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Purpose/Objectives: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) provide advantages in delivery of radiation allowing conformality of delivered dose to the planning target and reducing dose to organs at risk (OAR), however, at the potential cost of low dose spread. Due to the central location of the esophagus and GE junction, dose to lungs, heart, spinal cord, liver, and kidneys must be considered. Low dose spread is of particular concern with respect to healthy lung tissue. This study comprehensively compares volumetric dose statistics of the standard three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) compared with VMAT and IMRT for distal esophageal cancer treatment. Materials/Methods: Forty patients who underwent pre-operative radiation therapy for esophageal cancer between 2012-2014 were retrieved from our database. Pinnacle planning software was used to create 3D-CRT, VMAT and IMRT radiation plans for all patients. Forty-five (45) Gy was prescribed for each patient with D95% > 42.75Gy for the planning target volume (PTV). All plans were optimized to maintain PTV coverage while reducing dose to OAR with specific emphasis on lung and heart dose. Volumetric dose statistics were obtained, and Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare 3D-CRT vs IMRT and VMAT for Conformity Index, Integral Dose, Monitor Units, lung (V5Gy, V20Gy, mean, max), heart (V30Gy, mean, max), spinal cord max, bilateral kidneys (V20Gy, mean) and liver mean dose. Comparison was also made for IMRT vs VMAT. Results: For both IMRT and VMAT compared with 3D-CRT, statistically significant pairwise differences were noted for Conformity Index (-28.51%, -30.70%, P<.001), Integral Dose (-14.0%, -14.8%, P<.001), Monitor Units (107.2%, 80.4%, P<.001), lung (V20Gy: -49.7%,-57.4%, mean: -20.3%,-24.9%, P <.001), heart (V30Gy : -10.1%,-14.3%, mean -10.4%,-13.4%, P <.001), spinal cord (max 13.3%,9.5%, P <.001) and liver (mean -29.9%,-24.3%, P <.001). No significant differences were noted for VMAT and IMRT compared with 3D-CRT for lung (V5Gy, max dose), heart (max dose) and bilateral kidneys (mean). VMAT did offer statistically significant improvement in Conformity Index, Monitor Units, lung V20Gy and mean dose as well as heart V30Gy and mean dose compared to IMRT. Conclusion: VMAT and IMRT offer excellent sparing of key organs (lung, heart) with respect to volumetric constraints. Max point doses as well as lung V5Gy, which can be an indication of low dose spread for esophageal treatment, were not conclusively different. While 3D-CRT offers acceptable treatment, VMAT should be the standard modality of radiation treatment where facilities exist. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Cette thèse est consacrée à l'étude de certains processus aléatoires à valeurs dans les arbres continus. Nous définissons d'abord un cadre conceptuel pour cette étude, en construisant une topologie polonaise sur l'espace des R-arbres localement compacts, complets et munis d'une mesure borélienne localement finie. Cette topologie, dite de Gromov-Hausdorff-Prokhorov, permet alors la définition de processus de Markov à valeurs arbre. Nous donnons ensuite une nouvelle construction du processus d'élagage d'Abraham-Delmas-Voisin, qui est un exemple de processus qui prend ses valeurs dans les arbres de Lévy. Notre construction, qui dévoile une nouvelle structure généalogique des arbres de Lévy, est trajectorielle, et permet d'identifier explicitement les transitions du processus d'élagage. Nous appliquons cette description à l'étude de certains temps d'arrêt, comme le premier temps auquel le processus franchit une hauteur donnée. Nous décrivons le processus à cet instant grâce à une nouvelle décomposition de type spinal. Enfin, nous nous intéressons à la fragmentation d'Aldous-Pitman de l'arbre brownien d'Aldous. En particulier, nous étudions, à la suite d'Abraham et Delmas, l'effet de cette fragmentation sur les sous-arbres discrets de l'arbre brownien. Le nombre de coupures nécessaires avant d'isoler la racine, convenablement renormalisé, converge vers une variable aléatoire de Rayleigh ; nous donnons un théorème central limite qui précise les fluctuations autour de cette limite / In this thesis, we study continuum tree-valued processes. First, we define an abstract framework for these processes, by constructing a metric on the space of locally compact, complete R-trees, endowed with a locally finite Borel measure. This topology, called Gromov-Hausdorff-Prokhorov topology, allows for the definition of tree-valued Markov processes. We then give a new construction of the pruning process of Abraham-Delmas-Voisin, which is an example of a Lévy tree-valued process. Our construction reveals a new genealogical structure of Lévy trees. Furthermore, it is a path wise construction, which describes the transitions of the process explicitly. We apply this description to the study of certain stopping times, such as the first moment the process crosses a given height. We describe the process at that time through a new spinal decomposition. Finally, we focus on the Aldous-Pitman fragmentation of Aldous's Brownian tree. Following Abraham and Delmas, we study the effect of the fragmentation on discrete subtrees of the Brownian tree. The number of cuts needed to isolate the root, suitably renormalized, converges towards a Rayleigh-distributed random variable; we prove a Central Limit Theorem describing the fluctuations around this limit

