Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been the subject of much recent controversy as a result of Rind, Tromovitch and Bauserman's (1998) meta-analytic examination of CSA, which found a weak relationship between CSA and self-reported psychopathology in college samples. There have been few studies of CSA which look beyond self-report. The present study is an exploration of the relationships between CSA, quantitative electroencephalographic (QEEG), neuropsychological, and psychological measurements in 24 high-functioning, unmedicated CSA adults who were matched for age, gender, and handedness with a group of adults without CSA (NCSA). The objectives of this study were to: 1) examine EEG abnormalities associated with CSA, 2) investigate QEEG cortical coherence in the groups using neuroelectric Eigen image (NEI) connectivity indices (Hudspeth, 1999), 3) integrate personality differences associated with CSA with EEG differences, and 4) better understand left versus right hemisphere functioning in CSA using intelligence testing. An examination of QEEG cortical coherence revealed moderate to large effect sizes indicating patterns of decreased connectivity between brain regions on the right frontally in the delta band, and frontally and centro-temporally on the right in the alpha band, and posteriorly in the alpha and beta bands, as well as in the cross-correlation; increased connectivity between brain regions was evidenced centrally across the motor strip and on the left temporally in the delta band, which differentiated the groups. Large effect sizes obtained on measures of personality were related to poorer adjustment for CSA adults in comparison to NCSA adults. In contrast to prior findings with clinical groups (Black, Hudspeth, Townsend, & Bodenhamer-Davis, 2002; Ito et al., 1993), hypotheses related to QEEG cortical coherence (left hemisphere alpha hypercoherence and right hemisphere theta hypocoherence), EEG abnormalities, and IQ (Verbal less than Performance) were not supported. Walker's (2003) theoretical modular coherence model was utilized to integrate coherence and personality variables and provide treatment options.

Land mines are a major humanitarian problem with millions of active mines in place around the world. Since these mines can have little metal in them, novel detection techniques are needed. Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) is one such technique. Unfortunately, NQR is highly succeptible to radio frequency interference (RFI). A significant contribution of this thesis is the development of a custom, experimental data acquisition system designed and built specifically for capturing RFI at frequencies significant to NQR land mine detection systems. Another major contribution is the development of data analysis techniques for determining the number of reference antennas required to effectively cancel out RFI at frequencies and in environments typical of an NQR land mine detection system.

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Den här studien beskriver hur grafikkort kan användas på en bredare front änmultimedia. Arbetet förklarar och diskuterar huvudsakliga alternativ som finnstill att använda grafikkort till generella operationer i dagsläget. Inom denna studieanvänds Nvidias CUDA arkitektur. Studien beskriver hur grafikkort användstill egna operationer rent praktiskt ur perspektivet att vi redan kan programmerai högnivåspråk och har grundläggande kunskap om hur en dator fungerar. Vianvänder s.k. accelererade bibliotek på grafikkortet (THRUST och CUBLAS) föratt uppnå målet som är utveckling av programvara och prestandatest. Resultatetär program som använder GPU:n till generella och prestandatest av dessa,för lösning av olika problem (matrismultiplikation, sortering, binärsökning ochvektor-inventering) där grafikkortet jämförs med processorn seriellt och parallellt.Resultat visar att grafikkortet exekverar upp till ungefär 50 gånger snabbare(tidsmässigt) kod jämfört med seriella program på processorn. / This study describes how we can use graphics cards for general purpose computingwhich differs from the most usual field where graphics cards are used, multimedia.The study describes and discusses present day alternatives for usinggraphic cards for general operations. In this study we use and describe NvidiaCUDA architecture. The study describes how we can use graphic cards for generaloperations from the point of view that we have programming knowledgein some high-level programming language and knowledge of how a computerworks. We use accelerated libraries (THRUST and CUBLAS) to achieve our goalson the graphics card, which are software development and benchmarking. Theresults are programs countering certain problems (matrix multiplication, sorting,binary search, vector inverting) and the execution time and speedup forthese programs. The graphics card is compared to the processor in serial andthe processor in parallel. Results show a speedup of up to approximatly 50 timescompared to serial implementations on the processor.

