Thick Data Research Articles

Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Tourism: The Case of a Danish Caravan Site

The tourism industry contains many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMTEs). Further- more, the tourism industry is often said to be less innovative than other industries and SMTEs' lack of motivation, knowledge and resources are often claimed to be the reasons why the industry is not very innovative. At the same time, though, rich and thick data on SMTEs and innovativeness is lacking. In order to contribute to the filling of this knowledge gap, this paper draws on a case company (a Danish caravan site) that has been innovative. The study reveals a series of reasons why this specific enterprise has been innovative and further, the paper suggests how these findings may transcend the case company.

Improvement in image quality of noncontrast head images in multidetector-row CT by volume helical scanning with a three-dimensional denoising filter

The aim of this study was to improve the contrast-to-noise ratio on noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) images, which are crucial for assessing patients with acute ischemic stroke. We applied a technique combining volume helical scanning with a three-dimensional (3D) denoising filter. We scanned phantoms for low-contrast resolutions and helical/cone-beam artifacts as well as stroke patients using a 16-row multidetector-row CT (MDCT) unit. Volume helical scans with 1-mm collimation and nonhelical scans with 8-mm thickness were performed. From the 1-mm thick volume data, 8-mm thick contiguous images were generated before and after applying a 3D denoising filter. On images stacked from volume data, the contrast-to-noise ratio was significantly improved by the 3D denoising filter and was nearly the same as that on nonhelical images. On stacked volume images, artifacts due to the cone beam and the helical scan were increased with larger helical pitches, but bone-related streak artifacts in the posterior fossa and underneath the calvarium were reduced when compared with nonhelical images. Volume helical scan with a 3D denoising filter effectively improves image quality in noncontrast head MDCT images.

Exploring cadaveric organ donation: a 'mortal embodiment' perspective

Despite the growing prominence of embodiment within the agenda of consumer research, theorisation of the embodied self has yet to explore the imminent mortality ingrained within the lived body. In this paper, we seek to contribute to this important area by exploring the notion of 'mortal embodiment' within the context of cadaveric organ donation. We consider how the embodiment of mortality shapes ambivalent perceptions surrounding the dispossession of body parts in late modernity. Using a hermeneutic approach, multiple active interviews have been conducted with potential female donors, aged 21-30 who claim to harbour ambivalent perceptions towards organ donation. Through our 'rich and thick data' we reveal how potential donors actively weave personalised narratives of their embodied self by drawing on socio-cultural constructs of the body. We propose that the current organ donation promotional message of the "gift-of-life" should build on these 'embodied life themes and projects.' Through a hermeneutic perspective, our paper seeks to contribute to the growing appreciation for an alternative ontological perspective, thereby challenging the dominant influence of Cartesian philosophy in marketing. Finally, we highlight the wider applications of 'mortal embodiment' to explore other marketplaces and consumption behaviour.

Evaluation and validation of d–Li cross section data for the IFMIF neutron source term simulation

A completely new evaluation of the d + 6,7Li interaction cross sections up to 50 MeV has been performed applying a new methodology which takes into account compound nucleus reactions, pre-equilibrium processes, stripping and direct interactions. The evaluated d + 6,7Li cross section data were prepared in the laboratory frame, stored in standard ENDF-6 data format and processed by the NJOY code system. A series of benchmark calculations was performed with the McDeLicious code to test the new data evaluations against experimental thick and thin lithium target neutron yield data up to 40 MeV deuteron energy. It was shown that the new d + 6,7Li cross section data can well reproduce both the thick target neutron yields and differential neutron emission cross sections. Thus there is a clear improvement of the prediction accuracy for the IFMIF neutron source term simulation with the new d + 6,7Li cross section data evaluations.

Effect of Film Thickness on the Gas-Permeation Characteristics of Glassy Polymer Membranes

Films made from three glassy polymerspolysulfone, poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), and a commercial polyimide known as Matrimidwere prepared in thicknesses ranging from 0.4 μm to 60 μm, and their permeabilities to oxygen, nitrogen, and methane were monitored for more than a year. These films exhibited substantial decreases in permeability with time, because of volume relaxation that is due to physical aging, which is a reversible process. The observed permeability coefficients were originally greater than the literature values for thick, or so-called “bulk” films, but eventually decreased well below these values. The rate of the aging effect becomes greater the thinner the film. The implications of this observation for practical membrane gas separation processes and the selection of membrane materials based on thick film data are discussed.

