Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Summary function'

This paper presents the synthesis of all the response functions computed on Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Carrière in Morocco. More than a thousand tree-ring width series collected in 40 sites have been used. At every site, a distinction has been made between young adult trees and old adult trees. Response functions have been calculated on the mean raw ring widths by using the multiple linear regression model of Guiot (Guiot et al. 1982). Among the variables selected to determine the response of Cedrus to climate, the precipitation of autumn and winter and the temperature of January, April, August and September play the leading part in explaining the ring-width variations.

[Formulae and special characters can only be approximated here. Please see the pdf version of the abstract for an accurate reproduction.] This thesis is a new proposal for analysing spatial point patterns in spatial statistics using the outputs of popular techniques of (classical, non-spatial, multivariate) cluster analysis. The outputs of a chosen hierarchical algorithm, named fusion distances, are applied to investigate important spatial characteristics of a given point pattern. The fusion distances may be regarded as a missing link between the fields of spatial statistics and multivariate cluster analysis. Up to now, these two fields have remained rather separate because of fundamental differences in approach. It is shown that fusion distances are very good at discriminating different types of spatial point patterns. A detailed study on the power of the Monte Carlo test under the null hypothesis of Complete Spatial Randomness (the benchmark of spatial statistics) against chosen alternative models is also conducted. For instance, the test (based on the fusion distance) is very powerful for some arbitrary values of the parameters of the alternative. A new general approach is developed for analysing a given point pattern using several graphical techniques for exploratory data analysis and inference. The new strategy is applied to univariate and multivariate point patterns. A new extension of a popular strategy in spatial statistics, named the analysis of the local configuration, is also developed. This new extension uses the fusion distances, and analyses a localised neighbourhood of a given point of the point pattern. New spatial summary function and statistics, named the fusion distance function H(t), area statistic A, statistic S, and spatial Rg index, are introduced, and proven to be useful tools for identifying relevant features of spatial point patterns. In conclusion, the new methodology using the outputs of hierarchical clustering algorithms can be considered as an essential complement to the existing approaches in spatial statistics literature.

The aim of the article to demonstrate the necessity of a critical view on the construct of «competence» because of semantic and epistemic gaps. The analysis of the historical evolution of «competence» clarifies its origin and meanings. The epistemological analysis identifies the principle of efficiency as the basis of competence and also of programming and organization of educational process, based on this approach. The result of this double analysis highlights the intrinsic limits of the educational approach by competencies putting it in question.
El objetivo del artículo es mostrar la necesidad de una visión crítica del «constructocompetencia», que actualmente carece de una aclaración semántica y epistémica. Mediante el análisis de la evolución histórica de «competencia» se explica su origen y sus significados. A través el análisis epistemológico se identifica el principio de eficiencia como fundamento del constructo competencia y asimismo de la programación y organización del proceso educativo por competencias. El resultado de este doble análisis evidencia los límites intrínsecos que oculta el modelo educativo por competencias, poniendo en cuestión su conformidad a los propósitos de la educación integral.
O objetivo do artigo é mostrar a necessidade de uma visão crítica do construçãode competência, já que este construção carece de uma explicitação semântica e epistemológica. A análise da evolução histórica da «competência» nos esclarece seu origina e seus significados. A análise epistemológica identifica o princípio da eficiência como fundamento do constructo  competência e também da programação e organização do processo educativo baseado da nesta abordagem. O resultado da esta dupla análise evidencia limites intrínsecos que oculta a abordagem educacional por competências.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
This dissertation aims to analyze and propose a new adaptation of Summaê to the IFG - Câmpus Luziânia, with the aim of reducing the high rate of reprobation in Mathematics of the first year students of the Technical Courses Integrated to High School in Buildings, Computer Science and Chemistry. Summaê is a playful game of questions and answers and is inserted in one of the active methodologies idealized by Professor Ricardo Fragelli. The adaptation of the original proposal of the Summaê was for the content of exponential and logarithmic functions, where they present different situations and natural phenomena that are part of our daily life, such as: Half-life, rates of proportional variations, compound interest and intensity of a sound. It should be emphasized that the use of games can promote different teaching situations, presenting a mathematical language as well as formal mathematical concepts, as well as associating theory and practice in the subjects addressed.
Esta dissertação objetiva analisar e propor uma nova adaptação do Summaê para o IFG - Câmpus Luziânia, com o intuito de reduzir o alto índice de reprovação em Matemática dos alunos do primeiro ano dos Cursos Técnicos Integrados ao Ensino Médio em Edificações, Informática e Química. O Summaê é um jogo lúdico de perguntas e respostas e está inserido em uma das metodologias ativas idealizadas pelo professor Ricardo Fragelli. A adaptação da proposta original do Summaê foi para o conteúdo de funções exponencial e logarítmica, onde as mesmas apresentam diversas situações e fenômenos naturais que fazem parte do nosso dia a dia, como por exemplo: Meia vida, taxas de variações proporcionais, juros compostos e intensidade de um som. Convém salientar que, o uso de jogos pode promover diversas situações de ensino, apresentando uma linguagem matemática e também conceitos matemáticos formais, e ainda, associar teoria e prática nos assuntos abordados.

