This thesis explores the real-time implementation of a biologically inspired pitch detection system in digital electronics. Pitch detection is well understood and has been shown to occur in the initial stages of the auditory brainstem. By building such a system in digital hardware we can prove the feasibility of implementing neuromorphic systems using digital technology. This research not only aims to prove that such an implementation is possible but to investigate ways of achieving efficient and effective designs. We aim to achieve this complexity reduction while maintaining the fine granularity of the signal processing inherent in neural systems. By producing an efficient design we present the possibility of implementing the system within the available resources, thus producing a demonstrable system. This thesis presents a review of computational models of all the components within the pitch detection system. The review also identifies key issues relating to the efficient implementation and development of the pitch detection system. Four investigations are presented to address these issues for optimal neuromorphic designs of neuromorphic systems. The first investigation aims to produce the first-ever digital hardware implementation of the inner hair cell. The second investigation develops simplified models of the auditory nerve and the coincidence cell. The third investigation aims to reduce the most complex stage of the system, the stellate chopper cell array. Finally, we investigate implementing a large portion of the pitch detection system in hardware. The results contained in this thesis enable us to understand the feasibility of implementing such systems in real-time digital hardware. This knowledge may help researchers to make design decisions within the field of digital neuromorphic systems.

Thesis (doctoral)--Johannes Gutenberg-Universität in Mainz.

Thesis (doctoral)--Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 1971. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 302-309).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1956. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [264]-269).

Thesis--Wisconsin. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 142-147).

Texte remanié de: Th. État--Division économique--Université de Neuchâtel. / Bibliogr. p. 334-362.

According to the Guidelines for Diagnosing and Managing Pediatric Concussion, concussion is defined as “an injury to the brain caused by a blow to the head or to another part of the body that causes the head to spin or jolt” (Zemek, Duval, Dematteo, 2014, p. 40), and is a common injury among the youth population (National Institute of Health, 1999). When moving or remaining stationary the head can be stabilized in two ways: head stabilized in space and head stabilized on trunk (Bazarian, Veazie, Mookerjee, & Lerner, 2006). When under anxiety inducing conditions during development and when learning novel tasks individuals tend to shift from a head stabilized in space strategy to a head stabilized on trunk strategy in an effort to decrease the degrees of freedom required to move the head (Assaiante, McKinley, & Amblard, 1997). However, it is unclear whether certain pathologies result in movement strategies and whether these are influenced by the difficulty of the task performed. Objective The present study examined the effects of concussion on head stabilization strategies in adolescents while performing three dual-tasks. Participants Fifty-four participants, 24 concussed with post- concussion syndrome (age, 13.5 ± 1.9 years; 15 females, 9 males) and 30 healthy typically developing adolescents (age, 14.3 ± 1.7 years; 12 females, 18 males), performed one session of three dual-task conditions. Centre of pressure along with head, trunk and pelvis kinematics were captured during task performance using a Nintendo® Wii Balance Board and Ascension 3D Guidance TrakSTAR respectively. A head anchoring index (AI) was used to identify either head stabilized in space or head stabilized on trunk movement strategies, while center of pressure was collected to further support the use of movement strategies. Results There were no significant differences in AI between the two groups in any of the three dual-task conditions. Conclusion These results could be attributed to balance recovery or lack of balance problems in the concussed population.

The US Army Annual Injury Epidemiology Report in 2008 reported that 18.4% of all causes of injuries were attributed to falls/near falls (USAPHC, 2008). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of two military type boots (minimalist and standard) on balance prior to and after a physiological workload. Twentyour healthy male adults completed the study following a repeated measures design and a counter balanced footwear assignment. Participants underwent a balance analysis prior to and after completing a military workload. The dependent kinetic variables from balance tests were analyzed using a 2x2 RM-ANOVA independently, p<0.05. Results demonstrated minimalist boots showed superior balance in most conditions likely due to low mass, low heel-midfoot drop, and thin, hard midsoles; however, standard boots demonstrated greater balance on unstable surfaces likely due to a large sole surface area. Optimal balance would likely be a result of a combination of both boots’ characteristics.

Thesis--M. Soc. Sc., University of Hong Kong. / Copy 2 Xerox copy. Typewritten.

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1973. / Also available in print.