<p>Forensic science has gained popularity in the last few decades. Many new techniques are being studied and implemented. It includes a wide range of scientific disciplines, such as entomology, physics and biology. An important improvement to forensic science is the development of different DNA techniques which are implemented during an investigation, making DNA a gold standard for forensics. Most of the time DNA is mentioned it is in terms of human DNA, but there are microscopic organisms with useful DNA. In the last decade, with the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS), studies focusing on bacterial communities have been published, but fungal communities have not been extensively studied.</p> For this project, the potential of fungi in forensic science was investigated through three different studies. Human flora was looked at by NGS from thirty-seven human bodies with differing post-mortem intervals (PMIs). The communities were analyzed statistically and quantitatively, resulting in unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and genera which were only present in certain PMIs, and in some which were present through the entire PMI time scale. These attributes can help, not only to give a better view on human mycoflora during decomposition, but they can also help in determining fungal signatures during decomposition. These signatures can help in a PMI determination. Moreover, swine carcasses – the model animals for human forensic studies – were investigated as well to create a checklist of fungal flora after five months of winter decomposition in the West Lafayette, Indiana area. Furthermore, due to the increased importance of wildlife forensics, a wildlife study was also conducted using four wildlife species (mute swan, red tailed hawk, river otter, bobcat). The fungal flora from these species were compared within species at the beginning of the study and at skeletonization stage to look at any indicator fungal species and to create a general checklist for wildlife studies in the West Lafayette, Indiana area for future studies. Additionally, the fungal communities were compared across species as well.

Event stream processing (ESP) has become increasingly important in modern applications. In this dissertation, I focus on providing a robust ESP solution by meeting three major research challenges regarding the robustness of ESP systems: (1) while event constraint of the input stream is available, applying such semantic information in the event processing; (2) handling event streams with out-of-order data arrival and (3) handling event streams with interval-based temporal semantics. The following are the three corresponding research tasks completed by the dissertation: Task I - Constraint-Aware Complex Event Pattern Detection over Streams. In this task, a framework for constraint-aware pattern detection over event streams is designed, which on the fly checks the query satisfiability / unsatisfiability using a lightweight reasoning mechanism and adjusts the processing strategy dynamically by producing early feedback, releasing unnecessary system resources and terminating corresponding pattern monitor. Task II - Complex Event Pattern Detection over Streams with Out-of-Order Data Arrival. In this task, a mechanism to address the problem of processing event queries specified over streams that may contain out-of-order data is studied, which provides new physical implementation strategies for the core stream algebra operators such as sequence scan, pattern construction and negation filtering. Task III - Complex Event Pattern Detection over Streams with Interval-Based Temporal Semantics. In this task, an expressive language to represent the required temporal patterns among streaming interval events is introduced and the corresponding temporal operator ISEQ is designed.