Almost one-half of the annual precipitation in the southwestern United States occurs during the North American monsoon (NAM). Given favorable synoptic-scale conditions, organized monsoon thunderstorms may affect relatively large geographic areas. Through an objective analysis of atmospheric reanalysis and observational data, the dominant synoptic patterns associated with NAM extreme events are determined for the period from 1993 to 2010. Thermodynamically favorable extreme-weather-event days are selected on the basis of atmospheric instability and precipitable water vapor from Tucson, Arizona, rawinsonde data. The atmospheric circulation patterns at 500 hPa associated with the extreme events are objectively characterized using principal component analysis. The first two dominant modes of 500-hPa geopotential-height anomalies of the severe-weather-event days correspond to type-I and type-II severe-weather-event patterns previously subjectively identified by Maddox et al. These patterns reflect a positioning of the monsoon ridge to the north and east or north and west, respectively, from its position in the "Four Corners" region during the period of the climatological maximum of monsoon precipitation from mid-July to mid-August. An hourly radar gauge precipitation product shows evidence of organized, westward-propagating convection in Arizona during the type-I and type-II severe weather events. This new methodological approach for objectively identifying severe weather events may be easily adapted to inform operational forecasting or analysis of gridded climate data.

Background: Antimicrobial-resistant infections result in hospital stays costing between $18,000 and $29,000. As of 2009, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer upgrade payments for hospital-acquired infections. Hospital epidemiologists monitor and document rates of individual resistant microbes in antibiogram reports. Overall summary measures capturing resistance within a hospital may be useful. Objectives: We applied four techniques (L1- and L2-principal component analysis (PCA), desirability functions, and simple summary) to create summary measures of resistance and described the four summary measures with respect to reliability, proportion of variance explained, and clinical utility. Methods: We requested antibiograms from hospitals participating in the University HealthSystem Consortium for the years 2002–2008 (n=40). A clinical team selected organism-drug resistant pairs (as resistant isolates per 1,000 patient days) based on 1) virulence, 2) complicated or toxic therapies, 3) transmissibility, and 4) high incidence with increasing levels of resistance. Four methods were used to create summary scores: 1) L1- and L2-PCA: derived multipliers so that the variance explained is maximized; 2) desirability function: transformed resistance data to be between 0 and 1; 3) simple sum: each resistance rate was added and divided by the square root of the total number of microbes summed. Simple correlation analyses between time and each summary score evaluated reliability. For each year, we calculated the proportion of explained variance by dividing each summary score’s variance by the variance in the original data. Clinical utility was checked by comparing the trends for all of the individual microbe’s resistance rates to the trends seen in the summary scores for each hospital. Results: Proportion of variance explained by L1- and L2-PCA and the simple sum was 0.61, 0.62, and 0.29 respectively. Simple sum and L1- and L2-PCA summary scores best followed the trends seen in the individual antimicrobial resistance rates; trends in desirability function scores deviated from those seen in individual trends of antimicrobial resistance. L1- and L2-PCA summary scores were more influenced by MRSA rates, and the simple sum score was less influenced. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed good reliability through time. Conclusion: Deriving summary measures of antimicrobial resistance can be reliable over time and explain a high proportion of variance. Infection control practitioners and hospital epidemiologists may find the inclusion of a summary score of antimicrobial resistance beneficial in describing the trends of overall resistance in their yearly antibiogram reports.

