NUI Maynooth Eprint Archive
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A Game-Theoretic Framework for Coexistence of WiFi and Cellular Networks in the 6-GHz Unlicensed Spectrum
No full textThe recently unlocked 6-GHz spectrum is accessible to cellular and WiFi networks for unlicensed use while they conform to the constraints imposed by the incumbent nodes. We allow only a fraction of the cellular base stations (BSs) and a fraction of WiFi access points (APs) to use the 6-GHz band so that sources of interference are spatially segregated and made sparse, thereby decreasing the overall interference to each other. Through our proposed framework, we control this fraction as we group portions of cellular and WiFi network elements into entities competing with the other entities for the spectrum resources. These entities interact to satisfy their Quality of Service demands by playing a non-cooperative game. The action of an entity corresponds to the fraction of its network elements (WiFi APs and cellular BSs) operating in the 6-GHz band. We use tools from stochastic geometry to derive the theoretical performance metrics for users of each radio access technology, which helps us capture the aggregate behaviour of the network in a snapshot. Due to the decentralized nature of the game, we find the solution using distributed Best Response Algorithm (D-BRA), which improves the average datarate by 11.37% and 18.59% for cellular and WiFi networks, respectively, with random strategy as the baseline. The results demonstrate how the system parameters affect the performance of a network at equilibrium and highlight the throughput gains of the networks as a result of using the 6-GHz bands, which offer considerably larger bandwidths. We tested our framework using real-world data, which shows that practical implementation of multi-entity spectrum sharing is feasible even when the spatial distribution of the network elements and population are non-homogeneous
Irish renewable energy policy: encouraging the wave energy sector?
No full textGovernments in Europe and around the
world, have agreed to take action to make drastic reductions
to greenhouse gas emissions and, with added impetus due
to heightened energy security concerns, national renewable
energy policies must adapt to keep pace in order to support
this sector. This study examines the changes to renewable
energy policy in Ireland in general, and offshore renewable
energy policy in particular, and analyses whether these
changes are robust enough to support a nascent Irish wave
energy technology development sector. This study provides
a comparison to successful wind energy policy measures
implemented in Denmark and with examples being set
by international institutions in Europe. This study will
look at relevant legislation, test facilities, consenting procedures, feed-in tariffs, environmental impact, intellectual
property protection and government financial support and
will discuss how the focus on offshore wind by policy
architects will effect wave energy technology development.
Conclusions will show that many policy elements vital for
the growth and support of the wave energy sector, formerly
lacking, have been addressed. It will be shown that the
changes have largely come about due to internationally prescribed obligations, and the perceived demand for
offshore wind, and that wave energy technology developers
in Ireland will potentially both benefit and lose from this.
Further analysis and the passage of time are required to
determine whether the new policies are fully embraced and
enforced
Sex markets on digital platforms: the Brazilian case Os mercados erótico-sexuais em plataformas digitais: o caso brasileiro
No full textThis paper addresses the strengthening of digital platforms in the Brazilian sex trade,
analysing the configuration of the business model implemented and its impact on sex work. The
study focuses on the erotic webcam industry, the first sex service managed by platforms in Brazil.
The analysis results from a digital ethnography conducted between 2016 and 2020 on the two
Brazilian webcamming platforms – Camera Hot and Camera Prive – and 15 in-depth interviews
with sex workers. The results show that platforms decentralise the management, elaboration and
sale of sexual and erotic services and content, as workers individually coordinate these processes
and are responsible for their labour dynamics. Conversely, platforms centralise the technical and
financial infrastructure, making workers more dependent on them. However, in order to promote
centralisation and succeed, platforms must guarantee personal and financial safety to workers.
Hence, pressure vectors in sex work go hand in hand with autonomy and safety vectors. This paper
offers a contribution by looking into a precarious activity that is narrowly discussed in the current
approaches to the platform economy. Further, it contributes to inquiries about the dominance of
labour instability, highlighting the ambivalence of platforms to historically informal labour.