Multiobjective method for fitting pinhole image intensity profiles of implosion cores driven by a Pareto genetic algorithm

We discuss a method for the simultaneous and self-consistent fitting of a set of intensity or emissivity spatial profiles from several narrow-band x-ray pinhole images from argon-doped inertial confinement fusion implosion cores, and the space-integrated line spectrum. A Pareto genetic algorithm (PGA) combines the search and optimization capabilities of a single-objective genetic algorithm with the Pareto domination technique of multiobjective optimization. Further, the PGA search is followed up by a fine-tuning step based on a nonlinear least-squares-minimization procedure. The result is a robust search and reconstruction method that finds the optimal core spatial structure subject to multiple constraints. This method is independent of geometry inversions and could take advantage of not only optically thin but also optically thick image data. Results are shown for two combinations of three-objectives based on gated argon Heβ and Lyβ image data and the line spectrum.

Anticipatory Dying: Reflections Upon End of Life Experiences in a Thai Buddhist Hospice

Death and dying offer an important paradox for investigation. Both are feared and to be avoided but also generate considerable reverence, curiosity and mystery. The latter is investigated through thick ethnographic data collected in a Thai Buddhist hospice and the following pages provide some description of an alternative cultural-spiritual framing of anticipating death. The former part of this paradox is explored using detailed autoethnographic-autobiographical data arising from the cognitiveemotional conflict between the researcher’s cultural schemata and the phenomena in which the research process is embedded. Sociological speculations are offered as to the value and insights of this methodological approach and to anticipating dying as an important phenomenon for further inquiry into everyday social life.

Optimization of 124I production via 124Te(p,n) 124I reaction

124I was produced, via 124Te(p,n) 124I reaction, in greater than 3.7 GBq (100 mCi, EOB) amount by bombarding 124TeO 2 targets at 24 μA current for about 8 h. This was achieved by keeping the target at 37° relative to the beam during irradiation, by sweeping the beam across the target and by keeping the incident energy of the proton at 14.1 MeV. The time-averaged yield of our 8 h run was 21.1 MBq/μA h (0.57 mCi/μA h), which was 90% of the theoretical yield calculated using thick target yield data obtained from the reported excitation function for the reaction. At the end of bombardment, the level of 125I and 126I impurities, co-produced with 124I, were 0.03% and 0.007%, respectively.

Overview of secondary particle production and transport by high-energy heavy ions

With increasing multi-purpose use of high-energy heavy-ion accelerators, secondary particle production and transport by high-energy heavy ions is a topic of current interest. This overview gives a brief summary on the experimental results on double differential neutron production cross-section data (DDX), thick target neutron production yield data (TTY), heavy-ion produced neutron transport data, and spallation products production cross-section data for heavy ions of energies above about 100 MeV/nucleon.

Spectral mixture analysis of agricultural crops: Endmember validation and biophysical estimation in potato plots

The spectral reflectance of agricultural crops is affected significantly by sub-pixel scale spectral contributions of background soils and shadows as viewed by a remote sensing instrument. This has meant the potential of remote sensing imagery has not been fully realized for extracting biophysical information and assessing ecological stress using methods such as vegetation indices (VIs). In this paper, we address this problem explicitly using spectral mixture analysis (SMA) to quantify the area abundance of plants, soils and shadows at sub-pixel scales with the aim of improving extraction of plant biophysical and structural information from remote sensing data. Different measurement strategies were tested in the field for acquiring reference endmember spectra of crop vegetation, soil and shadows using a field spectroradiometer for a set of potato plots in western Canada. Endmember measurements included sunlit and shadowed spectra of in situ crop targets, optically thick stacks and data from excised leaves, as well as cultivated, rough and compacted soils. All possible combinations of crop, soil and shadow endmember spectra were analysed using SMA to derive sets of sub-pixel scale component fractions from radiometer spectra acquired from a boom truck over replicate plot samples with a sensor field of view of 1.05 m. Digital video image frames captured simultaneously with the radiometer data were used to determine ground proportions of crop, soil and shadow for independent validation of the SMA fractions. Endmember fractions derived from excised leaves, cultivated soil and shadowed vegetation spectra showed the best agreement with ground truth data, with differences of only ±3.3%. These sub-pixel scale fractions were used in regression analyses to predict leaf area index, biomass and plant width with an average r2 value of 0.85 from SMA shadow fraction, which was a substantial improvement over the best VI results from NDVI, NGVI and SR (average r2 = 0.53). Perspectives on SMA at different stages in the growing season and for different crop types are provided with a recommendation that further SMA research is warranted for local to regional scale agricultural crop monitoring programmes.