This study investigated the achievement of gifted students on mathematics problems that were designed to assess both conceptual and procedural knowledge of polynomial functions, and it attempted to determine the impact of the students? mathematical belief systems on this achievement. The students were enrolled in a three-week Algebra II course at a summer program for gifted mathematics students. Data sources were belief scales, in-class examinations, and in-depth interviews. Qualitative and quantitative analyses indicated that the students were able to make a variety of connections among concepts related to polynomials and functions, and they easily applied their mathematical knowledge to real world phenomena. The participants suffered, however, from several misconceptions relating to the understanding of the roles of the independent and dependent variables in functions. They also struggled with the concept of symmetry and how it relates to polynomial functions. Statistical analyses suggested that belief systems were correlated with achievement, but the conclusions from this study were ambiguous since the correlations were unexpectedly negative. Through its identification of potential conceptual difficulties that gifted students may encounter in their learning of polynomial functions, this study suggested specific topics that teachers of gifted students should consider when planning their instructional activities.

Complex spatial relationships and patterns in multivariate data are relatively simple to identify visually but di cult to detect computation- ally. For this reason, Anivis, an interactive tool for visual exploration of multivariate quantitative pure serial periodic data was developed. The data has four dimensions depth, laterality, frequency and time. The data was visualized as an animated heatmap, by mapping depth and laterality to coordinates in a pixel grid and frequency to color. Transfer functions were devised to map a single variable to color through parametric curves. Anivis implemented heatmap generation through both weighted sum and deconvolution for comparison reasons. Deconvolution exhibited a to have better theoretical and practical performance. In addition to the heatmap visualization a scatter-plot was added in order to visualize the causal relationships between data points and high value areas in the heatmap visualization. Performance and applicability of the tool were tested and verified on experimental data from the Karolinksa Institute’s Department of Neuroscience.
Komplexa spatiala mo ̈nster och fo ̈rh ̊allanden i multivariat data a ̈r rel- ativt sv ̊ara att identifiera via bera ̈kningar men simpla att identifiera vi- suellt. Att visualisera data fo ̈r denna typ av data-analys anva ̈nds ofta i m ̊anga olika typer av fa ̈lt. Detta motiverade utvecklingen av Anivis; ett interaktivt verktyg fo ̈r visuell utforskning av multivariat kvantitativ data av neural aktivitet. Anivis anva ̈nder sig av dataset baserade p ̊a experi- mentell data fr ̊an en forskningsgrupp p ̊a Karolinska Institutets Institution fo ̈r Neurovetenskap. Dessa fyrdimensionella dataset best ̊ar av ma ̈tningar fr ̊an neuroner i form av deras position, aktivitet i form av frekvens och tidpunkt. Denna data anva ̈nds fo ̈r att generera en animerad heatmap, da ̈r neuroners frekvensva ̈rden visas i form av f ̈arg. Frekvensva ̈rdena om- vandlades till fa ̈rgva ̈rden via ̈overg ̊angsfunktioner som kopplar numeriska va ̈rden till fa ̈rgva ̈rden via parametriserade kurvor. Anivis lyckades imple- mentera tv ̊a olika metoder f ̈or att generera heatmap, viktade summor och dekonvolution. Dessa tv ̊a metoder ja ̈mfo ̈rdes med varandra, varav dekon- volution visade sig vara den teoretiskt och praktiskt e↵ektivaste meto- den. Utvecklingen av Anivis visade a ̈ven behovet fo ̈r ett punktdiagram fo ̈r att visualisera f ̈orh ̊allandet mellan ma ̈tta frekvensv ̈arden och spatial frekvensfo ̈rdelning i heatmappen.