Visando atender requisitos cada vez mais rigorosos de projeto e exigência dos consumidores, é necessário extrair o máximo desempenho de uma dada estrutura de produto, buscando sempre propriedades superiores as atuais. Para obter-se tais propriedades dinâmicas superiores (resistência, rigidez, peso) existem vários métodos de otimização estrutural, entre os quais a otimização de parâmetros, utilizada em ajustes finos de projeto; a otimização topológica, mais complexa e condicionada pelos processos de fabricação disponíveis e a otimização de forma utilizada em chapas estruturais. Dentre os métodos recentes de otimização de forma merece destaque o método de Padrões de Bossas por Formas Modais desenvolvido por Fredö e Hedlung (2004), que permite grandes ganhos de rigidez estrutural com pequenas deformações no formato das chapas. Entretanto, tal método tem sua aplicabilidade restrita, pois depende de fatores de ponderação cujo critério de escolha não foi explorado pelos autores. O presente trabalho analisa teoricamente o método desenvolvido por Fredö e Hedlung (2004), utilizando para tal uma chapa metálica em condições controladas para determinar um critério coerente de definição dos parâmetros de ponderação do método via otimização computacional suportado por uma análise modal via método dos elementos finitos. Com os resultados dessa análise pode-se criar um programa para implementação do método de Padrões de Bossas por Formas Modais em aplicações industriais, com ganhos significativos nas características estruturais de produtos sem impactos no custo final. / To meet increasingly higher design requirements and consumer demands for design, it is necessary to extract the maximum performance of a given product structure, always seeking superior properties versus current design. To obtain such superior dynamic properties (strength, stiffness, weight) there are several methods of structural optimization, including the parameters optimization used to fine-tune design; the topology optimization, more complex and conditioned by manufacturing processes and the shape optimization as used in structural plates. Among the newer methods for shape optimization, it is worth mentioning the Panel embossing pattern optimization method developed by Frëdo and Hedlung (2004), which allows large structural rigidity gains with small deformations in the plate shape. However, this method has a limited applicability because it depends on weighting factors whose selection criterion was unexplored by the authors. This work theoretically analyzes the method developed by Frëdo and Hedlung (2004), using for such a metal sheet under controlled conditions to determine a coherent criterion for the weighting parameters definition process using computational optimization supported by a modal analysis via finite element method. With the results of this analysis, it was possible to create a program to implement the method embossing pattern optimization method in industrial applications, with significant gains in structural characteristics of products without affecting the final cost.

Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) is a well-known and widely used signal processing method in airborne and spaceborne radars. In airborne radar and GMTI literature, many radar designs and signal processing techniques have been developed to increase the detection and estimation performance under heavy interference conditions. The motion of the aircraft on which the radar is mounted, high altitudes and ranges, targets with low radar cross sections and slowly moving targets complicates the problem of localization and observation of moving targets on a huge area of interest. In order to overcome these problems, engineers developed more complex radar hardwares with many receiver channels and signal processing algorithms. Multi-channel receivers provide adaptive digital beam-forming and adaptive Doppler processing capabilities. However, designing a cost efficient and light multi-channel receiver and a signal processing unit, which can handle a huge amount of received data from multi channels, is a difficult task to accomplish. Therefore, this thesis aims to propose non-adaptive antenna beams to reduce the number of channels to two in GMTI processing. This reduction yields a simplification both in receiver structure and signal processing unit. The measure of excellence of these propositions will be the ability to detect slowly moving targets with nearly optimum performance.

