Human Expressivity in the Control and Integration of Computationally Generated Audio

PhDWhile physics-based synthesis offers a wide range of benefits in the real-time generation of sound for interactive environments, it is difficult to incorporate nuanced and complex behaviour that enhances the sound in a narrative or aesthetic context. The work presented in this thesis explores real-time human performance as a means of stylistically augmenting computational sound models. Transdisciplinary in nature, this thesis builds upon previous work in sound synthesis, film sound theory and physical sound interaction. Two levels on which human performance can enhance the aesthetic value of computational models are investigated: first, in the real-time manipulation of an idiosyncratic parameter space to generate unique sound effects, and second, in the performance of physical source models in synchrony with moving images. In the former, various mapping techniques were evaluated to control a model of a creaking door based on a proposed extension of practical synthesis techniques. In the latter, audio post-production professionals with extensive experience in performing Foley were asked to perform the soundtrack to a physics-based animation using bespoke physical interfaces and synthesis engines. The generated dataset was used to gain insights into stylistic features afforded by performed sound synchronisation, and potential ways of integrating them into an interactive environment such as a game engine. Interacting with practical synthesis models that have extended to incorporate performability enables rapid generation of unique and expressive sound effects, while maintaining a believable source-sound relationship. Performatively authoring behaviours of sound models makes it possible to enhance the relationship between sound and image (both stylistically and perceptually) in ways precluded by one-to-one mappings between physics-based parameters. Mediation layers are required in order to facilitate performed behaviour: in the design of the model on one hand, and in the integration of such behaviours into interactive environments on the other. This thesis provides some examples of how such a system could be implemented. Furthermore, some interesting observations are made regarding the design of physical interfaces for performing environmental sound, and the creative exploitation of model constraints.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Centre in Media and Arts Technology (ref: EP/G03723X/1)

Holocene environmental history of Lake Vuolep Njakajaure (Abisko National Park, northern Sweden) reconstructed using biological proxy indicators

Holocene environmental and climatic changes are reconstructed using analyses of biological proxies in lake sediments from Vuolep Njakajaure, a lake located near the altitudinal treeline in northern Sweden (68°20′ N, 18°47′ E). We analysed biological proxy indicators from both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including diatoms, pollen and chironomid head capsules, in order to reconstruct regional Holocene climate and the development of the lake and its catchment. During the early Holocene and after 2500 cal b.p., Fragilaria taxa dominated the diatom assemblages, whereas planktonic Cyclotella taxa prevailed during the major part of the Holocene (7800-2300 cal b.p.), indicating the importance of the pelagic habitat for diatom assemblage composition. The planktonic diatoms appeared at the same time as Alnus became established in the catchment, probably altering nutrient availability and catchment stability. The pollen record is dominated by mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa) pollen throughout the Holocene, but high percentage abundances of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) pollen suggest the presence of a mixed pine-birch forest during the mid-Holocene (6800-2300 cal b.p.). Head capsules of Tanytarsini and Psectrocladius dominated the chironomid assemblage composition throughout the Holocene, in combination with Corynocera ambigua after 2300 cal b.p. A quantitative, diatom-based reconstruction of mean July air temperature indicated a relatively cold temperature during the early Holocene (9000-8000 cal b.p.) and after ca. 2300 cal b.p., whereas the mid-Holocene period is characterised by stable and warm temperatures. The overall patterns of Holocene climate and environmental conditions are similarly described by all biological proxy-indicators, suggesting relatively warm conditions during the mid-Holocene (ca. 7800-2300 cal b.p.), with a subsequent colder climate after 2300 cal b.p. However, the onset and magnitude of the inferred changes differ slightly among the proxies, illustrating different responses to lake development phases, land-uplift, and climate forcing (e.g., insolation patterns) during the Holocene in northern Swede

Методичні рекомендації щодо проходження науково-практичної підготовки магістрів спеціальності 8.05030101 Розробка родовищ та видобування корисних копалин

Подано методичні матеріали щодо проходження науково-практичної підготовки з освітньо-кваліфікаційної програми магістрів спеціальності 8.05030101 Розробка родовищ та видобування корисних копалин

Interference with Oligomerization and Glycosaminoglycan Binding of the Chemokine CCL5 Improves Experimental Liver Injury

Background: The chemokine CCL5 is involved in the recruitment of immune cells and a subsequent activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) after liver injury. We here investigate whether inhibition of CCL5 oligomerization and glycosaminoglycan binding by a mutated CCL5 protein ( 44 AANA 47-CCL5) has the potential to ameliorate liver cell injury and fibrosis in vivo. Methodology: Liver injury was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) inan acute and a chronic liver injury model. Simultaneously, mice received either 44 AANA 47-CCL5 or vehicle. Liver cell necrosis and fibrosis was analyzed by histology, and measurement of serum transaminases and hydroxyproline. Intrahepatic mRNA expression of fibrosis and inflammation related genes were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and infiltration of immune cells was assessed by FACS analysis and immunocytochemistry. In vitro, HSC were stimulated with conditioned media of T-cell enriched splenocytes. Principal Findings: 44 AANA 47-CCL5 treated mice displayed a significantly reduced degree of acute liver injury (liver cell necrosis, transaminases) and fibrosis (Sirus red positive area and hydroxyproline content) compared to vehicle treated mice. Ameliorated fibrosis by 44 AANA 47-CCL5 was associated with a decreased expression of fibrosis related genes, decreased a-smoth muscle antigen (aSMA) and a reduction of infiltrating immune cells. In the acute model, 44 AANA 47-CCL5 treated mice displayed a reduced immune cell infiltration and mRNA levels of TNF, IL-1 and CCL3 compared to vehicle treated mice. I

High-resolution large-scale onshore wind energy assessments : A review of potential definitions, methodologies and future research needs

Funding Information: KG, MK, JS, OT and SW gratefully acknowledge support from the European Research Council (’‘reFUEL’’ ERC-2017-STG 758149). JL has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 715132). MJ and IS were funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [ EP/R045518/1 ] through the IDLES programme. JW is funded through an ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship and acknowledges support from the ETH foundation and the Uniscientia foundation. The authors gratefully acknowledge the helpful comments of three anonymous reviewers on an earlier version of this paper.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Анализ технических средств для измерения параметров кривизны скважины

Магистерская диссертация включает 109 страниц текстового материала, 21 рисунок, 12 таблиц, 45 источников, 4 приложения. Объект исследования: Телеметрическое оборудование для проведения измерений параметров кривизны скважины. Цель работы: разработка методики выбора телеметрической системы дляконкретно заданных геолого-технических условий. Результаты исследования: Основным результатом исследовательской работы является разработка методики выбора телеметрической системы для различных геолого технологических условий. Методы проведения исследования: Был проведен сбор данных практического использования различных телеметрических систем и по результатам проведенного анализа приведены рекомендации по выбору подходящего типа оборудования для различных геолого-технологических условий.Object of research: M/LWD telemetry systems. Results of research: The main result of the research work is the development of a methodology for selecting a telemetry system for various geological and technical conditions. Methods of conducting the research: Oil filed data was collected systems and as a result of a comparative analysis of the data obtained in a table of recommendations