1522 research outputs found
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A Study of Integer Sequences, Riordan Arrays, Pascal-like Arrays and Hankel Transforms
Get PDFWe study integer sequences and transforms that operate on them. Many of these transforms
are defined by triangular arrays of integers, with a particular focus on Riordan arrays and
Pascal-like arrays. In order to explore the structure of these transforms, use is made of
methods coming from the theory of continued fractions, hypergeometric functions, orthogonal
polynomials and most importantly from the Riordan groups of matrices. We apply the
Riordan array concept to the study of sequences related to graphs and codes. In particular,
we study sequences derived from the cyclic groups that provide an infinite family of colourings
of Pascal’s triangle. We also relate a particular family of Riordan arrays to the weight
distribution of MDS error-correcting codes. The Krawtchouk polynomials are shown to
give rise to many different families of Riordan arrays. We define and investigate Catalannumber-
based transformations of integer sequences, as well as transformations based on
Laguerre and related polynomials. We develop two new constructions of families of Pascallike
number triangles, based respectively on the ordinary Riordan group and the exponential
Riordan group, and we study the properties of sequences arising from these constructions,
most notably the central coefficients and the generalized Catalan numbers associated to
the triangles. New exponential-factorial constructions are developed to further extend this
theory. The study of orthogonal polynomials such as those of Chebyshev, Hermite, Laguerre
and Charlier are placed in the context of Riordan arrays, and new results are found. We
also extend results on the Stirling numbers of the first and second kind, using exponential
Riordan arrays. We study the integer Hankel transform of many families of integer sequences,
exploring links to related orthogonal polynomials and their coefficient arrays. Two particular
cases of power series inversion are studied extensively, leading to results concerning the
Narayana triangles
Supposing is good, but finding out is better: a survey of research postgraduate students at WIT Libraries
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Poetry and Memory - A reflective journal on my life and work
Get PDFThe following poems have all been written during the course of my M.A. (Research) in Creative Writing at Waterford Institute of Technology. Prior to commencement of the programme all my published poems had end-line rhyme as I believed strongly that poetry had to have rhyme. My supervisor Janice Fitzpatrick-Simmons and my class colleagues encouraged me to liberate my style, and so I began to move towards free-verse. These poems are the result. Most of the poems are autobiographical in nature, and have a particular focus on my childhood
Attitudes to walking access in Irish Countryside
Get PDFThe use of private lands for public recreation is a highly emotive issue in Ireland at present. Conflict over access rights, disturbance, liability and compensation has resulted in the closure of many sections of the countryside to those wishing to walk, climb, fish or swim. This research examines the attitudes of both the landowners and recreationists towards access to the countryside for walking access. An extensive literature review and a pilot study concluded that the key issue can be surmised into four topics: Disturbance, privacy, liability and compensation. A total of 162 on-site surveys were conducted (n = 85 Landowners, n = 77 Recreationists). The data was supplemented by eight in-depth interviews. Results show that there are many areas of agreement between both groups, access may be restricted (74% Landowners, 88% Recreationists), participants should accept the risks
involved (99% Landowners, 100% Recreationists), recreationists should heed dangers (98% Landowners, 100% Recreationists) and that recreation has negative impacts on farmland and on landowners.
Differences exist in the data with landowners more aware of the Occupiers’ Liability Act(1995), (P <0.001), landowners want compensation for access (P<0.001), and landowners
should be compensated for work to facilitate access(P<0.5). Recreationists are more aware of environmental codes (P<0.001), they think that recreation is positive for their health(P<0.001) and that it is more positive for the local infrastructure. 55% of recreationists are willing to pay a mean fee of €2.24 to guarantee access, while 69% of landowners are willing to accept a mean fee of €6.27 to provide this access. Results show that a proportion of both groups are willing to cooperate and work together
towards an accessible countryside to the benefit of both landowners and recreationists. Future collaboration must work towards an accepted level of access throughout the Irish countryside which eases the concerns of landowners and allows sufficient access for recreationists
Towards and Understanding of the Measurement of Individual Progression in Adult Guidance
Get PDFThe overall aim of this research study is to consider the development of a best practice framework for the longitudinal tracking of individual progression in the Irish Adult Educational Guidance Initiative (AEGI). A specific focus of the study is the analysis of the contribution of the client to the design of a quality longitudinal tracking system in adult guidance practice.
