In Bayesian analysis, means are commonly used to
summarize Bayesian posterior distributions. Problems with
a large number of parameters often require numerical
integrations over many dimensions to obtain means. In this
dissertation, posterior modes with respect to appropriate
measures are used to summarize Bayesian posterior
distributions, using the Newton-Raphson method...
Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) approaches are rapidly surpassing Sanger sequencing for characterizing the diversity of
natural microbial communities. Despite this rapid transition, few comparisons exist between Sanger sequences and the generally
much shorter reads of NGS. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) derived from full-length (Sanger sequencing) and pyrotag (454
sequencing of...
I construct and examine the properties of Lie and Clifford algebras which are used to describe certain types of particles. These algebras are then related to the traditional theory of division algebras. Quaternions are applied to these algebras and their properties are exploited to model physical properties of particles. The...
Representations of SO(4,2;R) are constructed using 4 x 4 and 2 x 2 matrices with elements in H' ⊗ C . Using 2 x 2 matrix representations of C and H', the 4 x 4 representation is interpreted in terms of 16 x 16 real matrices. Finally, the known isomorphism...
A fundamental question related to any Lie algebra is to know its subalgebras. This is
particularly true in the case of E6, an algebra which seems just large enough to contain the algebras which describe the fundamental forces in the Standard Model of particle physics. In this situation, the question...
This work proposes a framework of concept generation and evaluation that takes into consideration the benefit of creativity and innovation in current market trends. By educating engineers in how to increase creativity in concept design and assess it quantitatively, the next generation of designers will be a step ahead of...
A line of four garments was designed and developed using the various stages of the design process, based on the idea of translating music into fashion, the intangible into the tangible. The line was inspired by Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, guided by the composer’s music and symphonic...
Easter Island and Sala y Gomez are part of the Sala y Gomez
Ridge, a broad band of high topography and scattered seamounts
extending ESE from the East Pacific Rise. It has been proposed that
the Sala y Gomez Ridge results from the movement of the Nazca Plate
over a...
Proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins in Pacific whiting surimi occurs when the 50-
70°C temperature range is reached during standard cooking procedures (e.g. 90°C for 15
min). This proteolytic activity results in the softening of surimi gels. Bovine plasma
protein (BPP) is the most effective of the food-grade inhibitors used to...