A comparison of one-sided variables acceptance sampling methods when measurements are subject to error

One-sided variables acceptance sampling plans such as the one presented in Schilling1 assume that a quality characteristic of interest, X, has a normal distribution and that measurements are exact. However, when measurements contain error and standard plans are used, the probability of accepting a lot for a fixed population proportion nonconforming varies widely depending on the population and measurement error parameter values. In this dissertation we consider methods for variables acceptance sampling in the presence of measurement error and evaluate their performance under lower bound constraints on the population variance;In the late 1950\u27s, David, Fay and Walsh2 suggested a one-sided variables acceptance sampling method (David) for problems where the measurement error variance is known. A competitor to this plan (MLE) is one based on plugging maximum likelihood estimates for the parameters of the population into the normal cumulative distribution function and determining lot disposal based the on estimated proportion nonconforming. With great improvements in the speed of computers, other more computationally intensive plans can be compared with the earlier methods. This dissertation develops two other variables acceptance sampling plans (LRT1 and LRT2) where the accept/reject decision is based on the value of a likelihood ratio statistic;For a fixed sample size, each of the four plans is developed to guarantee a maximum producer\u27s risk no larger than a pre-specified upper bound under the restriction that the ratio of population to measurement error variance is bounded below. The best plan gives the smallest maximum consumer\u27s risk;The major findings are that the LRT2 method generally yields smaller maximum consumer risks than the other three methods. (In some special cases, the David method yields smaller values.) This result is true across a variety of different combinations of plan parameters;Additionally, variations on the David and MLE methods are developed and compared for the situation where the measurement error variance is unknown, but can be estimated. Plans are developed for two different approaches to estimating the error variance. It is not clear which method is more useful because neither method out-performs the other in all situations. ftn1Schilling, Edward G. (1982) Acceptance Sampling in Quality Control, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York. 2David, H. T., E. A. Fay and J. E. Walsh. (1959) Acceptance Inspection by Variables when Measurements are Subject to Error. Annals of the Institute of Statistical Mathematics, 10: 107-129

The diplomacy of Sir Nevile Henderson 1937-9

This thesis, the first study of Nevile Henderson to be completed at doctoral level in the UK, takes a fresh look at Henderson's controversial role in Berlin between 1937 and 1939. It begins by re-examining Henderson's controversial appointment to the Berlin Embassy, and contends that a close study of his earlier career (especially in Belgrade between 1929 and 1935) help to explain those aspects of his behaviour that gave rise to criticism. After close analysis of published and unpublished Foreign Office documents, the thesis challenges the traditional view that Henderson favoured the Anschluss and the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia in 1938. It also re-examines the charge that he undermined British policy by making indiscreet remarks in Germany, and argues that his scepticism about the anti-Nazi opposition was fully justified. And that he did, to a degree, carry out his 'warning' function in Berlin. Another key aspect concerns the extent to which Henderson's line in Berlin had support in the Foreign Office, and the re-consideration of his pivotal relationships with Chamberlain and Halifax. Particular attention is paid to the decision to send Henderson (by then a seriously ill man) back to Berlin in February 1939. The author's overall view is that, given Henderson's flawed analysis of the Nazi regime, a totally revisionist analysis of his time in Berlin would be untenable. The main conclusions are (a) that Henderson's influence on British policy has been exaggerated and (b) that he has been unfairly treated by historians. This thesis seeks to redress the historical balance by presenting the first close analysis, and rounded account of what Henderson called the 'failure of a mission'

Violence brief interventions: a rapid review

Provision of a Violence Brief Intervention (VBI) to young men undergoing treatment for a violent injury may represent a teachable moment for the prevention of future interpersonal violence in Scotland. Prior to intervention design, a rapid review of the research literature was necessary to examine existing programmes. After title and abstract screening, eight distinct VBIs were identified from full texts. Whilst none of the programmes were a perfect match for our intervention goals, they did demonstrate the potential effectiveness of brief interventions for violence prevention at both cognitive and behavioural levels. Key themes of successful interventions included brief motivational interviewing as an effective method of engaging with at-risk participants and encouraging change, the utility of social norms approaches for correcting peer norm misperceptions, the usefulness of working with victims of violence in medical settings (particularly oral and maxillofacial surgeries), the importance of addressing the role of alcohol after violent injury, the advantages of a computer-therapist hybrid model of delivery, and the need for adequate follow-up evaluation as part of a randomised control trial. This information has been used to design a VBI which is currently under evaluation

Imaging Polarimeter Arrays for Near-Millimeter Waves

An integrated-circuit antenna array has been developed that images both polarization and intensity. The array consists of a row of antennas that lean alternately left and right, creating two interlaced sub-arrays that respond to different polarizations. The arrays and the bismuth bolometer detectors are made by a photoresist shadowing technique that requires only one photolithographic mask. The array has measured polarization at a wavelength of 800 µm with an absolute accuracy of 0.8° and a relative precision of 7 arc min. and has demonstrated nearly diffraction-Iimited resolutiort of a 20° step in polarization

Power dynamics among PWDs during adult learning processes: Motivator or demotivator?

