A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science. 11/30/2013. / A variety of mass movement and depositional geomorphic phenomena in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park have been described in the literature over the past few decades, yet notably, the prominent rockfalls remain understudied. The objective of the MSc study is to undertake detailed mapping of the GGHNP rockfalls, and in so doing ascertain a better understanding of their macro-morphologies, associated spatial-size dynamics and relationships to lithology, using both field-based and desktop image processing techniques. Ground truthing, using the highest possible resolution achievable through differential GPS (DGPS) and field measurements with an accuracy of cm to mm, serves to quantify the accuracy of mapping rockfall phenomena through 0.5 m GSD colour aerial imagery. In addition, field measurements are used as inputs for feature extraction, such that rockfalls associated with the Clarens, Elliot and Molteno Formation Sandstones may be defined using object orientated classification techniques. The dimensions, orientation and absolute coordinates of rockfalls for select representative sites were captured using both field based and desktop techniques. The rockfall coordinates were taken at the midpoint of each measured rock using a DGPS, with an accuracy of ~ 2 cm on the x, y and z axis. Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA) of Clarens and Molteno Fm. rockfalls was performed successfully using ground-truthed rockfall measurements to guide the creation of segmentation and classification rulesets. Multiple linear regression modelling can be used to model rockfall characteristics from ground-truthing with remotely sensed imagery, albeit to a very limited extent. Elliot Formation rockfalls could not be mapped and analysed mainly due to resolution limitations. Uni- and bi-variate statistics show promise in interpreting rockfall distribution and weighting with environmental variables derived from a DEM and geological vector. Point density analyses found that for the entire GGHNP ~2 and ~4 rockfalls are found per Km² of Clarens and Molteno Formation rockfall areas

<div>Vocal fold scarring is the fibrotic manifestation of most common pathological voice disorders. Voice disorders lead to direct healthcare costs of over $200 million annually and significantly reduce quality of life for patients. Despite advances in understanding the pathophysiology of vocal fold scarring, effective treatments for scarring and fibrosis remain elusive. The wound-healing cascade associated with vocal fold injury involves complex signaling interactions between cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM), which remain largely unexplored due to the lack of a physiologically relevant preclinical model to study them. Traditional preclinical models do not capture the complex 3D microenvironment of the vocal folds, and the use of stem cells or fibroblasts alone in models has resulted in poor reproducibility and predictability of in vitro models. Toward this end, this work describes the development of a preclinical model that strives to take into account cellular interactions between fibroblasts and epithelial cells and achieve a balance in the native vocal fold 3D environment to function as an in vitro model.</div><div><br></div><div>Since a major shortcoming of current in vitro models is the lack of a standardized epithelial fibroblast coculture, initial work focused on developing a coculture system between commercially available tracheal epithelial cells and vocal fold fibroblasts in an in vitro setting that would provide more accurate information about the disease pathophysiology and help design better targeted treatments. We designed a healthy and disease state coculture model that can be induced into a fibroplastic state to overexpress stress fibers using TGFβ1. We also demonstrated that both cell types maintained phenotype in the healthy and disease state coculture models.</div><div><br></div><div>To further transfer this model in a physiologically relevant 3D system, follow-up research characterized 3D matrices to mimic the native ECM of the vocal folds by using natural biomimetic materials found in the vocal folds such as hyaluronic acid, type I collagen, and type III collagen. We hypothesized that the ability to control the viscoelastic and structuralcharacteristics of the scaffold in combination with presenting relevant biological cues to cells will result in a better biomimetic scaffold. This research is expected to lay effective groundwork for developing a functional tissue engineered 3D coculture model that retains the reproducibility necessary to serve as a viable diagnostic and therapeutic screening platform.</div>

Origami-based design is increasing in popularity as its benefits and advantages become better understood and explored. However, many opportunities still exist for the application of origami principles to engineered designs, especially in the use of non-paper, thick sheet materials. One specific area utilizing thick sheet materials that is especially promising is origami-based mechanisms that require electrical power transfer applications. Many of these opportunities can be met by the use of surrogate folds. This thesis provides methods and frameworks that can be used by engineers to efficiently select and design surrogate folds for use in origami-based mechanisms and products. Surrogate folds are a means of achieving fold-like behavior, offering a simple method for achieving folding motions in thicker materials. A surrogate fold is a localized reduction in stiffness in a given direction allowing the material to function like a fold. A family of surrogate folds is reviewed, and the respective behaviors of the folds discussed. For a specified fold configuration, the material thickness is varied to yield different sizes of surrogate folds. Constraint assumptions drive the design, and the resultant configurations are compared for bending motions. Finite element and analytical models for the folds are also compared. Prototypes are made from different materials. This work creates a base for creating design guidelines for using surrogate folds in thick sheet materials. As mechanisms with origami-like movement increase in popularity, there is a need for conducting electrical power across folds. Surrogate folds can be used to address this need. Current methods and opportunities for conducting across folds are reviewed. A framework for designing conductive surrogate folds that can be adapted to fit specific applications is presented. Equations for calculating the electrical resistance in single surrogate folds as well as arrays are given. Prototypes of several conductive joints are presented and discussed. The framework is then followed in the design and manufacture of a conductive origami-inspired mechanism.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 104-108).

