Thesis (M.A.)--Indiana University, 2008. / Title from screen (viewed on August 28, 2009). Department of History, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Advisor(s): William Schneider. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-98).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-105).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 1924. / Cover title. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Neuroscience) -- University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-131).

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Στην παρούσα μεταπτυχιακή διπλωματική εργασία η κυματιδιακή ανάλυση (wavelet analysis) εφαρμόζεται σε ηλεκτροεγκεφαλικές καταγραφές μαρτύρων με επιληψία με σκοπό τη μελέτη των δυναμικών αλλαγών της ηλεκτρικής δραστηριότητας στο πεδίο του χρόνου και της συχνότητας. Συγκεκριμένα, χρησιμοποιείται ο Διακριτός Μετασχηματισμός Κυματιδίου (ΔΜΚ) το συγκριτικό πλεονέκτημα του οποίου συνίσταται στην ικανότητά του να επεξεργάζεται μη στάσιμα σήματα, όπως αυτά των ηλεκτροεγκεφαλικών καταγραφών, με βέλτιστη διακριτική ικανότητα στο πεδίο συχνότητας-χρόνου. Ο ΔΜΚ ενός σήματος αποτελεί τη δισδιάστατη αναπαράστασή του (χρόνος-συχνότητα), πάνω στην οποία μπορεί να βασιστεί ο υπολογισμός ποσοτικών δεικτών δυναμικών αλλαγών. Για το σκοπό αυτό χρησιμοποιήθηκαν δυο διαφορετικές προσεγγίσεις: α) ο καθορισμός του χρόνου και η διερεύνηση του συχνοτικού περιεχομένου οδήγησε στον προσδιορισμό μεγεθών εντροπίας και στατιστικής πολυπλοκότητας χαρακτηρίζοντας σφαιρικά το σήμα και β) ο καθορισμός του συχνοτικού περιεχομένου και, ξεχωριστά για κάθε εύρος συχνοτήτων, η διερεύνηση στο χρόνο επέτρεψε τον υπολογισμό ενός στατιστικού μεγέθους απόστασης, της απόκλισης κατά Jensen-Shannon (JSD) χαρακτηρίζοντας τοπικά το σήμα. Η αντιπαραβολή των αποτελεσμάτων αποκαλύπτει μείωση της εντροπίας με σύγχρονη αύξηση της πολυπλοκότητας συνηγορώντας υπέρ μιας κατάστασης υψηλής τάξης και οργάνωσης κατά τη διάρκεια της επιληπτικής κρίσης. Επιπλέον, το μέτρο απόστασης JSD αναδεικνύει μορφολογικές διαφοροποιήσεις, χαρακτηριστικές των διαφόρων σταδίων της κρίσης για τους φυσιολογικούς ρυθμούς του εγκεφάλου δ, θ, α, β και γ. / In this project wavelet analysis is applied to EEG signals of epileptic subjects for the estimation of dynamical changes of the electrical activity in time and frequency. To this end, the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) was used. The DWT of 1D-signal provides a 2D- representation (time-frequency plane), which can be used to define useful quantifiers for characterization of dynamical changes. In particular, two different approaches were used: a) fixing the time and scanning the plane on the frequency-coordinate. Wavelet coefficients at all considered frequency bands were used for definition of entropy and statistical complexity quantifiers. They provide a global description of the signal dynamical changes taken into account the interrelation of all the frequency bands contained in the signal and b) fixing the frequency and scanning in the time-coordinates. Wavelet coefficients corresponding to a given time interval were used to define the Jensen-Shannon divergence JSD, a statistical distance measure. They, in turn, provide a local description of the frequency band dynamical changes. In the first case, the decrease of entropy in association to the increase of complexity during seizure reflected the presence of brain states that are characterized by both order and maximal complexity during the epileptic seizures. Furthermore, the study of JSD in each frequency band separately revealed morphological and dynamical changes (brain rhythms δ, θ, α, β and γ) that can be matched to time instants typical of the transitions between the different stages of the epileptic seizure.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study project provides an overview of the frequency and quality of reporting on epilepsy in the South African press and the role this plays in destigmatising the condition. It is introduced by a comprehensive background study, after which articles published in the country's leading newspapers during the period 2000 to 2002 are analysed. The perceptions of members of the public and medical doctors are examined by means of interviews and questionnaires, as part of an effort to determine how coverage of epilepsy is currently being handled. Suggestions on how the quality of information on epilepsy and the distribution thereof may be improved are also made. The conclusion is that newspaper coverage of epilepsy in South Africa is largely inadequate. During the above-mentioned period very few articles on epilepsy were published. Those that did appear, were mostly news items. There was a serious lack of investigative reporting. Dramatic headlines accompanying certain articles did not lead to greater understanding of the condition. At times reporting was