We investigate claims of excess ellipticity of hot and cold spots in the WMAP data (Gurzadyan et al. 2005(Gurzadyan et al. , 2007. Using the cosmic microwave background data from 7 years of observations by the WMAP satellite, we find, contrary to previous claims of a 10σ detection of excess ellipticity in the 3-year data, that the ellipticity of hot and cold spots are perfectly consistent with simulated CMB maps based on the concordance cosmology. We further test for excess obliquity and excess skewness/kurtosis of ellipticity and obliquity and find the WMAP7 data consistent with Gaussian simulated maps.

A new apparent relativistic paradox is presented involving only one space-time event. This is different from earlier 'relativistic paradoxes' involving extended bodies or events at different positions. A collision between a rod and a ring impacting at an oblique angle to each other is considered in the context of the special theory relativity. A question arises as to where along the length of the rod the point of impact will be according to two observers in the inertial rest frames of the rod and the ring, respectively. Note that in the rod-frame, the ring is sliding, not rolling, so the rest frame of the ring is inertial, not rotating. The observers argue from a purely kinematical point of view in favor of two different points of impact along the rod. However there can only exist one point of impact. In order to solve this apparent paradox, we use the asynchronous formulation of relativistic kinematics, in which the consequences of the relativity of simultaneity are built into the formalism. We show that this reconciles the descriptions from the two inertial frames of reference, and hence the new 'paradox' leads to a strong argument for the relevance of the asynchronous formulation of relativistic kinematics.

The storage, integration and presentation of clinical data is an important aspect of any modern medical research. The Biomaterials research group at the Haukeland University Hospital uses both their own locally generated clinical data and external registry data to examine retrieved joint implants. This thesis describes the design and implementation of a database and an application for use at the Biomaterials lab. Its goal was to enable an integrated storage and retrieval system that would combine information from different data sources used by the researchers.As a solution to this challenge, a system prototype was developed that would enable further integration of these information systems into a multi-user environment. The system allows importing registry data and matching it with local data, viewing and editing of this information and exporting the integrated data for further statistical analysis.To guide the research project and improve traceability, the design science paradigm was followed. For the development phase, elements from agile methodologies such as user stories and sprints were applied.An evaluation consisting of both user testing and heuristic evaluation was carried out and generated constructive feedback and positive responses.The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of combining these data sources in a single database and the future possibility of exposing parts of this information to external users through a web application.Future integration of external sources could improve the information management of biobank data for postmarket surveillance of medical devices.i

No abstract