Evaluation Of Automated Eye Blink Artefact Removal Using Stacked Dense Autoencoder

The presence of artefacts in Electroencephalograph (EEG) signals can have a considerable impact on the information they portray. In this comparative study, the automated removal of eye blink artefacts using the constrained latent representation of a stacked dense autoencoders (SDAE) and comparing its ability to that of the manual independent component analysis (ICA) approach was evaluated. A comparative evaluation of 5 stacked dense autoencoder architectures lead to a chosen architecture for which the ability to automatically detect and remove eye blink artefacts were both statistically and humanistically evaluated. The ability of the stacked dense autoencoder was statistically evaluated with the manual approach of ICA using the correlation coefficient, a comparative affect on the SNR using both approaches and a humanistic evaluation using visual inspections of the components of the stacked dense autoencoder reconstruction to that of the post ICA reconstruction where an inverse RMSE allowed for a further statistical evaluation of this comparison. It was found that the stacked dense autoencoder was unable to reconstruct random signal segments in any meaningful capacity when compared to that of ICA

Ensemble Statistics and Error Covariance of a Rapidly Intensifying Hurricane

This thesis presents an investigation of ensemble Gaussianity, the effect of non- Gaussianity on covariance structures, storm-centered data assimilation techniques, and the relationship between commonly used data assimilation variables and the underlying dynamics for the case of Hurricane Humberto. Using an Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), a comparison of data assimilation results in Storm-centered and Eulerian coordinate systems is made. In addition, the extent of the non-Gaussianity of the model ensemble is investigated and quantified. The effect of this non-Gaussianity on covariance structures, which play an integral role in the EnKF data assimilation scheme, is then explored. Finally, the correlation structures calculated from a Weather Research Forecast (WRF) ensemble forecast of several state variables are investigated in order to better understand the dynamics of this rapidly intensifying cyclone. Hurricane Humberto rapidly intensified in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico from a tropical disturbance to a strong category one hurricane with 90 mph winds in 24 hours. Numerical models did not capture the intensification of Humberto well. This could be due in large part to initial condition error, which can be addressed by data assimilation schemes. Because the EnKF scheme is a linear theory developed on the assumption of the normality of the ensemble distribution, non-Gaussianity in the ensemble distribution used could affect the EnKF update. It is shown that multiple state variables do indeed show significant non-Gaussianity through an inspection of statistical moments. In addition, storm-centered data assimilation schemes present an alternative to traditional Eulerian schemes by emphasizing the centrality of the cyclone to the assimilation window. This allows for an update that is most effective in the vicinity of the storm center, which is of most concern in mesoscale events such as Humberto. Finally, the effect of non-Gaussian distributions on covariance structures is examined through data transformations of normal distributions. Various standard transformations of two Gaussian distributions are made. Skewness, kurtosis, and correlation between the two distributions are taken before and after the transformations. It can be seen that there is a relationship between a change in skewness and kurtosis and the correlation between the distributions. These effects are then taken into consideration as the dynamics contributing to the rapid intensification of Humberto are explored through correlation structures

The Effects of Transitioning an Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Course from Shorter and More Frequent Class Periods to Longer and Fewer In-Class Sessions

Class frequency and duration are fundamental parameters within engineering education across nearly all pedagogical methods. Optimizing these factors enables programs to achieve a higher level of learning in the classroom while providing for more efficient time management. The objective of this paper is to document the perceived effect on students and instructors when transitioning from a traditional 40 lesson course with 55 minutes duration, to one comprised of 30 lessons at 75 minutes in length. This analysis limits research to a mechanical engineering curriculum at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. Major assessment performance under the new structure was compared with historical results to provide objective qualitative comparison. Anonymous student feedback was also collected at the midpoint and end of each course. Survey questions centered on perceived information absorption and synthesis, impact on problem solving opportunities, and the effect of variation in classroom contact time. Changes in course syllabi to accommodate the 75 minute structure generally resulted in no net gain or loss of new material to the original curriculum, though outliers did occur and are discussed in more detail. Class size averaged 18 students over four different courses, ranging from Helicopter Aeronautics to Vehicle Dynamics. Course size averaged 34 students with a total of 135 students enrolled across all courses. The change in course structure demonstrates potential opportunity for both greater depth and application of learning in the classroom as well as increased schedule flexibility. Conversely, the heightened implications of students missing class and the administrative feasibility of such a shift can be problematic. Instructor assessment of student learning and student feedback through end-of-course evaluations will be presented in this paper, as well as recommendations for future instructors wishing to apply similar changes

Adelaide Oval: A postcolonial 'site'?

We

The outer kinetochore protein KNL-1 contains a defined oligomerization domain in nematodes

The kinetochore is a large, macromolecular assembly that is essential for connecting chromosomes to microtubules during mitosis. Despite the recent identification of multiple kinetochore components, the nature and organization of the higher order kinetochore structure remain unknown. The outer kinetochore KNL-1/Mis12 complex/Ndc80 complex (KMN) network plays a key role in generating and sensing microtubule attachments. Here, we demonstrate that Caenorhabditis elegans KNL-1 exists as an oligomer and we identify a specific domain in KNL-1 responsible for this activity. An N-terminal KNL-1 domain from both C. elegans and the related nematode C. remanei oligomerizes into a decameric assembly that appears roughly circular when visualized by electron microscopy. Based on sequence and mutational analysis, we identify a small hydrophobic region as responsible for this oligomerization activity. However, mutants that precisely disrupt KNL-1 oligomerization did not alter KNL-1 localization or result in the loss of embryonic viability based on gene replacements in C. elegans. In C. elegans, KNL-1 oligomerization may coordinate with other kinetochore activities to ensure the proper organization, function, and sensory capabilities of the kinetochore-microtubule attachment.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America (Scholar Award)National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U.S.) (Grant GM088313)American Cancer Society (Research Scholar Grant 121776

Sport, Indigenous Australians and invader dreaming: a critique

Oxfor

Training teachers for reconciliation: a work in progress

Deakin West, AC

Caring for Ngarrindjeri Country: collaborative research, community development and social justice

On 23 March 2007 at Goolwa near the mouth of the Murray River in South Australia, the Ngarrindjeri Nation launched the Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe Plan: Caring for Ngarrindjeri Sea Country and Culture (the ‘NNYR Plan’). The NNYR Plan is the first Indigenous nation plan developed in South Australia and marks a major change in the way that the Ngarrindjeri leadership proposes to do business with non-Indigenous interests on Ngarrindjeri country. The NNYR Plan provides a strong statement of Ngarrindjeri rights, identity, authority and responsibility, but it is also a conciliatory document charting a vision for future, just collaborations between Ngarrindjeri and non-Indigenous institutions, governments, business and individuals

Preparing for practice

Crows Nest, NS