<p>This thesis consits of four papers dealing with distance based (non-Euclidean) tests for spatial clustering in inhomogeneous populations. </p><p>The density adjusted distance (DAD), which considers the underlying density, is defined in the first paper. The proposed distance can be used together with any of the old distance based methods developed for traditional homogeneous spatial patterns. </p><p>The test statistics in distance based tests can all be seen as a weighted sum of distance measures for distances between <i>n</i> cases with known co-ordinates. DAD based test statistics are developed and their performance is compared with the performance of previously suggested tests by simulation in the second paper. The tests are compared in different types of data set and for various kinds of clustering. It is shown that no test is the optimal choice for all alternative hypotheses and that the tests are unequally sensitive to the structure of the underlying data. Tests based on the DAD are often a good alternative. </p><p>Test statistics and graphical tools for the Empirical Distribution Function of DAD are developed and examined in the third paper. We show that the result of an EDF test combined with EDF plots provides more information about the possible nature of clustering in a sample than the result of a parametric test only. </p>

Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2004. / Bibliography: leaves 100-103. Also available online.

This thesis consits of four papers dealing with distance based (non-Euclidean) tests for spatial clustering in inhomogeneous populations. The density adjusted distance (DAD), which considers the underlying density, is defined in the first paper. The proposed distance can be used together with any of the old distance based methods developed for traditional homogeneous spatial patterns. The test statistics in distance based tests can all be seen as a weighted sum of distance measures for distances between n cases with known co-ordinates. DAD based test statistics are developed and their performance is compared with the performance of previously suggested tests by simulation in the second paper. The tests are compared in different types of data set and for various kinds of clustering. It is shown that no test is the optimal choice for all alternative hypotheses and that the tests are unequally sensitive to the structure of the underlying data. Tests based on the DAD are often a good alternative. Test statistics and graphical tools for the Empirical Distribution Function of DAD are developed and examined in the third paper. We show that the result of an EDF test combined with EDF plots provides more information about the possible nature of clustering in a sample than the result of a parametric test only.

In the standard model of cosmology, the universe is currently dominated by dark energy in the form of the cosmological constant that drives the expansion to accelerate. While the cosmological constant hypothesis is consistent with all current data, models with dynamical behaviour of dark energy are still allowed by observations. Uncertainty also remains over whether the underlying assumption of a homogeneous and isotropic universe is valid, or if large-scale inhomogeneities in the matter distribution can be the cause of the apparent late-time acceleration.This thesis investigates inhomogeneous cosmological models in which dark energy clusters or where we live inside an underdense region in a matter-dominated universe. In both of these scenarios, we expect directional dependences in the redshift-luminosity distance relation of type Ia supernovae. Dynamical models of dark energy predict spatial variations in the dark energy density. Searches for angular correlated fluctuations in the supernova peak magnitudes, as expected if dark energy clusters, yield results consistent with no dark energy fluctuations. However, the current observational limits on the amount of correlation still allow for quite general dark energy clustering occurring in the linear regime. Inhomogeneous models where we live inside a large, local void in the matter density can possibly explain the apparent acceleration without invoking dark energy. This scenario is confronted with current cosmological distance measurements to put constraints on the size and depth of the void, as well as on our position within it. The model is found to explain the observations only if the void size is of the order of the visible universe and the observer is located very close to the center, in violation of the Copernican principle. / At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 4: Accepted.

Heterogeneities at the meso-scale strongly influence the shock compression response of composite materials. These heterogeneities arise from both structural variations and differing physical/mechanical properties between constituents. In mixtures of reactive materials, such as Ni and Al, the meso-scale heterogeneities greatly affect component mixing and activation, which, in turn, can induce a chemical reaction. Cold-rolled multilayered composites of Ni and Al provide a unique system for studying the effects of material heterogeneities on a propagating shock wave, due to their full density, periodic layering, and intimate particle contacts. Computational analysis of the shock compression response of fully dense Ni/Al multilayered composites is performed with real, heterogeneous microstructures, obtained from optical microscopy, using the Eulerian hydrocode CTH. Changes in the orientation, density, structure, and strength of the material interfaces, as well as the strength of the constituents, are used to understand the influence microstructure plays on the multilayered composite response at high strain rates. The results show a marked difference in the dissipation and dispersion of the shock wave as the underlying microstructure varies. These variations can be attributed to the development of two-dimensional effects and the nature of the wave reflections and interactions. Validation of the computational results is then obtained through time-resolved measurements (VISAR, PDV, and PVDF stress gauges) performed during uniaxial strain plate-on-plate impact experiments. The experimental results prove that the computational method accurately represents the multilayered composites, thereby justifying the conclusions and trends extracted from the simulations. The reaction response of cold-rolled multilayer composites is also investigated and characterized using uniaxial stress rod-on-anvil impact experiments through post-mortem microscopy and x-ray diffraction. This extensive understanding of the shock compression response of the multilayers systems is contrasted with other composites of Ni and Al, including shock consolidated and pressed (porous) powder compacts. A comprehensive design space is then developed to assist in the understanding and design of Ni/Al composites under conditions of high pressure shock compression. Research funded by ONR/MURI grant No. N00014-07-1-0740.

Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

Bibliography: leaves 135-151 / v, 151 leaves : ill ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Applied Mathematics, 1991

The first half of this thesis deals with the line of thought that leads to the development of discrete games of chance as models in statistical physics, with an emphasis on analysis of Parrondo’s games. The second half of the thesis is concerned with applying discrete games of chance to the modelling of other phenomena in the discipline of electrical engineering. The important features being the element of switching that is implicit in discrete games of chance and the element of uncertainty, introduced by the random aspect of discrete games of chance. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1474722 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2009

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.