A atual problemática da disposição de resíduos eletroeletrônicos estimula a realização de pesquisas visando o reaproveitamento desse tipo de resíduo na fabricação de novos produtos ou na utilização dos mesmos em processos já existentes. O descarte de monitores de computadores e TVs com a tecnologia de tubos de raios catódicos (CRT) não é simples, pois os mesmos contêm metais pesados e há poucas alternativas de reciclagem estabelecidas, o que gera um passivo ambiental ainda sem solução. O CRT corresponde a 80% do peso de um monitor de computador e é constituído por três tipos de vidro, com diferentes composições. A relação aproximada (em % peso) é: 65% painel, 30% funil e 5% pescoço. Entre os diferentes vidros dos quais é fabricado os CRTs, o painel tem altas porcentagens de óxidos de metais alcalino e alcalino-terrosos e assim grande potencial para ser aproveitado como substituto de fritas na formulação de esmaltes cerâmicos. Uma vantagem adicional é o fato de que os metais pesados são estabilizados na forma de óxidos, tendo a mínima dissolução após a sinterização e vitrificação. Neste trabalho as composições químicas do vidro de painel de CRT e da frita foram caracterizadas pela técnica de FRX e ICP-AES. Depois os valores do coeficiente de expansão térmica e a viscosidade como função da temperatura foram calculados usando modelos empíricos que relacionam essas propriedades com a composição química do vidrado, através do software e banco de dados SciGlass®. Substituições parciais de frita por vidro de painel de CRT foram experimentalmente testadas na formulação de um esmalte transparente típico. Suspensões com 10 a 40% em peso de vidro de painel de CRT como substituto da frita tradicional foram preparadas e aplicadas sobre a superfície de substratos de argila conformados por prensagem. Subsequentemente, as placas foram queimadas seguindo um ciclo térmico similar ao utilizado industrialmente. Os valores do coeficiente de expansão térmica foram caracterizados por dilatometria. A viscosidade do esmalte foi medida a temperaturas elevadas (viscosidades baixas). A cor e a transparência dos esmaltes após a queima foram caracterizadas por colorimetria. Em uma análise comparativa, a substituição de 20% em peso de frita por vidro de painel de CRT resultou em revestimentos com propriedades equivalentes as de esmaltes comerciais. / The current problem of disposal of electronic waste stimulates research aiming at the reuse of this type of waste in the manufacture of new products or existing processes. The disposal of computer monitors and televisions based on the technology of cathode ray tube (CRT) is not simple, since they contain heavy metals and there are few recycling alternatives nearby the consumer center, generating an unsolved environmental liability. The CRT corresponds to approximately 85 wt% of a computer monitor, and is composed by three silicate glasses with different compositions, in the approximate proportions (wt%): 65% panel, 30% funnel and 5% neck glass. Among the different glasses of which the CRT\'s are made, the panel has higher percentages of alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, which thus give them potential to be used as frits substitute in the formulation of ceramic glazes. An additional advantage is the fact that these heavy metals are stabilized in the form of oxides, presenting minimal dissolution after sintering and vitrification. In the present work, the chemical compositions of a CRT\'s panel glass and glaze frits were characterized by XRF and ICP-AES. Then, the value of thermal expansion coefficients and viscosity were calculated as a function of temperature using empirical models that relate such properties with the glass chemical composition, aided by the SciGlass software. The partial replacement of frits for CRT\'s panel glass was experimentally tested in the composition of a typical transparent ceramic glaze. Aqueous suspensions containing 10 to 40 wt% of CRT\'s panel glass as a substitute for the traditional frit were prepared and applied on the surface of substrates formerly obtained by pressing a clay raw material into plates. Subsequently, the plates were fired following a thermal treatment similar to the used industrially. The resulting thermal expansion coefficients were characterized by dilatometry. The glaze viscosity was measured at high temperatures (low viscosities). The color and transparency of the glazes after firing were characterized by colorimetry. In a comparative analysis, the substitution of 20 wt% of frit by CRT\'s panel glass resulted in ceramic tiles with properties equivalent to those of the commercial glazes.

