In recent times, African drumming organisations in South Africa and worldwide have adopted group drumming as an experiential learning mechanism for facilitating interactive teambuilding within organisations so as to enhance group dynamics and build team spirit. Research conducted on drumming circles indicates that group drumming fosters a sense of community by breaking down barriers between participants and creating a space where respect and tolerance for others are valued. In light of South Africa‟s recent history of apartheid, various issues discussed as part of diversity training workshops (e.g. prejudice and negative stereotyping) remain “emotionally charged” topics which are “handled with care” by trainers in the corporate training environment. In light of this, the study aims to investigate the role of African drumming in creating an environment that encourages open and honest communication around sensitive issues in the context of diversity training. In addition, the study assesses the impact of group drumming on staff motivation, levels of participation and building a sense of community amongst participants in the context of diversity training. Primary research was conducted on a purposely-selected sample group of staff at a private Durban-based hospital scheduled to attend an innovative diversity training initiative, comprising of a short group drumming component followed by a conventional diversity training workshop. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, participant observation and focus group discussion were implemented in compiling a case study of diversity training workshops conducted at the hospital. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

The development of computer algorithms for music instrument identification and parameter extraction in digital audio signals is an active research field. A musician can listen to music and instantly identify different instruments and the timbres produced by various playing techniques. Creating software to allow computers to do the same is much more challenging. This thesis will use digital signal processing and machine learning techniques to differentiate snare drum timbres produced by different stroke positions and stroke techniques.

As aquaculture continues to expand, protein sources have become more costly and less available. Simultaneously, lipid-extracted algal meals (LEA) (co-products of bio-diesel production) are becoming increasingly available as alternative sources of energy are investigated. By integrating LEA into aquaculture diets, feed prices could be lowered and bio-diesel production would have an additional revenue stream. Three feeding trials each of 7 weeks duration were conducted to evaluate five different algal meals as partial replacements for fishmeal and soy protein concentrate in diets for juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for CP and energy in various LEAs also were determined with red drum and hybrid striped bass (HSB). In the first trial, whole algae meal and LEA derived from Navicula sp. replaced 5 or 10% of the crude protein (CP) in the reference diet. Weight gain, feed efficiency (FE), hepatosomatic index (HSI), as well as protein and energy retention were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. Algal inclusion significantly affected the ADCs of the various dietary treatments for dry matter, CP, and energy. The inclusion of ash in the form of diatomaceous earth improved digestibility of protein as well as weight gain, survival and FE. A second feeding trial evaluated LEA derived from Chlorella sp. processed at high temperatures, replacing 5, 10, 20, and 25% of the CP in the reference diet. Weight gain, FE, survival, and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly reduced at substitution levels of 20 and 25%. The third feeding trial evaluated LEA derived from Nanochloropsis salina, replacing 5, 7.5, 10, and 15% of the CP in the reference diet. Weight gain, FE, survival, and PER were significantly affected by some dietary treatments, with the 15% substitution levels causing significant reductions in performance. Intraperitoneal fat ratio and whole-body lipids were significantly lower in the fish fed the 15% substitution diet. Based on the results of these experiments, replacement of up to 10% of CP from fishmeal and soy protein concentrate with LEA was possible without causing substantial reductions in fish performance, and the whole algae product provided a more nutritious product. Red drum and HSB showed similar responses in their ability to digest CP and energy from the various algal products, although ADCs varied greatly among the different products and processing methods.

In 2006 resin accounted for approximately 17% of the direct manufacturing costs for oriented strand board (OSB). Because of their increased dependency on pMDI-resins, this percentage is likely greater for oriented strand lumber (OSL) and laminated strand lumber (LSL). The cost of PF- and pMDI-resins is expected to face upward pressure as the cost of their primary constituents, natural gas and crude oil, continue to reach new highs. Therefore, there is strong economic incentive to optimize the use of resin in the production of these three products. This can be accomplished by addressing two key issues: reducing resin wastage and optimizing resin distribution on the strands. Both issues will be overcome by focusing on the blending process, where resin is applied to the strands. This work focused on development and use of a discrete element model (DEM) for simulating strand flow in a rotary drum blender using the EDEM software package. EDEM required the input of three material and three interaction properties. Development of the model involved creating the simulated environment (i.e. physical dimensions) and assigning appropriate material and interaction properties given this environment and the assumptions that were made. This was accomplished in two steps, completing baseline bench-top experiments and a literature review to determine appropriate parameters and initial value ranges for these properties, and then fine-tuning these values based on a validation process. Using the validated model, an exploratory study was conducted to determine the effect of four blender design and operating parameters (flight height, number of flights, blender rotational speed, and blender fill level) on bulk strand flow. The results were analyzed with regards to overall trends and by focusing on two perspectives, end users and blender manufacturers. It was found that there was a strong relationship between these key parameters and bulk strand flow. These results suggest that operating parameters of a blender, namely rotational speed and tilt angle, should be linked directly to the blender feed rate to ensure an optimal blending environment is maintained. In addition, manufacturers of blenders must take into consideration the range in final operating conditions when designing and positioning flights.

Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of North Texas, 2004. / System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Accompanied by 4 recitals, recorded Mar. 25, 2002, Mar. 10, 2003, Oct. 6, 2003, and Oct. 18, 2004. Includes bibliographical references (p. 54-55).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2008. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-11, Section: A, page: 4180. Adviser: Thomas Turino. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 358-373) Available on microfilm from Pro Quest Information and Learning.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Maryland, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-125).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Montana, 2007. / Title from title screen. Description based on contents viewed Aug. 27, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 40-42).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2007. / Vita. Discusses the composer's use of the metaphors of space and perspective in his works, IN and Headspaces, the scores for which are included in the dissertation.

For over one hundred years the drum kit has been a driving force in shaping popular music, yet in popular culture the kit is not taken as seriously as other instruments, with drummer jokes abound. This hierarchy is reflected across academia and music literature, where the drum kit is least discussed amongst other instruments commonly found in popular music. Looking within the context of early jazz—one of the first styles of music the drum kit helped shape—historians and publishers were keen to ensure leading horn players told their story, while the drummers, who rarely secured similar levels of fame or recognition, had comparatively little chance to record their story. Detailed histories of the instrument are therefore scarce, incomplete, or riddled with inaccuracies and misunderstandings. This thesis presents a clear and detailed history of the instrument, from its beginnings to its early form in the mid 1930s. I then examine how the early drum kit was represented at the time through recordings, one of the most important methods of documenting how this instrument was used. Finally, I investigate how drummers performing on early drum kits today approach their playing, and how they deal with the problems identified in this thesis. In doing so I used optical character recognition (OCR) on digital archives, newspapers, interviews, magazines, catalogues and photographs from the early twentieth century, much of which has only become available in the past few years. Using these primary sources, I have constructed a reliable history and have unearthed new sources that shed light on the history and development of the instrument. Furthermore, through my own experiences and interviews of current early drum kit players, I have shown how this instrument in its early form is played, and how it differs from the instrument we know today.