Dynamical Optimal Transport on Discrete Surfaces

We propose a technique for interpolating between probability distributions on discrete surfaces, based on the theory of optimal transport. Unlike previous attempts that use linear programming, our method is based on a dynamical formulation of quadratic optimal transport proposed for flat domains by Benamou and Brenier [2000], adapted to discrete surfaces. Our structure-preserving construction yields a Riemannian metric on the (finite-dimensional) space of probability distributions on a discrete surface, which translates the so-called Otto calculus to discrete language. From a practical perspective, our technique provides a smooth interpolation between distributions on discrete surfaces with less diffusion than state-of-the-art algorithms involving entropic regularization. Beyond interpolation, we show how our discrete notion of optimal transport extends to other tasks, such as distribution-valued Dirichlet problems and time integration of gradient flows

An instrumentation system for the measurement and display of the dynamic force distribution under the foot during locomotion

Bibliography: pages 81-83.The clinical assessment of the weight bearing foot during locomotion is normally based on subjective judgement rather than on quantitative measurement. The techniques which have been proposed for recording the dynamic forces acting on the foot are either too complex for clinical practise or there is difficulty in relating the measured force distribution to the physical surface of the foot. The system that has been developed measures the vertical foot/ground forces during gait and immediately displays the data in a manner which can be readily assimilated. The instrumentation system consists of a segmented force plate constructed from 16 transparent beams mounted so that the total load as well as the centre of pressure on any beam can be ascertained. When the foot contacts the plate, its plantar surface is photographed through the transparent force plate by a television camera while a second television camera photographs a lateral aspect of the legs and feet. A composite video display is then generated consisting of (i) a lateral view of the legs and feet (ii) a view of the plantar surface of the planted foot with centre of pressure lines superimposed (iii) a bar chart display of the load carried by each beam. The system output is recorded on a video tape recorder which has a stop motion facility. This enables a frame by frame analysis to be made subsequently and selected stills to be photographed as a permanent record. Three series of photographs are presented which clearly show the differences between normal and abnormal gait

Shattering Colored Glass: The Trauma of Magical Realism n Toni Morrison\u27s Beloved and José Saramago\u27s Blindness

The purpose of this thesis is to draw a literary connection between two distinct fields of study, magical realism and trauma studies, through the use of two specific works of fiction, Toni Morrison\u27s Beloved and Jose Saramago\u27s Blindness. In order to understand how the two fields of literary thought are connected. the thesis first attempts to distill the terms. With no definitive texts, magical realism and trauma studies are complex and seemingly indefinable ideas. However, through the process of definition, the thesis illustrates how the two are connected through the desire for both trauma, a fleeting concept, and magic, an unreal and supernatural idea, to be represented artistically. As illustrations of how the concepts relate, Toni Morrison\u27s Beloved and Jose Saramago\u27s Blindness represent very real traumas, the trauma of slavery and the trauma of divine faith, respectively, through an artistic magic. Morrison\u27s Beloved uses a ghost to help African Americans look at the specter of slavery and heal slavery\u27s traumatic scars. Saramago\u27s Blindness explores the trauma of divine faith. a trauma resulting from the horrors done in God\u27s name, through the use of an epic. magical plague of white blindness unleashed upon humanity

African American Male Veterans\u27 Perceptions Regarding Factors That Influence Community College Completion

African American, male, veteran (AAMV) students are not completing their degrees at a local community college. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine veteran student perspectives regarding factors that influence community college completion to better understand their unique needs as veteran students. The conceptual framework was Bean and Metzner\u27s model of nontraditional student attrition. The Schlossberg situation, self, support, and strategies transition model served as a foundation to examine each veteran student\u27s personal experience of navigating available community college services to reach their educational goals. Data were collected from interviews with 10 AAMV students. Interview transcripts were coded, and an inductive data analysis was used to develop the study findings and identify emerging themes. The findings highlight veteran student service progress, identify challenges, and make recommendations for an overview of the key results of the data analysis. The project was an executive summary that addresses the experience of AAMV community college students who are not completing their degrees based on the data analysis of the research. The findings of this study may influence social change by helping veterans have a better understanding of resources and support that are needed to assist them in completing their community college degree. The results also provide information that may assist academic leaders in identifying ways to support AAMV students successfully complete their community college degrees

Workers Who Care: A Graphical Profile of the Frontline Health and Health Care Workforce

Presents data about the professionals and paraprofessionals who provide a range of direct patient care and client services, including occupational growth outlook, per capita employment, demographic information, and wage outlook and trends