raters. No significant change was made from post-test performance to follow-up. These results indicate that use of an NDT intervention is successful in achieving relevant functional goals, and that there is maintenance of improved function in the children’s chosen daily tasks after NDT intervention is withdrawn. Other measures, including the Measures of Processes of Care (MPOC; King, Rosenbaum et al. 1995), generated highly supportive comments about the perception of NDT intervention by parents, children and therapists. Similarly, the narrative from both parents and therapists, relating to the children’s goal outcomes and their experiences with goal setting and the NDT process and outcomes, were positive. Limitations of the NDT pilot studies included the small number of participants, and the quasi-experimental design that lacked a control group. Further research ideas for NDT research include the use of RCT methodology with a greater number of participants, and therapists learning to set their own GAS goals. Additional ‘high tech’ outcome measures for future research may add to visual aspects of the measurement model developed in this research. These may include the use of small, attachable, Bluetooth enabled devices for motion analysis (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2009). However, the ‘low tech’ outcome measures piloted in this research project, collectively called an ‘NDT Measurement Model’, demonstrated the ability to be used within a ‘child friendly’ clinic environment to capture the relationship between NDT intervention and daily task performance, and to successfully measure functional change in daily tasks

Ergonomic Design of an Aerial Bucket for Ingress and Egress

Electric utility companies across the US have been using aerial bucket trucks for line work and troubleshooting for decades. The use of these trucks eliminates the need for workers to climb utility poles in order to repair or maintain lines. Poor ingress and egress design can lead to acute injuries (slips and falls) as well as cumulative injury (musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)). Utility companies want to know the best combination of steps and handlebars for aerial bucket ingress and egress that would minimize the risk of injury. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard – ANSI/SIA A92.2-2009, sets design requirements for aerial buckets that provide regulations for factors of safety. Based on the testing procedures for electrical ratings (which can exceed 100kV for electric line work), an access door to an aerial bucket is not feasible at this time for most electric utilities. The objective of this research was to test whether bucket design features for a one-person bucket offer ergonomic advantages to workers for ingress and egress. Muscular activity of the four most affected muscle groups in the upper and lower extremities were analyzed using EMG sensors throughout ingress and egress. A series of conditions that integrated variations of the design features (inside step, outside steps and a horizontal handle bar) were tested. Based on results, the following design recommendations would decrease the risk of a slip or fall and the biomechanical loading to the upper extremities when entering and exiting the bucket: 1. Always have an inside step – on either the front side (side with the outer steps) or in an adjacent corner location. 2. Have one outside step, with a horizontal handlebar on the boom side of bucket for support. 3. If a bucket has two outer steps, then a horizontal handlebar must be mounted on the boom side of bucket

Essay 1:IMF Lending and the Emerging Markets\u27 Governance Structure. Essay 2: Specialization Constructs among Business Incubators

The purpose of this paper is to observe and analyze whether the value system and political structure of a nation, gauged through its legal configuration, impacts its response to IMF debt and consequently impacts its GDP growth rates. This paper also analyzes whether involvement in the fund through a loan relationship affects the country’s real interest rate, inflation, exchange rate and import and export volume and whether this relationship is causal in that we can explain a nation’s loan relationship with the Fund through observance of the aforementioned variables. In this paper, we observe 34 emerging markets as defined by Dow Jones in 2010. The general consensus of the literature is that participation in IMF loan programs retards the economic growth of developing economies. In light of this, the contribution of this paper is to illustrate that some of the slowed growth experienced by these countries seeking out IMF debt is explained by their value system and general attitude toward debt. To carry out a comparable analysis we segment and group the emerging markets based on their current credit status with the IMF (as of Oct 2012) as well as by the origin of their legal system, a measure we use to assess their value system with respect to creditor and debt protection laws. We will observe the growth rates that these countries’ economies experience categorized by their involvement with the Fund, the amount of their loan and whether they fully repaid their debt or are currently indebted to the Fund. We will also identify the size and frequency of the loan in order to observe the impact that these variables have on the delayed growth rates that they experience. Furthermore, we will examine the impact on their GDP growth rates, imports of goods and services, inflation, exchange rates and real interest rates. We expect to find that there is not a generic relationship between involvement in a loan relationship with the Fund and GDP growth rates. In other words, having a loan from the IMF does not directly result in delayed growth rates, contrary to popular belief. However, we hypothesize that the legal system of the borrowing countries is an explanatory variable in determining their growth rates, alongside their loan relationship with the Fund. In addition, we expect to find empirical evidence that supports the claim that inappropriate and unmonitored involvement in the Fund can adversely affect emerging markets. Inappropriate and unmonitored involved is measured in this paper by the borrowers creditor and debtor protection laws. We aim to expand the current line of literature by analyzing whether a decline in economic growth prior to completion of an IMF loan program is a generic attribute of all participants or whether these traits are more pronounced in countries with a more unmonitored business and economic legal system