A atual problemática da disposição de resíduos eletroeletrônicos estimula a realização de pesquisas visando o reaproveitamento desse tipo de resíduo na fabricação de novos produtos ou na utilização dos mesmos em processos já existentes. O descarte de monitores de computadores e TVs com a tecnologia de tubos de raios catódicos (CRT) não é simples, pois os mesmos contêm metais pesados e há poucas alternativas de reciclagem estabelecidas, o que gera um passivo ambiental ainda sem solução. O CRT corresponde a 80% do peso de um monitor de computador e é constituído por três tipos de vidro, com diferentes composições. A relação aproximada (em % peso) é: 65% painel, 30% funil e 5% pescoço. Entre os diferentes vidros dos quais é fabricado os CRTs, o painel tem altas porcentagens de óxidos de metais alcalino e alcalino-terrosos e assim grande potencial para ser aproveitado como substituto de fritas na formulação de esmaltes cerâmicos. Uma vantagem adicional é o fato de que os metais pesados são estabilizados na forma de óxidos, tendo a mínima dissolução após a sinterização e vitrificação. Neste trabalho as composições químicas do vidro de painel de CRT e da frita foram caracterizadas pela técnica de FRX e ICP-AES. Depois os valores do coeficiente de expansão térmica e a viscosidade como função da temperatura foram calculados usando modelos empíricos que relacionam essas propriedades com a composição química do vidrado, através do software e banco de dados SciGlass®. Substituições parciais de frita por vidro de painel de CRT foram experimentalmente testadas na formulação de um esmalte transparente típico. Suspensões com 10 a 40% em peso de vidro de painel de CRT como substituto da frita tradicional foram preparadas e aplicadas sobre a superfície de substratos de argila conformados por prensagem. Subsequentemente, as placas foram queimadas seguindo um ciclo térmico similar ao utilizado industrialmente. Os valores do coeficiente de expansão térmica foram caracterizados por dilatometria. A viscosidade do esmalte foi medida a temperaturas elevadas (viscosidades baixas). A cor e a transparência dos esmaltes após a queima foram caracterizadas por colorimetria. Em uma análise comparativa, a substituição de 20% em peso de frita por vidro de painel de CRT resultou em revestimentos com propriedades equivalentes as de esmaltes comerciais. / The current problem of disposal of electronic waste stimulates research aiming at the reuse of this type of waste in the manufacture of new products or existing processes. The disposal of computer monitors and televisions based on the technology of cathode ray tube (CRT) is not simple, since they contain heavy metals and there are few recycling alternatives nearby the consumer center, generating an unsolved environmental liability. The CRT corresponds to approximately 85 wt% of a computer monitor, and is composed by three silicate glasses with different compositions, in the approximate proportions (wt%): 65% panel, 30% funnel and 5% neck glass. Among the different glasses of which the CRT\'s are made, the panel has higher percentages of alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, which thus give them potential to be used as frits substitute in the formulation of ceramic glazes. An additional advantage is the fact that these heavy metals are stabilized in the form of oxides, presenting minimal dissolution after sintering and vitrification. In the present work, the chemical compositions of a CRT\'s panel glass and glaze frits were characterized by XRF and ICP-AES. Then, the value of thermal expansion coefficients and viscosity were calculated as a function of temperature using empirical models that relate such properties with the glass chemical composition, aided by the SciGlass software. The partial replacement of frits for CRT\'s panel glass was experimentally tested in the composition of a typical transparent ceramic glaze. Aqueous suspensions containing 10 to 40 wt% of CRT\'s panel glass as a substitute for the traditional frit were prepared and applied on the surface of substrates formerly obtained by pressing a clay raw material into plates. Subsequently, the plates were fired following a thermal treatment similar to the used industrially. The resulting thermal expansion coefficients were characterized by dilatometry. The glaze viscosity was measured at high temperatures (low viscosities). The color and transparency of the glazes after firing were characterized by colorimetry. In a comparative analysis, the substitution of 20 wt% of frit by CRT\'s panel glass resulted in ceramic tiles with properties equivalent to those of the commercial glazes.