Curve and surface reconstruction from points: an approach based on self-organizing maps

Abstract Modeling of shapes for free form objects from point cloud is an emerging trend. Recognition of shape from the measured point data is a key step in the process of converting discrete data set into a piecewise smooth, continuous model. Shape recognition is to find the topological relation among the points, and in case of thick unorganized point cloud, the step requires both thinning and ordering. The present paper outlines a new approach based on growing self-organizing maps (GSOM) for piecewise linear reconstruction of curves and surfaces from unorganized thick point data. Inferences on selection of self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm parameters for this problem domain have been derived after extensive experimentation. A better quality measure to evaluate and compare various runs of SOM for the domain of curve and surface reconstruction has also been presented.

Direct layered manufacturing of point sampled objects

Though both 3D digitisation and Layered Manufacturing (LM) are well-developed technologies, still much research has to be done in direct integration of the two. The work described here is an approach based on a neural network algorithm for contour reconstruction from unorganised point cloud data, for direct LM of point-sampled geometry. A new Sliced Point Data Representation (SPDR) model has been proposed for this integration. This process constitutes the following steps: first, the cloud data is subdivided into thin slices of uniform thickness. The thickness chosen is the minimum thickness manufacturable by a specific user specified LM process. Then the individual sliced points are projected along the build direction i.e. Z to yield 2D point sets. These 2D point sets are approximated by closed polygon conforming to a given tolerance limit. For this step we use a Growing Self Organising Map (GSOM) neural network algorithm developed by us for curve reconstruction from unorganised thick point data. It is computationally effective and efficient in extracting principal curve from unorganised thick point data. The point data for slices that are within the tolerance of the previous contour can be merged and no additional cross section contours need to be generated. This results in an adaptive contour model and is stored as SPDR. A one-way translator for translating this SPDR model to a slice format .ssl file that can be imported by the LM system (Stratasys FDM) in our case has been developed. Case studies are then presented to illustrate the efficacy of this approach.

Older adults living through and with their computers.

Using computers and the Internet to alleviate or reduce loneliness and social isolation and using online methods of data collection in the forms of online surveys and chat room interviews are in their infancy and require a descriptive qualitative study of the experiences of older adults who are online. The purpose of this pilot study was twofold: (1) to describe the experiences of completing an online questionnaire and participating in an online interview and (2) to determine if the methodology of collecting interview data in a chat room setting can yield thick rich qualitative data to support future qualitative investigations into the Internet's potential use as a deterrent to social and emotional isolation. This study used a Web page questionnaire and chat room interviews with online participants aged 65 years and older living alone. Seven of the 10 participants used the computer to combat loneliness. The participants found the questionnaire easy to locate, answer, and submit. They enjoyed the chat and believed that future interviews could be conducted on the Internet. The participants successfully completed the online questionnaire and chat room interviews with minimal difficulties attributed to a conflict with their Internet service provider. Themes evolving from the interviews were: computer life, online life, living alone, and living life.

Guidedacoustic waves in layered polymer films: interpretation ofBrillouin data

We report our theoretical considerations motivated by Brillouinspectra of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films (d = 13 nm andd = 225 nm) on Si(100) substrates. We have rederived a numericalcalculational scheme developed for considering Brillouin experimentson layer systems. It delivers dispersion curves and intensities,indicated here by appropriate hatchings. With backscatteringgeometry, we observed guided waves in agreement with ourcalculations. The Brillouin peaks fall on the calculated segmentsof the dispersion curves visible with the elasto-optic mechanismfor 180° scattering or for reflection-induced `A-scattering'(called RIΘA scattering by Krüger et al (Krüger J K,Embs J, Brierley J and Jimenez R 1998 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 31 1913)). The observed pseudo-guided waves ford = 225 nm were explained using a model of a PMMA film fixed at onesurface and free at the other. For the d = 225 nm thick film theBrillouin data provided information on its mechanical constants,but in the d = 13 nm case the dispersion curves are not verysensitive to the film properties. The Brillouin data for d = 13 nmshow the direction of the sagittal plane with respect to thesymmetry of the silicon rather than indicating the properties of thePMMA film.

Determinants of condom use among African Americans who smoke crack cocaine

This paper presents findings from an elicitation study that focused on the sexual risks and condom use behaviour of African American crack smokers. Of interest were the attitudes, beliefs, and barriers that affect the adoption and maintenance of condoms as an HIV prophylactic. Thick descriptive data were collected from 64 heterosexual African Americans who smoke crack cocaine. Data were content analysed for descriptions of condom use attitudes, normative beliefs, and barriers or facilitators of condom use. Participants described few positive condom use outcome expectations, while detailing several negative expectations. Normative beliefs were found to be weakly related to condom use with casual partners. However, descriptions of sexual relationships with intimate partners indicated that the normative expectations of the partner strongly influenced condom use. Participants described few contextual barriers to condom use, although situational barriers, including crack addiction, were identified.