The Cienega Gap area, located about 27 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona, has long been noted for its structural complexity. Discordances between sedimentary rocks of Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic age and between these rocks and their granitic basement have led previous workers to propose large -scale northward thrusting in an effort to explain the complex structures observed. An alternative hypothesis invoking southward gliding has been considered by several authors but has been assigned a subordinate role in explaining the deformation. The present study was undertaken in an effort to evaluate the relative suitability of dominantly northward versus dominantly southward movement. In the course of this study nine separate localities were examined and mapped in detail in an effort to evaluate movement direction. Evidence of displacement on low -angle faults or glide surfaces was found in each of the areas examined, and definite evidence of movement direction was recognized in five of these. Large-scale recumbent folding, previously unrecognized in the Colossal Cave and Agua Verde Wash areas, was found to be closely related to local uplift. The asymmetry of the folds, plus a very few observed offsets marginal to the uplifts, were the only criteria found for determining the direction of movement. Evidence of northward, southward, and nearly westward movement was found in the course of the study. Areas in the northern Empire Mountains south of Cienega Gap gave evidence of west – northwestward and northward movement. Areas in the southern Rincon Mountains north of Cienega Gap were found to have undergone dominantly southward movement. Involvement of the Pantano Formation in several of the localities suggests that deformation occurred at least as late as early Oligocene time and probably after middle Miocene time. Cienega Gap was therefore the focus of movement for material which was moving laterally away from areas undergoing uplift in Tertiary time.

This thesis documents the creation of a three-dimensional model of the larynx. The focus is on synthesizing the movement and appearance of laryngeal and pharyngeal sounds, with the intention of elucidating the physiological performance required of the larynx to produce these articulations. The model serves three primary purposes: the analysis of laryngeal articulation, an interactive tool for learning about linguistically relevant anatomy, and a foundation for future modeling developments such as acoustic synthesis. There are two methodological topics of discussion concerning the techniques used to generate the three-dimensional model of the larynx. The first concerns the morphological aspect of the laryngeal architecture. Laryngeal structures were segmented from a series of histological images using a process known as vertex tracing to generate wire-frame computer representations, or meshes, of the laryngeal structures featured in the model. The meshes were then carefully placed within the three-dimensional space used to generate a scene of the larynx that could be rendered and presented to the user of the program. Frame hierarchies, an organization scheme for vertices, were imposed on flexible tissue meshes to attach and manipulate various moving structures found in the larynx. Finally, basic mechanical features of laryngeal movement derived from research into the biomechanics of laryngeal physiology were implemented. The second methodological topic pertains to the analysis of laryngoscopic videos to obtain data that describes the movement patterns used to generate the laryngeal and pharyngeal articulations of interest. There are three image analysis techniques applied to the laryngoscopy. The first uses normal speed laryngoscopy to assess end-state articulations, by comparing various geometrical aspects of laryngeal landmarks as they differ between the maximally open setting (used for deep inspiration), and the articulatory target setting. With this technique, various phonation types and segmental articulations are assessed using videos of a phonetician carefully performing the articulations. Some comparison of these articulations to their analogues in the speech of native speakers from various languages is made for the sake of illustration and verification. The second image analysis technique used is applied to high-speed laryngoscopic video of aryepiglottic trilling, which is an important function of the laryngeal constrictor mechanism. The left and right aryepiglottic apertures during trilling are analyzed using binary-conversion and area measurement. The third technique takes the same high-speed laryngoscopic video of aryepiglottic trilling and extracts motion vectors between frame pairs to characterize the directionality and magnitude of motion occurring for each of the folds. Using the image analysis data, model movements are constrained and synchronized to recreate the articulations observed in the laryngoscopic videos. One of the major innovations of this model is a biomechanical simulation of aryepiglottic fold trilling, based primarily upon the data collected from the high-speed laryngoscopic videos. Overall the model represents one of the first attempts to visually recreate laryngeal articulatory function in a way that is dynamic and interactive. Future work will involve dynamic acoustic synthesis for laryngeal states represented by the model.