<p>Development of colour management systems, the level ofstandardisation, as well as the embedding of facilities forcolour management into computer operating systems and software,enables successful future interoperability of colour reproductionin the graphic arts industry. Yet colour reproduction from onemedium to another, still gives rise to inconsistencies.</p><p>This thesis investigates colour management and controlprocesses in premedia and press process workflows in graphic artsproduction, including standards, instruments and procedures. Thegoal is to find methods for higher efficiency and control ofcolour print media production processes, aiming at increasingcolour consistency and process automation and of reducingoverheads. The focus is on the control of colour data by displaysin prepress processes producing low quality paper products. Inthis respect the greatest interest of this thesis is on technicaland visual characteristics of displays with respect tp thereproduction of colour, especially desktop Thin Film TransistorLiquid Crystal Displays (TFTLCD) compared to portable TFTLCDs andCathod Ray Tube (CRT) monitors.</p><p>In order to reach the desired goal, this thesis is based on aliterature survey and empirical studies. The empirical studiesinclude both qualitative and quantitative methods, organised intothree parts:</p><p>    Colour process management: Analysed case studies of theimplementation of colour management in entire graphic artsproduction workflow processes.</p><p>    Display technology: LCD and CRT displays have been examinedthrough measurements to establish their fundamental strengthsand weaknesses in reproducing colours.</p><p>    Comparison of reproduction: A perceptual experiment hasbeen conducted to determine the ability of the disparatecomponents included in a colour management system to co-operateand match reproduced colour, according to the perceivedpreference of observers.</p><p>It was found that in most cases consistent colour fidelitydepends on the knowledge and experience of the actors involved inthe production process, including the utilisation of routines andequipment. Lack of these factors is not necessarily fatal for thefinal low quality paper colour product, but obstructs theautomation. In addition, increased digitalisation will increasethe importance of displays in such processes. The results showthat CRTs and desktop LCDs meet most of the demands of colourreproduction in various areas of low quality paper productionprocesses, e.g. newspaper production. However, some fundamentalaspects, such as low digital input values, viewing angles andcolour temperature, matters that concern characterisation andcalibration, still need to be developed. Concerning softproofing, the matching correspondence between hard and softcopies gives similar results for both CRT and LCDs forhigh-quality paper originals, if the luminance is decreased onthe LCD (to luminance levels of CRTs). Soft proofing of lowquality papers gives equally lower matching agreement for bothCRT and LCD, in this case when the luminance of the LCD is sethigher (e.g. about twice the levels luminance levels ofCRTs).</p><p><b>Keywords:</b>Displays, LCD, CRT, premedia, prepress, softproof, workflows, newspaper, colour management systems, colourcontrol, colour reproduction</p>

Background: External Beam Radiotherapy is essential in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Generally, VMAT is thought to achieve higher conformity to the Planned Target Volume (PTV) and better sparing of organs at risk (OAR) when compared to 3D-CRT. This study focused on these principles as it applied to treatment and potential toxicity in the management of LACC. Aim: To compare dosimetric parameters between VMAT and 3D-CRT in the management of LACC. Setting: The study analysed patients treated at Groote Schuur Hospital between May and December 2017. Method: A non-randomized comparative retrospective study. EBRT plans for 3D-CRT and VMAT were generated and data on treatment parameters for PTV D50%, Dmax, Dmean, Conformity Index (CI), Homogeneity Index, Treated Volume (TV), Irradiated Volume (IV) and OAR constraints; femoral heads, bladder, bowel bag, rectum and bone marrow were collected. Results: Of the 45 patients assessed, VMAT showed significantly lower treatment parameter values for CI (1.09 vs 1.49; p< .001) whereas, 3D-CRT showed lower Dmax (48.1Gy vs 49.2Gy; p< .001) and rectum (88.5% vs 96%). A reduced 3D-CRT dose was noted for bladder Dmax (47.4Gy vs 48.3Gy; p< .001). Conclusion: VMAT offered a superior dosimetric option, with better OAR dose sparing and optimal tumour dosimetry.