The Effect of Aphantasia on Visual Memory Retention

Aphantasia is the inability to create mental imagery which affects approximately 2% of people in the world (Zeman et al., 2015). The vividness of visual imagery questionnaire (VVIQ) was used to sort participants into four groups (aphantasia, low, medium, and high vividness) based on their vividness score with aphantasia participants scoring a 16 (the minimum). I tested the effect of aphantasia on scores of a visual memory recall test. Participants saw two of six possible images and answered five questions per image. Analysis of the results did not show any significant difference between aphantasia and non-aphantasia scores on the recall test however there was a significant difference between the image type (clipart or real-world scenes) and recall score. Future directions should examine the subconscious’ role in mental imagery as a possible explanation as to why there was no significant difference between VVIQ groups on recall score

Bridging the Procedural Gap: Arbitration Decisions as a Basis for Collateral Estoppel - Benjamin v. Traffic Executive Association Eastern Railroads

Courts have long used the doctrine of collateral estoppel to preclude relitigation of previously determined issues. The fora for the previous determination is of importance in deciding whether to apply the doctrine. This Note will examine the application of the doctrine of collateral estoppel to arbitration decisions. In deciding the question, the courts\u27 major consideration is the degree of procedural differences between the arbitration proceeding and a judicial proceeding. The more closely an arbitration resembles litigation in the procedural safeguards employed, the more likely that the arbitral decision will be accorded a preclusive effect. Unfortunately, as arbitration proceedings become more like litigation, their effectiveness and desirability decreases

Essay 1:IMF Lending and the Emerging Markets\u27 Governance Structure. Essay 2: Specialization Constructs among Business Incubators

The purpose of this paper is to observe and analyze whether the value system and political structure of a nation, gauged through its legal configuration, impacts its response to IMF debt and consequently impacts its GDP growth rates. This paper also analyzes whether involvement in the fund through a loan relationship affects the country’s real interest rate, inflation, exchange rate and import and export volume and whether this relationship is causal in that we can explain a nation’s loan relationship with the Fund through observance of the aforementioned variables. In this paper, we observe 34 emerging markets as defined by Dow Jones in 2010. The general consensus of the literature is that participation in IMF loan programs retards the economic growth of developing economies. In light of this, the contribution of this paper is to illustrate that some of the slowed growth experienced by these countries seeking out IMF debt is explained by their value system and general attitude toward debt. To carry out a comparable analysis we segment and group the emerging markets based on their current credit status with the IMF (as of Oct 2012) as well as by the origin of their legal system, a measure we use to assess their value system with respect to creditor and debt protection laws. We will observe the growth rates that these countries’ economies experience categorized by their involvement with the Fund, the amount of their loan and whether they fully repaid their debt or are currently indebted to the Fund. We will also identify the size and frequency of the loan in order to observe the impact that these variables have on the delayed growth rates that they experience. Furthermore, we will examine the impact on their GDP growth rates, imports of goods and services, inflation, exchange rates and real interest rates. We expect to find that there is not a generic relationship between involvement in a loan relationship with the Fund and GDP growth rates. In other words, having a loan from the IMF does not directly result in delayed growth rates, contrary to popular belief. However, we hypothesize that the legal system of the borrowing countries is an explanatory variable in determining their growth rates, alongside their loan relationship with the Fund. In addition, we expect to find empirical evidence that supports the claim that inappropriate and unmonitored involvement in the Fund can adversely affect emerging markets. Inappropriate and unmonitored involved is measured in this paper by the borrowers creditor and debtor protection laws. We aim to expand the current line of literature by analyzing whether a decline in economic growth prior to completion of an IMF loan program is a generic attribute of all participants or whether these traits are more pronounced in countries with a more unmonitored business and economic legal system