Este artigo discute o avanço de plataformas digitais nos mercados de sexo e erotismo
brasileiros, analisando a configuração dos modelos de negócio implementados e seus impactos
no trabalho sexual. O estudo se concentra na indústria erótica de webcams, o primeiro serviço
erótico-sexual gerenciado por plataformas no Brasil. A análise resulta de etnografia digital,
desenvolvida entre 2016 e 2020 nas duas plataformas de webcamming brasileiras, Câmera Hot
e Câmera Privê, e de 15 entrevistas em profundidade com trabalhadoras sexuais. Os resultados
demonstram que as plataformas descentralizam a gestão, elaboração e venda de serviços e
conteúdo erótico-sexual, visto que as trabalhadoras coordenam individualmente esses processos,
sendo responsáveis por suas dinâmicas laborais. Em contrapartida, as plataformas centralizam a
infraestrutura técnica e financeira, tornando as trabalhadoras mais dependentes de seus espaços.
Entretanto, visando promover a centralização e progredir, as plataformas precisam garantir
segurança pessoal e financeira às trabalhadoras. Destarte, vetores de pressão ao trabalho sexual
são acompanhados de vetores de autonomia e segurança. Este texto traz uma contribuição ao
tratar de uma atividade precária e pouco discutida nas abordagens da economia de plataformas
digitais. Adicionalmente, contribui para questionar a dominância do vetor de precarização,
evidenciando as ambiguidades das plataformas em trabalhos historicamente informalizados
Cisalpine Celtic varia II
No full textThe article comprises notes on different aspects – readings,
analyses, etymologies and interpretations – of six Cisalpine
Celtic inscriptions: VA·1.1 kasikos, MI·2 atep, TI·49 inutu,
TI·13 pirauiχeś, and the alphabetically Latin documents MI·15
SEUUONIS and MI·17 CALEDONOS
Spaces of Space-making: Diaspora Fundraising by the Nineteenth-Century Irish Catholic Church
No full textTarget directed identification of natural bioactive compounds from filamentous fungi
No full textome of the most powerful natural antimicrobial compounds originate from filamentous fungi. However, due to the diversity of compounds from plant and fungal origin, separation, isolation, and identification of bioactive constituents can be a long and tedious process. This study explores the effectiveness of thin layer chromatography (TLC) in combination with bioautography in the separation and identification of bioactive compounds from several filamentous fungi. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector (UPLC-DAD) was employed to quantitatively identify phenolic composition. The total phenolic content of the selected filamentous fungi ranged from 31.85 mg g−1 to 101.77 mg g−1. Additionally, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) determined the most abundant fatty acids were linoleic, palmitic, oleic, and stearic acid. Submerged cultivation of Grifola frondosa, Monascus purpureus, Lentinula edodes, Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus proved to be an effective method to produce natural antimicrobial compounds
Grad2Work: Using Design Thinking to Create a Postgraduate Learning Programme in a Contemporary Irish Context
No full textThis paper describes the theoretical and processual approaches used to design, develop, and run a pilot online non-formal Design Thinking-based learning programme for long-term unemployed postgraduates in Ireland – Grad2Work. The purpose of the programme was to provide a heterogenous cohort of participants with skills, methods, and strategies to navigate and successfully overcome challenges associated with re-entering the workforce after an extended period in unemployment. The programme design approach was informed by Social Constructivist learning theory ND Kulcsár et al’s Career Decision-Making Framework. A mixed method approach was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from participants at the conclusion of the programme. Analysis of the data indicated that the pilot programme met its objective of preparing participants to progress their career ambitions. It is concluded that incorporating a Human Centred Design mindset, a robust decision-making framework, and Design Thinking processes provide a systematic approach to course design. Modern digital collaboration platforms adequately support efficacious teaching, learning, and collaboration. Seeking and applying participant insights and feedback into the course enhances opportunities for them to use the knowledge and skills acquired. Providing ongoing support for participants’ holistic life balance requirements during programme delivery is important for successful implementation. These conclusions will have applications in Design Thinking for Teaching and Learning, using process frameworks to support return-to-employment strategy formation, and transversal skills development for adult learners
Education Can’t Wait for LGBTIQ Refugees? Exploring Inclusion and Access to Higher Education in Kakuma Refugee Camp.