Fundamentada a importância da utilização da Teoria dos Intervalos em computação científica, é realizada uma revisão da Teoria Clássica dos Intervalos, com críticas sobre as incompatibilidades encontradas como motivos de diversas dificuldades para desenvolvimento da própria teoria e, consequentemente, das Técnicas Intervalares. É desenvolvida uma nova abordagem para a Teoria dos Intervalos de acordo com a Teoria dos Domínios e a proposta de [ACI 89], obtendo-se os Domínios Intervalares da Matemática Computacional. Introduz-se uma topologia (Topologia de Scott) compatível com a idéia de aproximação, gerando uma ordem de informação, isto é, para quaisquer intervalos x e y, diz-se que se x -c y , então y fornece mais (no mínimo tanto quanto) informação, sobre um real r, do que x. Prova-se que esta ordem de informação induz uma topologia To (topologia de Scott) , que é mais adequada para uma teoria computacional que a topologia da Hausdorff introduzida por Moore [MOO 66]. Cada número real r é aproximado por intervalos de extremos racionais, os intervalos de informação, que constituem o espaço de informação II(Q), superando assim a regressão infinita da abordagem clássica. Pode-se dizer que todo real r é o supremo de uma cadeia de intervalos com extremos racionais “encaixados”. Assim, os reais são os elementos totais de um domínio contínuo, chamado de Domínio dos Intervalos Reais Parciais, cuja base é o espaço de informação II (Q). Cada função contínua da Análise Real é o limite de sequências de funções contínuas entre elementos da base do domínio. Toda função contínua nestes domínios constitui uma função monotônica na base e é completamente representada em termos finitos. É introduzida uma quasi-métrica que induz uma topologia compatível com esta abordagem e provê as propriedades quantitativas, além de possibilitar a utilização da noção de sequências, limites etc, sem que se precise recorrer a conceitos mais complexos. Desenvolvem-se uma aritmética, critérios de aproximação e os conceito de intervalo ponto médio, intervalo valor absoluto e intervalo diâmetro, conceitos compatíveis com esta abordagem. São acrescentadas as operações de união, interseção e as unárias. Apresenta-se um amplo estudo sobre a função intervalar e a inclusão de imagens de funções, com ênfase na obtenção de uma extensão intervalar natural contínua. Esta é uma abordagem de lógica construtiva e computacional. / The importance of Interval Theory for scientific computation is emphasized. A review of the Classical Theory is macle, including a discussion about some incompatibities that cause problems in developing interval algorithms. A new approach to the Interval Theory is developed in the light of the Theory of Domains and according to the ideas by Acióly [ACI 89], getting the Interval Domains of Computational Mathematics. It is introduced a topology (Scott Topology), which is associated with the idea of approximation, generating an information order, that is, for any intervals x and y one says that if x -c y, then "the information given by y is better or at least equal than the one given by x". One proves that this information order induces a To topology (Scott's topology) which is more suitable for a computation theory than that of Hausdorff introduced by Moore [MOO 66]. This approach has the advantage of being both of constructive logic and computational. Each real number is approximated by intervals with rational bounds, named information intervals of the Information Space II(Q), eliminating the infinite regression found in the classical approach. One can say that every real a is the supreme of a chain of rational intervals. Then, the real numbers are the total elements of a continuous domain, named the Domain of the Partial Real Intervals, whose basis is the information space II (Q). Each continuous function in the Real Analysis is the limit of sequences of continuous functions among any elements which belong to the base of the domain. In these same domains, each continuous function is monotonic on the base and it is completely represented by finite terms. It is introduced a quasi-metric that leads to a compatible topology and supplies the quantitative properties. An arithmetic, some approximation criteria, the concepts of mean point interval, absolute value interval and width interval are developed and set operations are added. The ideas of interval functions and the inclusion of ranges of functions are also presented, and a continuous natural interval extension is obtained.

The ability to take in one’s environment, integrate relevant information, and then act appropriately is an incredibly complex feat that organisms do continuously. Disruption in the ability to think and act clearly, or cognitive dysfunction, is a debilitating aspect of neuropsychiatric diseases like schizophrenia. The prefrontal cortex and the striatum are key brain regions for functional and dysfunctional cognition, but the way that they interact to allow for cognitive processing is poorly understood. To get at these questions, I manipulated and recorded from medial frontal and striatal neurons—frontostriatal ensembles—while rats engaged in interval timing, an elementary cognitive function that engages both areas. I report four main results. First, ramping activity—a gradual, consistent change in neuronal firing rate across time—is observed throughout frontostriatal ensembles. Secondly, medial frontal areas dynamically reflect changing temporal conditions during learning and precede these same changes in striatal areas. Thirdly, interval timing and striatal ramping activity are disrupted when the medial frontal cortex is inactivated. Finally, this behavioral impairment can be reduced by optogenetic stimulation of frontostriatal terminals. My results support the view that striatal neurons integrate medial frontal activity and suggest a possible mechanism—ramping activity—through which neurons might represent the passage of time. These observations elucidate temporal processing in frontostriatal circuits and provide insight into how the medial frontal cortex exerts top-down control of cognitive processing in the striatum. My hope is that these findings will contribute to a clearer understanding of basic cognitive processing and might inform future approaches to treatments that address cognitive dysfunction.