In attempting to answer the main research question of how progression is measured in the current longitudinal tracking system in the AEGI the study examines a number of specific issues. These issues relate to definitions, rationale and methodologies for measuring outcomes within the context of the three OECD public policy goals of lifelong learning, labour market and social equity.
The study explores claims that current methods using positivistic approaches to measure outcomes in guidance are inadequate. A critical constructivist approach was adopted to examine the discourse of three of the key stakeholders involved, the client, practitioner and policy-maker. A bottom-up case study methodology contextualises and explains the subjective experiences of a number of clients over a longitudinal time-frame.
The mapping of the various discourse positions finds both convergence and divergence on the topic of measuring long-term progression in adult guidance. The findings show that outcome evaluation is a complex and contested issue. The current emphasis of policy to achieve hard, tangible outcomes obviates the measurement of a broad range of softer, intangible outcomes that capture the personal progression of clients.
This research study can contribute to a gap in knowledge in Irish guidance policy and practice through its consideration of the client’s contribution to the design of a quality longitudinal tracking system in adult guidance. The research concludes with a number of recommendations in relation to outcome evaluation and a call for methodological pluralism in evidence-based research in the field
Seeing Market Orientation through a Capabilities Lens
Get PDFPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how conceptualising market orientation within a capabilities framework may assist in developing further understanding of the construct.
Design/methodology/approach – Compelling issues in the market orientation literature relating to the nature of the market orientation construct, the relationship of the construct with performance, and identifying antecedents to market orientation are discussed. The capabilities perspective is explored in the context of these issues. In particular, a perspective of market orientation based on the
market-sensing capability is proposed, which may provide additional insights into the construct.
Research limitations/implications – The capabilities framework facilitates a more comprehensive approach to understanding the nature of market orientation, which captures the complex interaction of behavioural and cultural factors in the conceptualisation of the construct.
Originality/value – This paper addresses the need to examine how marketing capabilities may contribute to organisation performance.
Keywords Market orientation, Performance management
Towards A Future Internet Architecture
Get PDFIn this paper we describe the architectural approaches taken in the 4WARD project to address the challenges of the network of the future. Our main hypothesis is that the Future Internet must allow for the rapid creation of
diverse network designs and paradigms and must also support their coexistence at run-time. A novel network design process and deployment architecture is needed that enables new interoperable network architectures on top of established infrastructure. To enable this flexibility, networking resources need to be described in a uniform way. We outline the generic path architecture in this paper as our approach to this challenge. Moreover, the Internet's focus on interconnecting hosts and delivering bits has to be replaced by a more holistic vision of a network of information and content. This is a natural evolution of scope requiring a re-design of the architecture. To make
this flexibility economically viable, a radically new management architecture has to be designed. We describe all these architectural elements that together form a framework for diversified but interoperable networks of the future
Masculinities, Alcohol and Sexual Violence
Get PDFOn the occasion of the 1st Rape and Justice in Ireland Conference and the launch of the report "Rape and Justic in Ieland: A study of survivor, prosecutor and court responses to rape," this paper explores the dangerous intersection of constructions of masculinities, men's abuse of alcohol and sexual violence in modern Ireland
An investigation of computer animated reinforcers as a motivational tool for children with autism
No full textThis research investigates the development of Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI) multimedia software to teach social skills to young learners with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). An online social scenario animation has been created, along with a series of quizzes in order to assist in the knowledge transfer of significant points within the social skills prototype. An investigation is also ongoing into the creation of computer-based games (or reinforcers) to reward young learners on completion of a lesson. These games seek to positively motivate and encourage young learners to learn new skills via the computer. Fieldwork for this investigation was completed with local special needs schools, in order to gain an understanding of user requirements. Interview findings suggest that children are drawn to moving objects and unusual sound effects. Some children also show a preference for linear designs, similar to those found in alphabetic letters. Many of these learners enjoy spending time watching flowing text of movie subtitles on a screen. A set of reinforcers has been created and integrated into the social skills prototype. A nationwide survey has been conducted with Irish special needs schools, and findings from this evaluation should contribute to design specifications for future multimedia development
'Information Compliance - Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Libraries'.
No full textContext of information compliance
What is information compliance – primarily compliance with legal obligations and responsibilities under FoI and DP
Responsibilities in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information (City University London)
Privacy, ethics, copyright, ownership, censorship, connectivity, intellectual property, re-use of public sector information, harvesting, data mining, blogging, IM, social networks, email policy, internet usage, surveillance, PII (Personally Identifiable Information), liability, obligations, legal requirements, plagiarism, information ethics