Au sein des écosystèmes côtiers, la composition, la distribution et la dynamique phytoplanctoniques sont influencées par les variations spatio-temporelles des structures hydrologiques et des para mètres biogéochimiques, sous les pressions naturelles et anthropiques. Les suivis de référence, de par leur faible résolution spatiale et temporelle, peuvent manquer des événements-clés comme l'initiation ou la fin des efflorescences ou nuisibles (du type Harmful Algal Blooms). Pour permettre leur détection et mieux comprendre la distribution et la dynamique de ce compartiment à la base des réseaux trophiques et acteur majeur des cycles biogéochimiques, l'utilisation d'approches automatisées à haute fréquence permet de compléter les approches taxonomiques par la caractérisation fonctionnelle de l'ensemble du spectre de taille du phytoplancton. Cette thèse est consacrée à l'étude des caractéristiques morphologiques et physiologiques des groupes fonctionnels phytoplanctoniques définis à partir de leurs propriétés optiques à l'échelle de l'individu, rencontrés dans des mers épi-et intracontinentales contrastées en utilisant la cytométrie en flux automatisée de type "pulse-shape-recording". Tout d'abord, la distribution des groupes phytoplanctoniques et de leurs traits ont été explorés en Manche occidentale et centrale lors de la transition été-automne, ce qui a permis de mettre en évidence la formation de patches d'abondance et de biomasse à proximité du front d'Ouessant et une structuration à sub-mésoéchelle. En deuxième lieu, la dynamique des groupes fonctionnels phytoplanctoniques en Manche orientale et sud Mer du Nord a été étudiée pendant la période de développement des blooms printaniers de diatomées et de Phaeocystis globosa, avec l'utilisation de la LCBD et de la SCBD permettant l'observation de ségrégation spatiale entre groupes phytoplanctoniques dont leur distribution est expliquées par les paramètres de niche (marginalité et tolérance). Enfin, l'étude des paramètres conditionnant la distribution spatiale verticale le long d'un gradient de salinité en Mer Baltique a été abordée pendant la période estivale, en relation avec les propriétés biogéochimiques des masses d'eaux, qui a permis d'identifier les caractéristiques des groupes phytoplanctoniques participant à la distribution des groupes phytoplanctoniques. Les variations des traits ressortent comme étant les meilleurs prédicteurs de la distribution horizontale et verticale vis-à-vis des paramètres de niche et des descripteurs spatiaux (dispersion, paramètres physiques et biologiques). L'approche par traits fonctionnels, dérivés des mesures optiques à haute résolution, couplée à l'analyse de niche permettent d'avancer dans la compréhension des réponses des communautés aux gradients environnementaux, elles-mêmes détectées par les mesures d'indices de diversité. Ce travail a bénéficié de l'appui des projets régionaux (CPER MARCO), nationaux (convention MTES-CNRS) et européens (JERICO-NEXT)
In coastal ecosystems, phytoplankton composition, distribution and dynamics are strongly influenced by spatial and temporal variations of hydrological structures and biogeochemical parameters, consequences of natural and anthropogenic pressures. Reference monitoring, due to its low spatial and temporal resolution, may fail to detect key events as the initiation and end of phytoplankton outbursts or harmful algal blooms (HABs). By increasing the spatial and/or temporal resolution as well as completing taxonomical counting by investigating the phytoplankton whole size spectra, the use of automated sensors may allow contributing to a better understanding of the distribution and dynamics of this major player in biogeochemichal cycles, at the basis of most foof webs. This thesis consists in studying the characteristics of phytoplankton functional groups defined from their optical properties at the single-cell level, in relation to spatio-temporal variability encountered in contrasting marginal seas, applying the pulse shape-recording automated flow cytometry. This functional classification reflects the diversity of particles according to morphological and physiological properties. First of all, the distribution of phytoplankton groups and their traits where explored in the Western and Central English Channel during the summer period. Most groups formed patches of abundance and biomass near the Ushant front and were structured at the sub-mesoscale. Secondly, phytoplankton functional groups dynamics was characterized in the Eastern English Channel and Southern North Sea during the development period of diatoms and Phaeocystis globosa spring groups, by calculating LCBD and SCBD, wich allowed the observation of spatial segregation between phytoplankton groups. Their distribution was explained by the niche parameters (marginality and tolerance). Finally, the vertical distribution of phytoplankton functional groups in a salinity gradient was addressed in the Baltic Sea, in relation to the biogeochemical properties of the water masses and the characteristics of each PFGs. The variations of the traits are thus stand out as the best predictors of the horizontal and vertical distribution of phytoplankton groups with the respect to niche parameters and spatial descriptors (dispersion, physical and biological parameters). The functional approach, derived from phytoplankton optical properties addressed by automated flow cytometry, coupled to the niche analysis, make it possible to better explain and predict community responses to environmental gradients, such responses being detected in parallel by diversity indices. This work benefited from the support of local (MARCO State-Region Plan Contract), national (CNRS-MTES convention) and international European H2020 JERICO-NEXT projects