Copies of author's previously published articles inserted. / Bibliography : leaves 179-196. / v, 196, [43] leaves : ill. (some col.), maps ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Late-orogenic magmas are common to many foldbelts, suggesting a causal link between this thermal pulse and the cessation of deformation. An investigation of such a late-orgenic magnetic suite is made in the southern Adelaide Foldbelt. The suite is biomodal with mafic dykes and plutons accompanied by high-silica granites and rhyolites. It is argued that these mafic and felsic intrusives are both thermally and compositionally related. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, 1992

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / verify and correlate the acoustic vocal modifications of filter and glottal source, perceptual hearing, laryngeal, sound pressure level (SPL) and self-reported vocal sensations, after the phonation in a glass tube immersed in water (PGTIW), on adult women. Methods: observational study cross-sectional quantitative analytical, composed of 24 adult women, with ages between 18 and 40 years (average 23,04 years), without laryngeal affections (LA) and without vocal complaints, being 12 in the study group (SG) and 12 in the control group (CG). In the EG was held the collection of the vowel /a:/, measure of SPL, videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS), execution of the technique of PGTIW in three sets of the 15 repetitions and, immediately after, the collect of vowel /a:/, measure of SPL, VLS and reporting of sensations in relation to voice. In the CG, the same procedures were performed, but instead the implementation of technical, the volunteers remained in silence. Was performed vocal acoustic analysis with the programs Multi Dimension Voice Program Advanced and Real Time Spectrogram (Kay Pentax®). Judges speech therapyst performed the analysis of spectrographies, with specific protocol and hearing perceptual with the RASAT scale and judges otolaryngologists performed the analysis of the VLS. It was used the statistical tests Wilcoxon, Chi-square and Spearman. Results: On the SG: improvement of the smoothed pitch perturbation quotient (sPPQ), voice turbulence index (VTI), Shimmer percentage (Shim) and Shimmer in dB (ShdB); improvement of breathiness in RASATI; increase of the tracing darkening of the fourth formant, the definition of the first formant, the definition and the number of harmonics; increase the SPL and sensation better voice; in the VLS, the laryngeal vestibule constriction did not change significantly. Positive correlation between sensation better voice and the definition of the second and third formants and regularity the tracing; between measures of Shimmer and breathiness; between the fundamental frequency and maximum instability. Conclusion: in the group of women without laryngeal disorders and without vocal complaints studied, the technique generated a reduction of of vibration glottal aperiodicity and the noise, with consequent improvement of the glottal signal. In VLS, the laryngeal vestibule constriction did not change significantly, this suggests that the technique does not cause laryngeal hypertension. / verificar e correlacionar as modificações vocais acústicas de filtro e de fonte glótica, perceptivoauditivas, laríngeas, nível de pressão sonora (NPS) e sensações vocais autorrelatadas após a fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água (FTVIA), em mulheres adultas. Métodos: estudo observacional transversal analítico quantitativo, composto por 24 mulheres adultas, com idades entre 18 e 40 anos (média 23,04 anos), sem afecções laríngeas (AL) e sem queixas vocais, sendo 12 do grupo de estudo (GE) e 12 do grupo de controle (GC). No GE, realizou-se a coleta da vogal /a:/, medida do NPS, videolaringoestroboscopia (VLE), execução da técnica de FTVIA em três séries de 15 repetições e, imediatamente após, a coleta da vogal /a:/, medida do NPS, VLE e relato de sensações em relação à voz. No GC, os mesmos procedimentos foram realizados, porém, ao invés da execução da técnica, as voluntárias permaneceram em silêncio. Realizou-se a análise acústica vocal com os programas Multi Dimension Voice Program Advanced e Real Time Spectrogram (Kay Pentax®). Juízas fonoaudiólogas realizaram a análise das espectrografias, com protocolo específico e perceptivoauditiva com a escala RASATI, e juízes otorrinolaringologistas realizaram a análise