No full textEnabling access to, and reaping the benefits of, higher education in refugee camps, while not an easy task for any refugee, is, for the most part, out of reach for the most vulnerable ones who experience multiple and often intersecting layers of discrimination (Walton et al. 2020). The lesbian, gay, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) “community”Footnote1 in Kakuma refugee camp is the case in point. LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers have a long experience of discrimination in Kakuma refugee camp (Zomorodi 2016; NGLHRC 2016), where the authors have been running higher education courses for the last five years. Even though Kenya is the only country in the region to permit asylum seekers to be recognized as refugees on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBTIQ refugees in Kakuma suffer multiple layers of prejudices from fellow refugees, the host community, national police, and international organizations (Pincock 2020; NGLHRC 2016). In a context where homosexual acts are criminalized (Kenya Penal Code, Section 162 (a) and (c), Section 163, Section 165) and given the severe lack of learning infrastructure (such as adequate learning technology and safe learning spaces) and limited resources, these refugees have very limited access to the few higher education opportunities that other refugees might have
Ethics governance in Scottish universities: how can we do better? A qualitative study
No full textWhile ethical norms for conducting academic research in the United Kingdom are relatively clear, there is little empirical understanding of how university research ethics committees (RECs) themselves operate and whether they are seen to operate well. In this article, we offer insights from a project focused on the Scottish university context. We deployed a three-sided qualitative approach: (i) document analysis; (ii) interviews with REC members, administrators, and managers; and (iii) direct observation of REC meetings. We found that RECs have diverse operation and vary in terms of what members understand to be the remit of their REC and what should constitute the content of ethics review. Overall, though, most participants perceive university RECs as operating well. When asked what they consider to be areas for further improvement, most commented on: implementation of an online system; more experience with how to evaluate various kinds of research projects; best practice exchange and training opportunities; more accurate reflection of the REC role as part of the university’s workload allocation model; and greater recognition of the importance of research ethics governance in the university’s research environment, and, for the members themselves, their career advancement. Based on our findings and subsequent discussions during an end-of-project roundtable with stakeholders, we propose a model of collaboration that can address some of the identified areas that could benefit from further improvement. This model would facilitate a heightened awareness of the importance of supporting REC members in their own effort in assisting students and staff alike in undertaking as ethically robust research as possible
The (M)other’s Voice: Representations of Motherhood in Contemporary Swiss Writing by Women
No full textThe mother-daughter relationship has long been a focus in writing by women, and many female authors have sought to explore the close and sometimes complex connections between mothers and daughters. However, as Marianne Hirsch has argued, the stories of mothers are all too often presented from the point of view of their daughters, so that the maternal perspective tends to be absent from literature. This chapter compares the presentation of the mother-daughter relationship in two novels by contemporary Swiss writers, Zoë Jenny’s The Pollen Room (1997) and Ruth Schweikert’s Augen zu [Close Your Eyes] (1998). Both texts feature mothers who struggle to cope with the demands of their daily lives and the responsibility of the maternal role and daughters who can neither understand their mothers’ suffering nor accept their difference. While both novels point to the difficulty of retaining one’s subjectivity as mother, I argue that Schweikert’s novel offers a more nuanced and potentially more productive portrayal of the complexities of maternal identity. In particular, through her use of a polyphonic narrative structure that gives equal weight to maternal and filial perspectives, Schweikert answers Hirsch’s call for a “double voice” that offers a way forward for women’s writing