Through Boundaries is a string quartet that attempts to recalibrate the way one listens by focusing on two spectrums, time and pitch. I explore what falls between the boundaries, in reference to the space between sound and silence and to frequencies between the conventional twelve pitches. The two movements are differing interpretations of the same graphical sketch material, viewing it from different perspectives. I. In-Between is structured with short gestures that are juxtaposed with longer periods of time that lack notated sound. Each gesture represents an unnamed event. For example, one gesture may represent the toss of a ball and the next gesture may represent it bouncing against the concrete. Each of these is a discrete point. At first, the space between these points appears empty, but on deeper investigation, it is overflowing with movement and energy. Visually, the ball floats up and falls to the ground. The electronics represent this energy, slowly fading into perception and forming waves of sound that weave in and out, nearly overpowering the quartet. II. Glide explores the interaction of pitches on a micro-level, including quartertones and glissandi that occupy a small pitch range. The movement begins with a still, seemingly static nature. Deviations appear, and harmonies seemingly blur and crystallize. When a larger melodic interval finally arrives, it is overwhelming.

In this work, we deal with fixed interval scheduling problems with the possibility of random delay of the end of the tasks (FIS). First, we pre- sent the basic deterministic FIS problems and ways to solve them. Next, we introduce the concept of minimax and present two well-known and one new FIS problem under uncertainty, when random task delays are conside- red to belong to a certain uncertainty set. Next, we deal with the solution of previously presented FIS problems for five chosen uncertainty sets. We present both previously achieved and original results. The work concludes with a summary of a numerical study of two problems. First, we explore the possibility of Lagrange relaxation application to the first presented problem. Next we explore the quality of approximation allowing to solve the later of problems as LP. 1

In two experiments pigeons were exposed to VI and FI schedules and viii schedules approximating both VI and FI schedules. In experiment I, the probabilities of the VI and FI components in a Mixed FI VI schedule were manipulated to create schedule contingencies approximating simple VI or FI. In experiment II, the minimum and maximum inter-reinforcement intervals were manipulated to create schedule contingencies approximating simple VI or FI. The major finding of both of these experiments was that maximal control by the dimension of time occurred as FI contingencies were approximated. Control by any one temporal value in experiment I depended on its temporal separation from 100 seconds and the probability of reinforcement associated with 100 seconds. Control by any one temporal value in experiment II depended on its temporal separation from the minimum inter-reinforcement interval and 100 seconds. The results were discussed in terms of interval schedule control as a form of stimulus control. A third experiment was performed to examine possible relationships between the pause in FI performance and the subsequent scallop. The baseline condition was contaminated by a procedure which may have produced effects which overrode experimental manipulations. Finally, an experiment was suggested to demonstrate behavioral contrast along a temporal dimension. The argument that interval schedule control is a form of stimulus control rested on analogy and inference. A demonstration of behavioral contrast along a temporal dimension would demonstrate more directly that time is similar to other dimensions. Hence, the same principles could be used to explain schedule control as are used to explain stimulus control.

It has been shown that a high level of aerobic fitness is important for athletes participating in intermittent (team) sports. The majority of studies investigating the effects of traditional and sport-specific aerobic interval exercise on physiological measures and performance have involved field-based team sports. In some instances the effectiveness of sport-specific aerobic training has been questioned. To date, no study has investigated the influence of a sport-specific training approach in the sport of basketball. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a basketball specific endurance circuit on improving measures of aerobic fitness. Methods: Ten male high school basketball players, age 16.4 ± 1.2 years, ranked by fitness level and randomly assigned to a training group (N = 6) or control group (N = 4) participated in the study. The sport-specific aerobic endurance training replaced the fitness component of regular training and was performed during the competitive season. The sport-specific training consisted of interval training using a basketball specific endurance circuit, four times 4 min at 90-95% HRpeak with a 3 min recovery at 60-70% HRpeak, twice per week for 6 weeks. During this time the control group performed regular basketball training. Results: For both the training and control groups the actual mean training intensity for total training duration were 77.4 ± 2.9% HRpeak and 74.1 ± 6.7% HRpeak, respectively. The actual mean training intensity during the work intervals in the training group was 84.1 ± 2.3% HRpeak. There were no clear differences between effects of the two training approaches for measures of maximal oxygen uptake (3.3%; 90% confidence limits, ± 19.3%), running economy (-3.3%; 90% confidence limits, ± 14.2%), repeated sprint ability (0.6%; 90% confidence limits, ± 5.7%) and anaerobic power maintenance during the repeated sprints (-13.7%; 90% confidence limits, ± 49.0%). However, a clear non-trivial effect on sub-maximal heart rate was observed (-7.3%; 90% confidence limits, ± 2.0%) suggesting a beneficial training effect after training. Some evidence for attenuation of speed (-1.8 to -2.8%; 90% confidence limits, ± 3.4 to 5.7%) and power (-1.7%; 90% confidence limits, ± 17.1%) was apparent. Conclusion: Although clear changes in sub-maximal HR responses were observed in the training group, the data in the present study suggests that a basketball specific endurance circuit has little effect on other laboratory and field-based measures of aerobic fitness. In fact, the basketball specific endurance circuit may lead to reduced improvements in jumping and sprinting performances. Further research is required to clarify the effect of aerobic training approaches on basketball-specific fitness and performance.