Bandpass microwave filters are often modeled as a set of coupled discrete and localized resonators. This model is adequate in the narrow-band case. It, however, fails to describe accurately compact structures where stray couplings can be strong. To address this problem, a new view is proposed in this thesis. Instead of basing the model on localized discrete resonances, we start by constructing a model that is based on the global resonances of the structure. These are the resonances that the ports see and emerge when the entire structure is treated as a single unit. The resulting circuit, the transversal circuit, is universal. It is valid for any coupled resonator filter. The circuit is used in optimization of compact and ultra wideband suspended stripline filters and excellent results were obtained. In order to relate the global-eigen modes model to the conventional model, the issue of representation of microwave filters is investigated in detail. It is shown that a microwave filter can be represented by an infinite number of similar coupling matrices by using different modes as basis. According to this new view, a similarity transformation in microwave coupled resonator filters is interpreted as a change of basis. Two circuits that are related by a similarity transformation represent the same filter structure by using different sets of modes as basis. These conclusions were exploited in establishing a design theory for filters with dual-mode cavities. The new theory leads to direct and accurate design techniques that need no, or minimal, optimization. No tuning is used in the CAD steps. Tuning may only be required to account for manufacturing tolerances. A new tuning configuration is described and validated by computer simulation. A novel dual-mode filter with improved quality factor and reduced sensitivity is developed and designed within the same approach. The filter is fabricated and measured and excellent results are achieved. The same design methodology was used to introduce a new class of dual-mode dual-band microwave filters with improved sensitivity. It is also shown that canonical dual-mode filters can be designed within the same view with minimal local optimization of the input cavity. / Thesis (Ph.D, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2010-03-31 01:33:36.818

Afin d'anticiper les effets du vieillissement des enceintes de confinement des centrales électronucléaires, l'IRSN effectue des recherches avancées sur le vieillissement du béton. Les problématiques de fissuration liées au vieillissement sont abordées à l'aide d'une méthode micromécanique basée sur des Modèles de Zones Cohésives Frottantes et à l'aide de la méthode d'<<Eigen-Erosion >> basée sur des considérations énergétiques. L'objectif de la thèse est de réduire les temps de calcul liés à ces deux approches, tout en conservant une bonne précision dans les zones d'intérêt, en adaptant la discrétisation en espace à l'aide de techniques de raffinement local adaptatif. La méthode de raffinement retenue est la méthode CHARMS (Conforming Hierarchical Adaptive Refinement Methods). Cette méthode, basée sur le raffinement des fonctions de base, permet un raffinement sans dégradation de la qualité des mailles initiales. En particulier, les non conformités géométriques sont naturellement prises en compte. Initialement appliquée à la Mécanique des Fluides, cette méthode est d'abord étendue à la Mécanique des Milieux Dé-formables en proposant un critère de raffinement général, puis elle est appliquée à la méthode d'<< Eigen-Erosion >> et aux Modèles de Zones Cohésives. Enfin, l'influence de la morphologie des inclusions d'un Volume Elémentaire Représentatif de béton numérique sur le comportement apparent et sur la fissuration est étudiée. / In order to anticipate effects of ageing in confinement structures of nuclear power plant, the IRSN develops research programs to study the ageing of concrete. A micromechanical approach, based on Cohesive Zone Models, and the "Eigen-Erosion" method, based on energetics consideration, are used. The aim of this study is to reduce the computational cost while keeping simulations with good accuracy in the areas of interest. The strategy is to adapt the spatialdiscretization in the areas of interest using local adaptive refinement technics. The selected refinement method is called CHARMS (Conforming Hierarchical Adaptive Refinement Methods). CHARMS is based on the refinement of basis functions and enables refinement without any loss of the inital mesh quality. The geometrical non conformities are implicitly handled. Initialyapplied to Fluid Mechanics, the method is first extended to Solid Mechanics with a specific refinement criterion. It is then applied to "Eigen-Erosion" and to Cohesive Zone Models. The inclusion's shape of a Representative Elementary Volume of numerical concrete is studied in order to determine the influence over the apparent behaviour and the crack propagation.

