A Structural Approach to the Analysis of Rock Music

This dissertation situates itself in the middle of an ongoing debate about the applicability of Schenkerian analytical techniques to the analysis of pop and rock music. In particular, it investigates ways in which the standard conceptions of voice leading, harmonic function, and counterpoint may be updated to better apply to this new repertoire. A central claim is that voice-leading structure is intimately related to formal structure such that the two domains are mutually informing. Part I of the dissertation focuses on harmonic and melodic theory. Chapter 2, Harmonic Syntax, advocates for a conception of harmonic function based on syntax and form rather than the identity of specific chords. In this conception, chords other than V, such as IV, II, flat-VII, or even some versions of I, can often be said to function syntactically as the dominant. Chapter 3, The Melodic-Harmonic Divorce, explores contrapuntal paradigms in which the domains of melody and harmony seem to be operating independently. This chapter outlines three types of melodic-harmonic divorce: hierarchy divorce, rotation divorce, and syntax divorce. Part II of the dissertation aims to devise voice-leading models for full song forms. Chapter 4 focuses on AABA form, Chapter 5 on verse-prechorus-chorus, and Chapter 6 on verse-chorus forms. These chapters demonstrate that these common forms are associated with general voice-leading structures that act in dialog with the specific voice-leading structures of songs that exhibit these forms. This part of the dissertation is largely analytical, and has the secondary goal of demonstrating a Schenkerian analytical methodology applied to rock music

The Cochlear Tuning Curve

The tuning curve of the cochlea measures how large an input is required to elicit a given output level as a function of the frequency. It is a fundamental object of auditory theory, for it summarizes how to infer what a sound was on the basis of the cochlear output. A simple model is presented showing that only two elements are sufficient for establishing the cochlear tuning curve: a broadly tuned traveling wave, moving unidirectionally from high to low frequencies, and a set of mechanosensors poised at the threshold of an oscillatory (Hopf) instability. These two components suffice to generate the various frequency-response regimes which are needed for a cochlear tuning curve with a high slope

Kf evaluation in GFRP composites by thermography

Since the presence of a notch in a mechanical component causes a reduction in the fatigue strength, it is important to know the kf value for a given notch geometry and material. This parameter is fundamental in the fatigue design of aeronautical components that are mainly made of composites. kf is available in the literature for numerous types of notch but only for traditional materials such as metals. This paper presents a new practice, based on thermographic data, for the determination of the fatigue notch coefficient kf in composite notched specimens. The innovative aspect of this study is therefore to propose the application on composite materials of a new thermographic procedure to determine kf for several notch geometries: circular, U and V soft and severe notches. It was calculated, for each type of notch, as the ratio between the fatigue limits obtained on the cold and hot zone corresponding to the smooth and notched specimen, respectively. Consequently, this research activity provides, for the first time, a little database of kf for two particular typologies of composite materials showing a fast way to collect further values for different laminates and notch geometries

Occurrence of antibiotics in mussels and clams from various FAO areas

Filter feeders, like mussels and clams, are suitable bioindicators of environmental pollution. These shellfish, when destined for human consumption, undergo a depuration step that aims to nullify their pathogenic microorganism load and decrease chemical contamination. Nevertheless, the lack of contamination by drugs may not be guaranteed. Antimicrobials are a class of drugs of particular concern due to the increasing phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. Their use in breeding and aquaculture is a major cause of this. We developed a multiclass method for the HPLC\ue2\u80\u93MS/MS analysis of 29 antimicrobials, validated according to the Commission Decision 2002/657/UE guidelines, and applied it to 50 mussel and 50 clam samples derived from various Food and Agricultural Organisation marine zones. The results obtained, indicate a negligible presence of antibiotics. Just one clam sample showed the presence of oxytetracycline at a concentration slightly higher than the European Union Maximum residue limit set for fish