Evaluated cross section and thick target yield data bases of Zn+p processes for practical applications

On the basis of the present experimental work and available literature results, we have evaluated the cross section/integral thick target physical yield data for 66Zn( p, x) 65Zn, natZn( p, x) 65Zn, 66Zn( p, n) 66Ga, 67Zn( p, 2 n) 66Ga, 68Zn(p, 3n) 66Ga, natZn( p, xn) 66Ga, 67Zn( p, n) 67Ga, 68Zn( p, 2 n) 67Ga, natZn( p, xn) 67Ga, 68Zn( p, n) 68Ga and natZn( p, xn) 68Ga nuclear reactions up to 30 MeV. The data sets were evaluated via curve fitting to supply recommended values for practical applications such as routine radioisotope production, nuclear wear/corrosion measurements and nuclear analytical applications.

Micro-particle impact flux on the timeband capture cell experiment of the Eureca spacecraft

Measurements of hypervelocity impact fluxes (in both thick and thin targets) detected by the University of Kent at Canterbury's Timeband Capture Cell Experiment (TiCCE) (flown on ESA's Eureca spacecraft) are presented. The foil perforations are used to derive the ballistic limit values, or the maximum thickness of Al perforated, for the impacting particles. This data is then combined with the thick target data to derive a unified ballistic limit flux. A significant enhancement in the observed large particle flux compared with LDEF is found, possibly due to the pointing history of Eureca compared to the Earth's orbital direction. Comparisons are also made to predictions from ESABASE modelling. Preliminary results of a study of perforation morphology are also presented, providing insight into particle shape, density and directionality.

Vascular supply of the tendon of the equine deep digital flexor muscle within the digital sheath.

The vascular and microvascular anatomy of the equine deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) within the digital sheath was studied by injecting the vasculature with either colored latex or barium sulphate for radiographic, microangiographic, histologic, and computed tomographic (CT) evaluation. Consecutive 4-mm thick two-dimensional CT slice data were reconstructed to 3-dimensional volumetric images to enhance spatial evaluation of the blood supply. Gross dissection and angiographic studies identified three major vascular sources. Above the fetlock, the DDFT was supplied by either a branch of the medial palmar artery (Arteriae digitalis palmaris communis II) or a branch of the medial palmar digital artery (A. digitalis [palmaris propria III] medialis). Below the fetlock, the DDFT was supplied by branches from the lateral and medial palmar branches to the proximal phalanx (Ramus palmaris phalangis proximalis). The most distal aspect of the tendon received small branches from the medial and lateral palmar digital arteries. Using histology and microangigraphy we observed an extensive and uniform intratendinous vascular network above and below the fetlock, with a relatively avascular region of tendon palmar to the fetlock. The most distal 2.0 to 2.5 cm of the tendon within the sheath was heavily infiltrated with fibrocartilage along its dorsal aspect.

The near Earth space impact environment — An LDEF overview

Impact data from craters on finite targets and thin foil perforations are used to establish impact distributions for key pointing directions on the returned spacecraft LDEF over sizes ranging from sub-micron to millimetres. Using thin and thick target data corresponding to the same average impactor fluxes, equivalences are established. From such merged distributions and from variations in flux with pointing direction, average flux distributions at constant crater size are established for LDEF's principal pointing directions and, incorporating LDEF's offset angle, further models for the flux distribution relative to LDEF's orbit vector. Though natural meteoroids dominate at medium dimensions, orbital particulates and space debris are evident at micron and millimetre crater dimensions. For the natural particulates a mean velocity ranging between 16.7 and 22kms −1 (depending on particle size) and a density of 1.0±0.3gcm −3 is indicated. For the microdebris, crater morphology shows that a higher density is required. Asymmetries in the North and South fluxes point to a non-uniform meteoroid population; this natural component on LDEF is shown to agree very well with that calculated for the interplanetary meteoroid flux. The model fluxes are available (electronic and hard copy) through the Meteoroid and Debris Special Investigation Group Database.

Time well spent or du temps perdu?

SUMMARY Previous research has concentrated on the cognitive complexity of learning activities as an explanatory factor, for the time that young children spend on classroom activities (time on task). This paper is based on a larger scale ethnographic study of twelve bilingual (Punjabi-English) children, during their first term in the nursery school, when they are undergoing the experience of enculturation into the process of schooling. The experience of one child from the study will be presented as a case to illustrate the main findings. Data were collected from two sources. Discourse data were gathered using audiotape recordings of the children's language. These were complemented by thick (Geertz, 1975) contextual data of the children's behaviour. Analysis identifies a number of factors which prevail when children spend a sustained period of time on selected activities. It will be argued that in addition to the cognitive complexity of individual tasks, there are a number of other factors which could expla...