Data exploration systems for databases

Data exploration systems apply machine learning techniques, multivariate statistical methods, information theory, and database theory to databases to identify significant relationships among the data and summarize information. The result of applying data exploration systems should be a better understanding of the structure of the data and a perspective of the data enabling an analyst to form hypotheses for interpreting the data. This paper argues that data exploration systems need a minimum amount of domain knowledge to guide both the statistical strategy and the interpretation of the resulting patterns discovered by these systems

Accounting for convective effects in zero-Mach-number thermoacoustic models

This paper presents a methodology to account for some mean-flow effects on thermo-acoustic instabilities when using the zero-Mach-number assumption. It is shown that when a computational domain is represented under the M=0 assumption, a nonzero-Mach-number element can simply be taken into account by imposing a proper acoustic impedance at the boundaries so as to mimic the mean flow effects in the outer, not computed flow domain. A model that accounts for the coupling between acoustic and entropy waves is presented. It relies on a “delayed entropy coupled boundary condition” (DECBC) for the Helmholtz equation satisfied by the acoustic pressure. The model proves able to capture low-frequency entropic modes even without mean-flow terms in the fluctuating pressure equation

Employability and Residence Abroad student resources

This set of resources are intended to be used in conjunction with the website www.realie.org which has been set up by and for students to support them in getting the most out of periods of residence abroad in terms of describing and extending their employability skills. There are two resources (with activities) for each year of study where students are engaged on a four year programme of study which includes one year of residence abroad. They were created as part of the HEA-funded REALIE project. It also includes a questionnaire designed for and by undergraduate students to collect feedback on the employability value of the year abroad

English folk singing and the construction of community

This thesis presents the ways contemporary English folk singers construct and enact community though their musical participation. To complement my existing knowledge from a 30 year long participation in folk singing, I use a combined approach of sociological methods including participant observation, diary, interview and focus group to obtain naturally occurring and elicited data. This information was collected following an adaptation of the Grounded Theory method and coded using the Atlas.ti programme. This process established various themes pertaining to the experience of community within folk singing environments arranged here in four chapters: the development of a folk repertoire and conceptions of tradition, the physical and temporal structures of folk events, the social environment, and the ways the sounds of folk singing are produced. A variety of theoretical approaches to the concept of ‘community' are applied to these phenomena, including imagined community, symbolic community, moral community, communities of practice, communitas and the role of individualism within the group. This research shows that, although ‘community' is not a term routinely applied by folk singers to their activities, interpretations of the term are evident in their behaviours. I have found the boundary of community within this context to be a fluid concept and the core of community to be based on individual perception. The ideological, organisational and social environments found in folk singing events suggest the capacity for open access and inclusivity, however, a relatively stable group of practitioners has developed and the resulting tacit behavioural norms creates a considerable barrier to participation for newcomers. Attaining the knowledge to fully engage, however, provides participants with a heightened sense of belonging and community is strongly felt precisely because it is difficult to achieve.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

The Impact of Childhood Chronic Renal Disease on Family Life: A Review of the Literature

Abstract The aim of this project was to use a literature review to examine the impact of childhood chronic renal disease on family life. A total of 22 articles and 4 books were included in the review. A progressive focus was developed by identifying 3 key areas in the literature on the impact of childhood chronic disease on family life, and applying these to the specific case of childhood chronic renal disease. The 3 key areas examined were the impact of chronic renal disease on siblings, role alteration and parental isolation, and interpersonal conflict. This literature review has identified that the unpredictability of childhood chronic renal disease is a factor which has the most significant impact on family life. This may affect parental employment opportunities and hence create financial difficulties for families, may result in parents becoming socially excluded from society and cause anxiety in healthy siblings due to the fear of becoming separated from their families. In addition, siblings of children with chronic renal disease may encounter mixed emotions caused by jealousy together with concern for their sick brother or sister’s health. Furthermore, parents may also assume healthcare-provider roles in addition to their parenting duties. They will also take on the role of student when learning to care for their child, and will eventually become the experts in their child’s care. This process is similar to the path that nurses take in their careers. Recommendations for future research include ascertaining whether or not there are significant differences in how specific diseases affect family life, carrying out more studies on how fathers and grandparents are affected by caring for a child with a chronic health condition, the effect this has on the marital relationship and finding out what support families need, from their points of view. These recommendations were made to further contribute to the knowledge base surrounding ‘family centred care’ and to help bridge the gap between acute-setting and community nursing