Visando atender requisitos cada vez mais rigorosos de projeto e exigência dos consumidores, é necessário extrair o máximo desempenho de uma dada estrutura de produto, buscando sempre propriedades superiores as atuais. Para obter-se tais propriedades dinâmicas superiores (resistência, rigidez, peso) existem vários métodos de otimização estrutural, entre os quais a otimização de parâmetros, utilizada em ajustes finos de projeto; a otimização topológica, mais complexa e condicionada pelos processos de fabricação disponíveis e a otimização de forma utilizada em chapas estruturais. Dentre os métodos recentes de otimização de forma merece destaque o método de Padrões de Bossas por Formas Modais desenvolvido por Fredö e Hedlung (2004), que permite grandes ganhos de rigidez estrutural com pequenas deformações no formato das chapas. Entretanto, tal método tem sua aplicabilidade restrita, pois depende de fatores de ponderação cujo critério de escolha não foi explorado pelos autores. O presente trabalho analisa teoricamente o método desenvolvido por Fredö e Hedlung (2004), utilizando para tal uma chapa metálica em condições controladas para determinar um critério coerente de definição dos parâmetros de ponderação do método via otimização computacional suportado por uma análise modal via método dos elementos finitos. Com os resultados dessa análise pode-se criar um programa para implementação do método de Padrões de Bossas por Formas Modais em aplicações industriais, com ganhos significativos nas características estruturais de produtos sem impactos no custo final. / To meet increasingly higher design requirements and consumer demands for design, it is necessary to extract the maximum performance of a given product structure, always seeking superior properties versus current design. To obtain such superior dynamic properties (strength, stiffness, weight) there are several methods of structural optimization, including the parameters optimization used to fine-tune design; the topology optimization, more complex and conditioned by manufacturing processes and the shape optimization as used in structural plates. Among the newer methods for shape optimization, it is worth mentioning the Panel embossing pattern optimization method developed by Frëdo and Hedlung (2004), which allows large structural rigidity gains with small deformations in the plate shape. However, this method has a limited applicability because it depends on weighting factors whose selection criterion was unexplored by the authors. This work theoretically analyzes the method developed by Frëdo and Hedlung (2004), using for such a metal sheet under controlled conditions to determine a coherent criterion for the weighting parameters definition process using computational optimization supported by a modal analysis via finite element method. With the results of this analysis, it was possible to create a program to implement the method embossing pattern optimization method in industrial applications, with significant gains in structural characteristics of products without affecting the final cost.

Higher-level features are considered to be a potential remedy against transmission line and cross-channel degradations, currently some of the biggest problems associated with speaker verification. Phoneme durations in particular are not altered by these factors; thus a robust duration model will be a particularly useful addition to traditional cepstral based speaker verification systems. In this dissertation we investigate the feasibility of phoneme durations as a feature for speaker verification. Simple speaker specific triphone duration models are created to statistically represent the phoneme durations. Durations are obtained from an automatic hidden Markov model (HMM) based automatic speech recognition system and are modeled using single mixture Gaussian distributions. These models are applied in a speaker verification system (trained and tested on the YOHO corpus) and found to be a useful feature, even when used in isolation. When fused with acoustic features, verification performance increases significantly. A novel speech rate normalization technique is developed in order to remove some of the inherent intra-speaker variability (due to differing speech rates). Speech rate variability has a negative impact on both speaker verification and automatic speech recognition. Although the duration modelling seems to benefit only slightly from this procedure, the fused system performance improvement is substantial. Other factors known to influence the duration of phonemes are incorporated into the duration model. Utterance final lengthening is known be a consistent effect and thus “position in sentence” is modeled. “Position in word” is also modeled since triphones do not provide enough contextual information. This is found to improve performance since some vowels’ duration are particularly sensitive to its position in the word. Data scarcity becomes a problem when building speaker specific duration models. By using information from available data, unknown durations can be predicted in an attempt to overcome the data scarcity problem. To this end we develop a novel approach to predict unknown phoneme durations from the values of known phoneme durations for a particular speaker, based on the maximum likelihood criterion. This model is based on the observation that phonemes from the same broad phonetic class tend to co-vary strongly, but that there is also significant cross-class correlations. This approach is tested on the TIMIT corpus and found to be more accurate than using back-off techniques. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / unrestricted