da VLE. Utilizaram-se os testes estatísticos Wilcoxon, Qui-quadrado e Spearman. Resultados: no GE: melhora do quociente de perturbação do pitch suavizado (sPPQ), índice de turbulência vocal (VTI), Shimmer percentual (Shim) e Shimmer em dB (ShdB); da soprosidade na RASATI; do escurecimento do traçado do quarto formante, da definição do primeiro formante, da definição e do número de harmônicos; aumento do NPS e da sensação de voz melhor; na VLE: a constrição do vestíbulo laríngeo não se alterou significativamente. Correlação positiva entre a sensação de voz melhor e a definição do segundo e terceiro formantes e regularidade do traçado; entre medidas de Shimmer e soprosidade; entre frequência fundamental máxima e instabilidade. Conclusão: no grupo de mulheres sem afecções laríngeas e sem queixas vocais estudado, a técnica gerou redução da aperiodicidade da vibração glótica e do ruído, com aumento da energia harmônica e consequente melhora do sinal glótico; maior NPS, ressonância e projeção vocal, melhorando as sensações subjetivas à produção vocal; na VLE, a não alteração da constrição do vestíbulo laríngeo sugere que a técnica não provoca hipertensão laríngea.

La parole et le chant ont une importance capitale dans la culture humaine. Cependant les phénomènes physiques de production et de contrôle de la voix sont encore mal compris, et leurs paramètres mal connus, principalement en raison de la difficulté d'y accéder in vivo. Dans le modèle source-filtre simplifié, la source sonore est produite par l'oscillation des plis vocaux à une fréquence fondamentale et ses multiples ; les résonances du conduit vocal filtrent l'enveloppe spectrale du signal pour produire des voyelles. Dans cette thèse, les propriétés de la source et du filtre sont étudiées et une expérience in vitro examine l'influence du filtre sur la source. L'influence des paramètres de contrôle aérodynamiques ou mécaniques sur la fréquence fondamentale est étudiée ex vivo en utilisant des larynx humains excisés. Quatre types de discontinuités ou d'hystérésis sont observés. En dehors de ces zones de bifurcation, la fréquence fondamentale est approximativement proportionnelle à la racine carrée de la pression sous-glottique, ce qui a des implications pour le chant et de la parole, en particulier dans les langues tonales. De plus, le flux d'air qui traverse la glotte provoque un rétrécissement du conduit aryépiglottique sous l'effet de forces de pression aérodynamique, et peut initier l'oscillation des plis ventriculaires et/ou aryépiglottiques sans contrôle musculaire. L'impédance acoustique de conduits vocaux fut mesurée in vivo sur un intervalle de9 octaves en fréquence et de 80 dB en amplitude, avec la glotte fermée puis pendant la phonation. Les fréquences, amplitudes et largeurs de bande des résonances acoustiques et des résonances mécaniques des tissus autour du conduit vocal sont estimées. Lorsque la glotte est fermée, les largeurs de bande et les pertes d'énergie correspondantes dans le conduit vocal sont largement supérieures aux pertes viscothermiques d'un cylindre rigide lisse, et sont encore plus importantes pendant la phonation. En utilisant un modèle simple de conduit vocal et les mesures effectuées en inspirant, des résonances acoustiques du système sous-glottique sont également estimées. Les effets possibles de la charge aéroacoustique du filtre sur la source sont mis en évidence dans une expérience sur une maquette de plis vocaux constituée de boudins de latex remplis d'eau couplés à un tuyau rigide. La modification de la charge acoustique en aval des plis vocaux, par insertion d'une paille à l'extrémité du conduit, modifie la fréquence fondamentale de vibration des plis. Ce résultat est discuté dans le contexte des méthodes de rééducation orthophonique à la paille couramment utilisées en thérapie de la parole. / Speech and singing are of enormous importance to human culture, yet the physics that underlies the production and control of the voice is incompletely understood, and its parameters not well known, mainly due to the difficulty of accessing them in vivo. In the simplified but well-accepted source-filter model, non-linear vocal fold oscillation produces a sound source at a fundamental frequency and its multiples, the resonances of the vocal tract filter the spectral envelope of the sound to produce voice formants. In this thesis, both source and tract properties are studied experimentally and an in vitro experiment