People with disabilities (PWDs) need knowledge and skills to engage in livelihood activities and to lead meaningful lives. Unfortunately, they are not or are underserved by the formal and non-formal education system. Improving PWDs’ adult learning opportunities requires understanding of the factors that influence their learning. This paper is based on a study that investigated adult learning practices of PWDs regarding microfinance. It focuses on the kinds of power dynamics that operated among (PWDs) and between them and the non-PWDs and how these affected PWDs’ learning. We argue that power and powerlessness is not homogenously distributed among categories of PWDs and that representation, leadership, decision-making and status as measures of power can be a source of motivation or de-motivation, depending on how they are handled.Keywords: Adult learning, disability, microfinance, power relation

A survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease in Western Australia

On average, more than 1,000 individuals will acquire a mosquito-borne disease in Western Australia (WA) each year. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in relation to mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease have not yet been investigated within Australia. A randomized telephone survey of 2,500 households across 12 regions in WA was undertaken between February and May 2014. The aim of the survey was to obtain baseline KAP data surrounding mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases in different regions of WA, across a range of age groups and between males and females. The results of this survey indicate that the majority of respondents are aware of the potential for mosquitoes in WA to transmit Ross River virus, while awareness of other endemic mosquito-borne diseases remains limited. Common misconceptions exist in relation to exotic mosquito-borne diseases, with respondents incorrectly identifying malaria and dengue as endemic diseases in WA. The survey also highlighted a range of important issues, such as limited awareness of the potential for backyard breeding in domestic containers, occupational exposure to mosquitoes in regions with a large employment base in the mining and resources sector, increased exposure to mosquitoes as a result of participation in outdoor recreational activities in the north of the State, and reduced awareness of mosquito-borne disease in individuals aged 18-34 years. The results of this study will be used to inform the development of a new communication strategy by the Department of Health, to further raise awareness of mosquito-borne disease in WA. The data will then provide a baseline against which to compare future survey results, facilitating the rigorous evaluation of new communication efforts

Implanting 1.1B4 human β-cell pseudoislets improves glycaemic control in diabetic severe combined immune deficient mice

AIM: To investigate the potential of implanting pseudoislets formed from human insulin-releasing β-cell lines as an alternative to islet transplantation. METHODS: In this study, the anti-diabetic potential of novel human insulin releasing 1.1B4 β-cells was evaluated by implanting the cells, either as free cell suspensions, or as three-dimensional pseudoislets, into the subscapular region of severe combined immune deficient mice rendered diabetic by single high-dose administration of streptozotocin. Metabolic parameters including food and fluid intake, bodyweight and blood glucose were monitored throughout the study. At the end of the study animals were given an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. Animals were then culled and blood and tissues were collected for analysis. Insulin and glucagon contents of plasma and tissues were measured by insulin radioimmunoassay and chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbance assay respectively. Histological analyses of pancreatic islets were carried out by quantitative fluorescence immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: Both pseudoislet and cell suspension implants yielded well vascularised β-cell masses of similar insulin content. This was associated with progressive amelioration of hyperphagia (P < 0.05), polydipsia (P < 0.05), body weight loss (P < 0.05), hypoinsulinaemia (P < 0.05), hyperglycaemia (P < 0.05 - P < 0.001) and glucose tolerance (P < 0.01). Islet morphology was also significantly improved in both groups of transplanted mice, with increased β-cell (P < 0.05 - P < 0.001) and decreased alpha cell (P < 0.05 - P < 0.001) areas. Whereas mice receiving 1.1B4 cell suspensions eventually exhibited hypoglycaemic complications, pseudoislet recipients displayed a more gradual amelioration of diabetes, and achieved stable blood glucose control similar to non-diabetic mice at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Although further work is needed to address safety issues, these results provide proof of concept for possible therapeutic applicability of human β-cell line pseudoislets in diabetes