even clearly irresponsible. The press should be an instrument to inform epilepsy patients, their families and their communities, and to guard against stigmatising. Science journalists should report clearly and thoroughly and be fully informed about their chosen subject. The study indicates a need for a greater focus on science by the press. Newspapers should provide training for science journalists and ensure that reporters are aware of the latest developments in the field of science and technology. More experts, like doctors, neurologists, and board members of organisations (like Epilepsy South Africa) should be involved in the writing of articles. Epilepsy is far more common than is generally believed, but many epilepsy patients hide their condition for fear of discrimination. As a result, they do not receive the help and support they are entitled to. In poor and disadvantaged communities epilepsy sufferers are still viewed with distrust and suspicion. It is the duty of the press to throw light on the condition and to keep focusing on it, so that fear and ignorance may be replaced with facts and information. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie werkstuk bied 'n oorsig van die frekwensie en gehalte van die Suid-Afrikaanse pers se beriggewing oor epilepsie en die rol wat dit speel in die destigmatisering van die toestand. Dit word ingelei deur 'n breedvoerige agtergrondstudie, waarná berigte wat gedurende die tydperk 2000 tot 2002 in die land se belangrikste koerante verskyn het, ontleed word. Die persepsies van lede van die publiek en medici word ondersoek deur middel van onderhoude en vraelyste, as deel van 'n poging om vas te stel hoe beriggewing oor epilepsie tans hanteer word. Voorstelle word ook gemaak oor hoe die kwaliteit van inligting oor epilepsie en die verspreiding daarvan verbeter kan word. Die gevolgtrekking is dat verslaggewing oor epilepsie in Suid-Afrika grotendeels onvoldoende is. In die genoemde tydperk het weinig artikels oor epilepsie in koerante verskyn. Dié wat wel gepubliseer is, was meestal nuusberigte, en daar was slegs enkele ondersoekende artikels. Dramatiese opskrifte by sommige artikels was nie tot voordeel van groter begrip oor die toestand nie. Soms was verslaggewing selfs onverantwoordelik. Die pers behoort 'n instrument te wees om epilepsielyers, hul families en hul gemeenskappe in te lig en stigmatisering te bestry. Wetenskapjoernaliste behoort deeglik en duidelik verslag te doen en ten volle ingelig te wees oor hul gekose onderwerp. Die studie dui op 'n behoefte aan 'n groter fokus op die wetenskappe in die pers. Koerante behoort opleiding te verskaf aan wetenskap-joernaliste en seker te maak dat verslaggewers op hoogte is van die nuutste verwikkelinge op wetenskap- en tegnologiegebied. Meer kundiges, soos dokters, neuroloë, bestuurslede van organisasies (soos Epilepsie Suid-Afrika) en epilepsielyers, moet betrek word by die skryf van artikels. Epilepsie kom baie meer voor as wat algemeen bekend is, maar uit vrees vir diskriminasie verswyg baie epilepsielyers hul toestand. Gevolglik kry hulle nie die hulp en bystand waarop hulle geregtig is nie. In arm en agtergeblewe gemeenskappe is daar steeds groot wantroue en agterdog jeens epileptici. Die pers het 'n plig om die toestand in die kollig te plaas en dit daar te hou, sodat vrees en onkunde deur feite en inligting besweer kan word.

abstract: Epilepsy is a chronic illness impacting the lives of over 300,000 children nationally. Sexson and Madan-Swain offer a theory that addresses successful school reentry in children that are chronically ill. Their theory posits that successful school reentry is influenced by school personnel with appropriate attitudes, training experiences, and by factors relating to the child's illness. The parents of 74 students, between second and twelfth grades, completed a questionnaire addressing their child's epilepsy and their current level of seizure control. Each child's homeroom teacher also completed a survey regarding their training experiences about epilepsy and their attitudes towards individuals with epilepsy. Additional information was gathered from the child's school regarding attendance rates, most recent Terra Nova test scores (a group achievement test), and special education enrollment status. Data were analyzed via four multiple regression analyses and one logistic regression analysis. It was found that seizure control was a significant predictor for attendance, academic achievement (i.e., mathematics, writing, and reading), and special education enrollment. Additionally, teachers' attitudes towards epilepsy were a significant predictor of academic achievement (writing and reading) and special education enrollment. Teacher training experience was not a significant predictor in any of the analyses. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Educational Psychology 2011