This thesis takes its start from the identification of a gap in knowledge between the act of musical utterance and its significance for human being. Based on the proposition that music education could benefit from what it most appears to lack, a deep epistemology, the study first examines the knowledge gap as an epistemological omission in music curriculum and discourse, and then argues the case for retrieval of a logos epistemology to rectify the omission. The recovery of the meaning of the musical act, it is argued, is an ethical, biographical initiative taken up by the individual who senses the need to strive towards freedom of moral decision. Recovery consists in developing an epistemology specific to human utterance, namely, a logos epistemology. Since the logos is an original form-bestowing power whose sanctuary is the human being, it seeks and finds expression in uttered forms, and it is through fully conscious observation of one's own contribution to the emergence of these forms that one can find oneself as knower. It is significant that it is characteristic of the logos in the current era, however, that it is hidden from the (dual) perspective which humanity has taken up in its cognitive evolution. The condition of its recovery, then, is that it must be 'unconcealed' for it is obscured by its own forms, and consequently, by aesthetic and linguistic theory derived, not from efforts made towards enhanced musical experience, but inferred from the sense-perceptible elements of experience. It is argued that it is educationally responsible to cultivate the individual's latent epistemic resources, namely, self-observed, consciously directed intentionally, so that the meaning of the original experience of musical phenomena, tone and interval, can be raised to awareness, and musical culture renewed. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Data mining is increasingly becoming important tool in extracting interesting knowledge from large databases. Many industries are now using data mining tools for analysing their large collections of databases and making business decisions. Many data mining problems involve temporal aspects, with examples ranging from engineering to scientific research, finance and medicine. Temporal data mining is an extension of data mining which deals with temporal data. Mining temporal data poses more challenges than mining static data. While the analysis of static data sets often comes down to the question of data items, with temporal data there are many additional possible relations. One of the tasks in temporal data mining is the pattern discovery task, whose objective is to discover time-dependent correlations, patterns or rules between events in large volumes of data. To date, most temporal pattern discovery research has focused on events existing at a point in time rather than over a temporal interval. In comparison to static rules, mining with respect to time points provides semantically richer rules. However, accommodating temporal intervals offers rules that are richer still. This thesis addresses several issues related to the pattern discovery from interval sequence data. Despite its importance, this area of research has received relatively little attention and there are still many issues that need to be addressed. Three main issues that this thesis considers include the definition of what constitutes an interesting pattern in interval sequence data, the efficient mining for patterns in the data, and the identification of interesting patterns from a large number of discovered patterns. In order to deal with these issues, this thesis formulates the problem of discovering rules, which we term richer temporal association rules, from interval sequence databases. Furthermore, this thesis develops an efficient algorithm, ARMADA, for discovering richer temporal association rules. The algorithm does not require candidate generation. It utilizes a simple index, and only requires at most two database scans. In this thesis, a retrieval system is proposed to facilitate the selection of interesting rules from a set of discovered richer temporal association rules. To this end, a high-level query language specification, TAR-QL, is proposed to specify the criteria of the rules to be retrieved from the rule sets. Three low-level methods are developed to evaluate queries involving rule format conditions. In order to improve the performance of the methods, signature file based indexes are proposed. In addition, this thesis proposes the discovery of inter-transaction relative temporal association rules from event sequence databases.