Poisson’s ratio of nucleus pulposus tissue : comparison of experimental results with a biphasic poroviscoelastic finite element model

This presentation looks at Poisson’s ratio of nucleus pulposus tissue, comparison of experimental results with a biphasic poroviscoelastic finite element mode

The Poisson’s ratio of the nucleus pulposus is strain dependent

Part of the Soft Tissue Biomechanics Session this presentation is to characterise the true Poisson’s ratio of the nucleus pulposus is strain dependen

Who are the Self-employed? A New Approach

Whilst the individual supply-side characteristics of the self-employed are well documented, the literature has largely neglected (or mis-specified) demand-side aspects. Our econometric framework, based on the parameterised DOGEV model, allows us to separately, and simultaneously, model supply and demand-side influences. We show that whilst individual characteristics are important determinants of type of employment contract held, there are important contract-specific factors influencing the contract an individual is employed under. Our results suggest that workers may be "captive" to particular types of employment because of the sectors in which they work, the number of hours they prefer to work and their ethnicity.self-employment, captivity

Duelling identities in refugees learning through open,online higher education

This paper reports on a qualitative study of the transition experiences of refugees studying through open and online higher education. Online, open education programmes have considerable potential to provide flexible access to education for refugees, who are not well represented within higher education. As part of a wider University of Sanctuary initiative, interview data from six Ireland-based refugees was analysed using a data-led, qualitative methodological framework grounded in discursive psychology. Findings indicate that participants’ transition narratives are typical in many ways as they form student identities while managing their existing identities and begin to feel, or not, that they belong. Participants constructed a stark divide between two duelling identities, between their identity as a refugee and their new identity as an online learner. Identification with the university was emphasised in contrast to disidentification with the ‘asylum world’. These findings indicate that a strategically connected approach to supporting refugees transition into higher education can impact positively on these students

Who are the Self-employed? A New Approach

Modelling the incidence of self-employment has traditionally proved problematic. Whilst the individual supply side characteristics of the self-employed are well documented, the literature has largely neglected (or misspecified) demand side aspects. In this paper we present results from an econometric framework that allows us to separately, and simultaneously, model the supply and demand side characteristics that determine employment outcomes. We show that whilst individual characteristics are important determinants of the type of employment contract that individuals hold, there are also important contract specific factors that influence the nature of the contract an individual is employed under. Our results suggest that workers may be "captive" to a particular type of employment because of the sector in which they work, the number of hours they prefer to work and their ethnicity. The results are based on a new estimator, the parameterised DOGEV model, which allows for ordering and correlation in the observed alternatives, and for captivity within an observed alternative.Self-employment, captivity.

Long-Run Effects of BSE on Meat Consumption

This paper considers the long-run effects of BSE on meat consumption in the United Kingdom using data from the Expenditure and Food Survey. We estimate a dynamic AIDS demand system of household food consumption, with long-run effects captured via an adstock index of adverse media coverage. The results suggest that there are long-run impacts on meat consumption that extend well beyond the period of the scare. In addition, press articles with pictures have a greater, and more long-lasting effect, on long-run consumption than articles with words alone.Food health scares, Adstock, BSE, demand systems, meat demand

Developing a systematic programme focused assessment and feedback strategy

This case study details the development of a systematic, programme-focused assessment and feedback strategy by the Humanities Programme Team, in Dublin City University’s Open Education Unit. Such a strategy is represented by a design that explicitly provides students with appropriate opportunities to attain all programme learning outcomes, as well as module learning outcomes, as they advance through their studies. An essential aspect of this endeavour was to ensure the appropriate usage and variety of assessment types, and integral to this is the need to ensure that appropriate feedback is being provided to students for each of these assessment types. As such appropriate feedback mechanisms are vital in order to achieve a successful assessment that makes a real impact on learners. This is especially important in students first year of study when positive experiences with assessment feedback can contribute to retaining students

The Magic of Permutation Matrices: Categorizing, Counting and Eigenspectra of Magic Squares

Permutation matrices play an important role in understand the structure of magic squares. In this work, we use a class of symmetric permutation matrices than can be used to categorize magic squares. Many magic squares with a high degree of symmetry are studied, including classes that are generalizations of those categorized by Dudeney in 1917. We show that two classes of such magic squares are singular and the eigenspectra of such magic squares are highly structured. Lastly, we prove that natural magic squares of singly-even order of these classes do note exist.Comment: 26 page