Development of colour management systems, the level ofstandardisation, as well as the embedding of facilities forcolour management into computer operating systems and software,enables successful future interoperability of colour reproductionin the graphic arts industry. Yet colour reproduction from onemedium to another, still gives rise to inconsistencies. This thesis investigates colour management and controlprocesses in premedia and press process workflows in graphic artsproduction, including standards, instruments and procedures. Thegoal is to find methods for higher efficiency and control ofcolour print media production processes, aiming at increasingcolour consistency and process automation and of reducingoverheads. The focus is on the control of colour data by displaysin prepress processes producing low quality paper products. Inthis respect the greatest interest of this thesis is on technicaland visual characteristics of displays with respect tp thereproduction of colour, especially desktop Thin Film TransistorLiquid Crystal Displays (TFTLCD) compared to portable TFTLCDs andCathod Ray Tube (CRT) monitors. In order to reach the desired goal, this thesis is based on aliterature survey and empirical studies. The empirical studiesinclude both qualitative and quantitative methods, organised intothree parts:     Colour process management: Analysed case studies of theimplementation of colour management in entire graphic artsproduction workflow processes.     Display technology: LCD and CRT displays have been examinedthrough measurements to establish their fundamental strengthsand weaknesses in reproducing colours.     Comparison of reproduction: A perceptual experiment hasbeen conducted to determine the ability of the disparatecomponents included in a colour management system to co-operateand match reproduced colour, according to the perceivedpreference of observers. It was found that in most cases consistent colour fidelitydepends on the knowledge and experience of the actors involved inthe production process, including the utilisation of routines andequipment. Lack of these factors is not necessarily fatal for thefinal low quality paper colour product, but obstructs theautomation. In addition, increased digitalisation will increasethe importance of displays in such processes. The results showthat CRTs and desktop LCDs meet most of the demands of colourreproduction in various areas of low quality paper productionprocesses, e.g. newspaper production. However, some fundamentalaspects, such as low digital input values, viewing angles andcolour temperature, matters that concern characterisation andcalibration, still need to be developed. Concerning softproofing, the matching correspondence between hard and softcopies gives similar results for both CRT and LCDs forhigh-quality paper originals, if the luminance is decreased onthe LCD (to luminance levels of CRTs). Soft proofing of lowquality papers gives equally lower matching agreement for bothCRT and LCD, in this case when the luminance of the LCD is sethigher (e.g. about twice the levels luminance levels ofCRTs). Keywords:Displays, LCD, CRT, premedia, prepress, softproof, workflows, newspaper, colour management systems, colourcontrol, colour reproduction

The advantages of upgrade to cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) have not been explored as carefully as the outcomes of de novo CRT implantations. Furthermore selection criteria for patients with the potential to benefit the most from this therapy are unknown. Therefore, we analyzed the long term outcome and its predictors in a real-world cohort receiving a CRT upgrade from previous pacemaker (PM) and defibrillator devices (ICD). We analyzed 86 patients (mean age 68 ± 9 years; 89% male) undergoing CRT upgrade procedures. Response to CRT as well as long term patient outcome was analyzed. NYHA class improved in majority of the patients during short term period (61%), and this trend remained constant during long term follow-up (54%). The observed all-cause mortality was 54% with mean survival of 49 ± 4 months. 11 patients underwent left ventricular assist device implantation or heart transplantation. In the multivariate analysis, only kidney function assessed by GFR (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99; p = 0.009) and LVEF (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.97; p = 0.002) remain predictors for mortality. Patients who undergo an upgrade procedure to CRT demonstrate a significant response rate assessed by improvement in NYHA class, with initial baseline parameters such as LVEF and kidney function remaining significant predictors for mortality.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Critical race counterstories give people the space to share their racialized stories with the world. These stories work to expose different forms of racism like color-blind racism. Critical race counterstories originated from the work done in critical race theory (CRT). In this thesis, Brooklyn Raines makes the case for how hip hop functions as a method of critical race counterstory. Because of hip hop’s ability to reflect the social, political, and economic conditions in the world with an emphasis on the role race plays, Raines promotes the use of counterstories in their pedagogy with hip hop as a particular instance for incorporating counterstory in first-year writing courses to equip students with liberating tools. These tools include skills like critical thinking, rhetorical knowledge, and text interpretation. In this thesis there’s a literature review of how hip hop has been incorporated in classrooms as well as two chapters dedicated to units for educators that want to bring hip hop as a form of critical race counterstories into their classrooms. The first unit is based around Kendrick Lamar’s rhetorical exchange with Fox News commentator Geraldo Rivera. The second unit is created around the backlash Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion received from their empowering record WAP. The hope for this project is educators can equip students with tools like media literacy skills, the ability to interrogate notions of White supremacy, and the ability to form their own opinions with the assistance of responsible research. Educators deserve to know there is exciting curriculum outside of the cannon of what is expected to be taught that is oftentimes rooted in White supremacy.