Representing scientific activity by structural indicators: The case of Cote d'Ivoire 1884–1968

Eight different indicators are calculated on the basis of an extensive bibliography on science in Côte d'Ivoire, and presented by scientific domain in polar graphs. They permit to have a synthetic image of scientific activity and distinguish different scientific styles. Moreover the notion of colonial science is re-evaluated, and a case is made in order to distinguish between different ways of doing science. The indicators and graphic representation proposed here may be a valid method to identify differing patterns at a glance.Paper presented at the International Conference on Science Indicators for Developing Countries, Paris, 15–19 October, 1990.     

Time Dependence and Moments of a Family of Time-Varying Parameter Garch in Mean Models

Abstract.  In this paper we consider the time series dependence, stationarity, and higher moments issues of a family of first-order conditionally heteroskedastic in mean models with a possibly time-varying mean parameter. The interest in these models lies in the fact that economic theory and physics often require the connection between the first and second conditional moments of time series. Our results reveal important properties of these models, which are consistent with stylized facts in financial and turbulence data sets. They can also be employed for model identification, estimation, and testing.     

On the limit theory of the Gaussian SQMLE in the EGARCH(1,1) model

We derive the limit theory of the Gaussian stable quasi maximum likelihood estimator for the stationary EGARCH(1,1) model when the squared innovation process has marginals with regularly varying tails. We derive regularly varying rates and limiting stable distributions. We perform Monte Carlo experiments to assess the extent of the parameter space corresponding to the invertibility condition, and the quality of the asymptotic approximation.     

A simple example of an indirect estimator with discontinuous limit theory in the MA(1) model

Indirect estimators usually emerge from two‐step optimization procedures. Each step in such a procedure may induce complexities in the asymptotic theory of the estimator. In this note, we are occupied with a simple example in which the estimator defined by the inversion of the binding function has a ‘discontinuous’ limit theory even in cases where the auxiliary one does not. This example lives in the framework of estimation of the MA (1) parameter. The ‘discontinuities’ involve the dependence of the rate of convergence on the parameter, the non‐continuity of the limit distribution w.r.t. the parameter and the estimator's non‐regularity. We are also occupied with a more complex example where the discontinuities occur because of complexities induced in any step of the defining procedure. We present some Monte Carlo evidence on the quality of the approximations from the limit distributions. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Publishing Ltd     

Controlled Drug Release and Chemotherapy Response in a Novel Acoustofluidic 3D Tumor Platform

Overcoming transport barriers to delivery of therapeutic agents in tumors remains a major challenge. Focused ultrasound (FUS), in combination with modern nanomedicine drug formulations, offers the ability to maximize drug transport to tumor tissue while minimizing toxicity to normal tissue. This potential remains unfulfilled due to the limitations of current approaches in accurately assessing and quantifying how FUS modulates drug transport in solid tumors. A novel acoustofluidic platform is developed by integrating a physiologically relevant 3D microfluidic device and a FUS system with a closed‐loop controller to study drug transport and assess the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy in real time using live cell microscopy. FUS‐induced heating triggers local release of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin from a liposomal carrier and results in higher cellular drug uptake in the FUS focal region. This differential drug uptake induces locally confined DNA damage and glioblastoma cell death in the 3D environment. The capabilities of acoustofluidics for accurate control of drug release and monitoring of localized cell response are demonstrated in a 3D in vitro tumor mode. This has important implications for developing novel strategies to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the tumor tissue while sparing healthy tissue.     

The design of the SensVest

The SensVest is an item of wearable technology that measures, records and transmits aspects of human physical performance such as heart rate, temperature and movement. The SensVest has been designed for use by science teachers and students to meet their requirements. This paper reports the stages undertaken to design the SensVest, from determining appropriate methods of assessing human performance, to considerations of mounting the technology on the body. Trials have shown that concessions need to be made with ease of use and cost to ensure that the data collected is reliable and usable, with an awareness of the sensors limitations. By designing the SensVest with the wearer in mind a system has been developed that is comfortable, does not inhibit normal performance and is wearable. User trials have shown that meaningful, reliable and useful data can be collected using the SensVest.