Semi-Automated Nasal PAP Mask Sizing using Facial Photographs

We present a semi-automated system for sizing nasal Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) masks based upon a neural network model that was trained with facial photographs of both PAP mask users and non-users. It demonstrated an accuracy of 72% in correctly sizing a mask and 96% accuracy sizing to within 1 mask size group. The semi-automated system performed comparably to sizing from manual measurements taken from the same images which produced 89% and 100% accuracy respectively.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, 4 tables, IEEE Engineering Medicine and Biology Conference 201

The ultra-wideband pulse

Since the birth of mode-locking the temporal duration of optical pulses has radically diminished. In parallel to this, bandwidths have grown so large that almost entire frequency octaves are present in today’s few-cycle pulses. This thesis investigates the character of ultra-wideband pulses in nonlinear environments. Because of the growth in optical bandwidths, traditional definitions and propagation models break down, requiring newer more accurate numerical techniques. A novel approach capturing the uni-directionality of pulses is presented in the form of Gvariables by combining the electric and magnetic field descriptions. These G-variables have the advantage of both an accurate spectral representation and a reduced computational overhead, making them significantly more efficient than existing direct Maxwell solvers. Such approaches are particularly important where large propagation distances and/or transverse dimensions are concerned. Pseudo-spectral techniques play a key role in the success of these wideband models enabling sub-cycle dynamics to be studied. One such phenomenon is Carrier Wave Shocking (CWS), where the optical carrier undergoes self-steepening in the presence of third-order nonlinearity. This process is carefully studied, focussing on the effect of dispersion and the feasibility of its physical realisation. The process is then generalised to arbitrary nonlinear order, where the quadratic form finds potential applications in High Harmonic Generation (HHG). Shock detection schemes are also developed, and agree with analytical solutions in the dispersionless regime. To fully characterise few-cycle pulses, the absolute Carrier Envelope Phase (CEP) must be known. A novel 0 − f self-referencing scheme relying on wideband interference is investigated. By applying robust frequency domain definitions a proposal is made to convert this scheme into one that determines absolute CEP. The scheme maps the level of spectral interference to absolute CEP using numerical simulations

Kaluza-Klein gluons at 100 TeV: NLO corrections

We explore the reach of a 100 TeV proton collider to discover KK gluons in a warped extra dimension. These particles are templates for color adjoint vectors that couple dominantly to the top quark. We examine their production rate at NLO in the six-flavor m-ACOT scheme for a variety of reference models defining their coupling to quarks, largely inspired by the RS model of a warped extra dimension. In agreement with previous calculations aimed at lower energy machines, we find that the NLO corrections are typically negative, resulting in a $K$-factor of around 0.7 (depending on the model) and with a residual scale dependence on the order of $\pm 20\%$, greater than the variation from the scale exhibited by the na\"{i}ve LO estimate.Comment: 33 pages, 5 figures, 2 table

Reconciling the roles of status and behaviour in group influence: towards a status-confirmation model.

This thesis addresses the task of reconciling two discrete bodies of evidence relating to the emergence of influence hierarchies in small groups. Reviews are presented of research (1) documenting the phenomenon of status generalisation, and (2) identifying individual differences in nonverbal behavioural style as the basis of group differentiation. It is argued that previous attempts to integrate the two fields are flawed on two counts: the failure to differentiate empirically between the effects of nonverbal signals and those of differential task performance, and the corresponding tendency to depict such behavioural signals as a sufficient determinant of group structure. Findings obtained with behaviour separated from performance support the view that effects previously attributed to behavioural stimuli derived, instead, from differential task performance. A status-confirmation model of the interactive effects of status and behaviour is proposed and evaluated. The primary assumption - that behavioural confidence and the initiation of activity represent claims to situational status - was endorsed by undergraduate subjects' accounts of the likely behaviour of a group member who seeks to attain group leadership. That established, the status-confirmation model proposes behavioural status-claims to be subject to confirmation or denial on the basis of the external status or competence of the claimant. Results of a field study, using extraversion as an index of a status claiming behavioural style, support this argument; extraversion differentiated observer-rated influence of group members ranked high on either diffuse or specific status, but not those ranked uniformly high or low on both. The latter case, in particular, is inconsistent with the view that behavioural confidence plays an independent causal role, comparable to that of external status, in hierarchy formation. Evidence, also noted, of the ability of external status to influence the perception of behaviour, permits reconciliation of the status-confirmation model with the research base of status characteristics theory. Indications that the effects of behaviour on hierarchy formation are due to the pre-emption of leadership rather than the communication of confidence are considered, and the implications for the direction and methodology of future research discussed.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Department of Psychology, 199

THE EFFECTS OF THE MICRO-MARKET STRUCTURE ON ILLINOIS ELEVATOR SPATIAL CORN PRICE DIFFERENTIALS

Corn price differentials among Illinois elevators can often exceed transportation costs. Using primary data, we examine the effects of micro-market structure variables on the differentials in bids prices offered by Illinois elevators. Our findings suggest the existence of a highly developed, responsive market of competing firms, operating in an industry that can be characterized by monopsonistic competition, and to some extent by seasonally induced market power. Local supply conditions, firm productive efficiency, and their operating practices influence price differentials. Further, firm type, final market destination of the grain, and period of the marketing year affect price differentials.Market structure, Corn price differentials, Marketing,