This paper will outline some of the key parts of the Statistics course offered through the UTeach Summer Master’s Program as taught by Dr. Martha K. Smith. The paper begins with the introduction of the normal probability density function and is proven with calculus techniques and Euclidean geometry. Probability is discussed at great length in Smith’s course and the importance of understanding probability in statistical analysis is demonstrated through a reference to a study on how medical doctors confuse false positives in breast cancer testing. The frequentist perspective is concluded with a proof that the normal probability density function is zero. The shift from traditional to Bayesian inference begins with a brief introduction to the terminology involved, as well as an example with patient testing. The pros and cons of Bayesian inference are discussed and a proof is shown using the normal probability density function in finding a Bayes estimate for µ. It will be argued that a Statistics course moving from traditional to Bayesian analysis, such as that offered by the UTeach Summer Master’s Program and Smith, would supplement the traditional Statistics course offered at most universities. Such a course would be relevant for the mathematics major, mathematics educator, professionals in the medical industry, and individuals seeking to gain insights into how to understand data sets in new ways.
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博士
國立臺灣大學
動物科學技術學研究所
97
While the existence of specific messenger RNA (mRNA) remnants contained within freshly ejaculated spermatozoa were described in several species, most of these studies were conducted by the use of high-throughput techniques for screening the population of transcripts from the ejaculated spermatozoa, and these studies frequently confronted a major hindrance by the limitation of probes which mostly derived from nucleic acids of either human or mice testicular tissues. In the present study, attempts were made to investigate mRNA remnants from swine ejaculated spermatozoa harvested during both winter and summer seasons. It is anticipated that an available technique platform and a valuable model would be established not only for comparison the global variety of mRNA remnants expressed during both winter and summer seasons but also for meeting those purposes of biomedical research requested. In the initial studies, a non-redundant 5´-end complementary DNA library was generated from swine ejaculated spermatozoa. After sequence quality verification, 4,562 clones remained. These clones were then clustered and assembled into 514 unique sequences including 188 contigs (36.58%) and 326 singletons (63.42%), representing those clusters containing at least two clones and those clusters without having enough similarity with other clones. These unique gene sequences were annotated in gene ontology (GO); they included biological processes (38.7%), molecular functions (39.1%) and cellular components (40.3%). Based on the analysis, a broad spectrum of messenger RNAs existed in swine ejaculated spermatozoa and was closely correlated with nucleic acid binding, structural modifications, and transcriptional regulation. In the microarray analysis, 67 transcripts were differentially expressed with statistical differences between seasons of sperm samples collected, including forty-nine in winter (49/67) and eighteen in summer (18/67), respectively. There were only 33 of these transcripts could be annotated to gene ontology hierarchy with the database of Homo sapiens and their functions mostly were involved in variety of metabolic processes. Moreover, these studies also confirmed that significant differences of gene expression profiles were found in swine spermatozoa when comparisons were made between ejaculates collected during the winter and the summer season under the subtropical area such as Taiwan. The conclusion came to these present studies was that the spermatozoal RNAs provides a useful molecular tool in functional genomic studies of the male reproductive system, in evaluating the testis function and in developing new selection makers for swine industry.