investigates how the filter can affect the source. The control of fundamental frequency by either air supply or mechanical control parameters is investigated ex vivo using excised human larynges. All else equal, and excluding the four types of discontinuity or hysteresis observed, the fundamental frequency was found to be proportional to the square root of subglottal pressure, which has implications for singing and speech production, particularly in tonal languages. Additionally, airflow through the glottis causes a narrowing of the aryepiglottic tube and can initiate ventricular and/or aryepiglottic fold oscillation without muscular control. The acoustic impedance of the vocal tract was measured in vivo over a range of 9 octaves and 80 dB dynamic range with the glottis closed and during phonation. The frequencies, magnitudes and bandwidths were measured for the acoustic and for the mechanical resonances of the surrounding tissues. The bandwidths and the energy losses in the vocal tract that cause them were found to be five-fold higher than the viscothermal losses of a dry, smooth rigid cylinder, and to increase during phonation. Using a simple vocal tract model and measurements during inhalation, the subglottal system resonances were also estimated. The possible effects of the filter on the source are demonstrated in an experiment on a water-filled latex vocal fold replica: changing the aero-acoustic load of the model tract by inserting a straw at the model lips changes the fundamental frequency. This result is discussed in the context of straw phonation used in speech therapy.

Cette thèse présente la conception, la fabrication et la commande d’un microrobot parallèle à deux Degrés de liberté (rotations θ1 et θ 2) qui est dédié pour la microchirurgie laser des cordes vocales.Ce travail a été développé dans le cadre du projet européen “Micro-Technologies and Systems for Robot-Assisted Laser Phonomicrosurgery” intitulé μRALP. D’une part, les aspects médicaux et biologiques ont permis d’extraire un cahier des charges pour le microrobot. D’autre part, l’ état de l’art a permis d’identifier et d’apporter une solution aux verrous technologiques pour satisfaire toutes les requêtes. Ce travail a proposé le développement de deux microrobots indépendants avec des structures parallèles. Bien qu’ayant le même objectif qui consiste à guider deux faisceaux lasers de manière précise vers les cordes vocales, chaque microrobot aune structure cinématique différente. Un miroir placé sur la plateforme de chacun des microrobots permet le guidage des faisceaux, en effectuant la réflexion et le changement de direction. La technique“Smart Composite Microstructures” a été utilisée pour microfabriquer les deux microrobots. En outre, les mouvements ont été réalisés grâce a à l’utilisation d’actionneurs piézoélectriques. Enfin, la précision attendue par la chirurgie des cordes vocales a été atteinte en associant la commande par asservissement visuel et la pré-compensation des non linéarités et des oscillations mal amorties / This thesis reports the design, fabrication and control of a parallel microrobot with two degrees offreedom in rotation, that is destined to perform laser microsurgery on vocal folds. This work has beendeveloped in the frame and in the context of the European project Micro-Technologies and Systemsfor Robot-Assisted Laser Phonomicrosurgery entitled μRALP.On the one hand, needs and limits of medical aspects have been abstracted to create the microrobotspecifications. On the other hand, the state-of-the-art has identified the technological stumblingblocks and has allowed to led to our proposition to satisfy the specifications. This work has envisagedthe fabrication of two independent parallel microrobotic structures. Each proposed microrobot hasa different kinematic structure, however they have the same objective that is to guide a laser beamonto the vocal folds. To this purpose, a mirror is placed on the end-effector of both microrobots inorder to reflect and guide the laser beam. Smart Composite Microstructures fabrication techniquewas used to fabricate the two microrobots. Moreover, piezoelectric cantilever actuators have beenused to generate the required rotations. Finally, the expected precision for laser microsurgery of thevocal folds was reached by coupling the feedforward compensation of nonlinearities and vibrations ofthe actuators with visual feedback control of the parallel kinematic mechanism.