A map on the space of rational functions

We describe dynamical properties of a map $\mathfrak{F}$ defined on the space of rational functions. The fixed points of $\mathfrak{F}$ are classified and the long time behavior of a subclass is described in terms of Eulerian polynomials

Technical management techniques for identification and control of industrial safety and pollution hazards

Constructive recommendations are suggested for pollution problems from offshore energy resources industries on outer continental shelf. Technical management techniques for pollution identification and control offer possible applications to space engineering and management

7-Li(p,n) Nuclear Data Library for Incident Proton Energies to 150 MeV

We describe evaluation methods that make use of experimental data, and nuclear model calculations, to develop an ENDF-formatted data library for the reaction p + Li7 for incident protons with energies up to 150 MeV. The important 7-Li(p,n_0) and 7-Li(p,n_1) reactions are evaluated from the experimental data, with their angular distributions represented using Lengendre polynomial expansions. The decay of the remaining reaction flux is estimated from GNASH nuclear model calculations. The evaluated ENDF-data are described in detail, and illustrated in numerous figures. We also illustrate the use of these data in a representative application by a radiation transport simulation with the code MCNPX.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, LaTeX, submitted to Proc. 2000 ANS/ENS International Meeting, Nuclear Applications of Accelerator Technology (AccApp00), November 12-16, Washington, DC, US

Madym: A C++ toolkit for quantitative DCE-MRI analysis

In dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) a sequence of MRI images are acquired to measure the passage of a contrast-agent within a tissue of interest. Quantitative DCE-MRI (DCE-MRI), in which one or more tracer-kinetic models are fitted to the contrast-agent concentration time-series, enables the estimation of clinically useful parameters of tissue microvasculature (Tofts et al., 1999). Madym is a C++ toolkit for quantitative DCE-MRI analysis developed at the University of Manchester. It comprises a set of command line tools and a graphical user-interface based on an extendable C++ library. It is cross-platform, and requires few external libraries to build from source. Pre-built binaries (with all dependencies included) for Windows, MacOS and Linux are available so that Madym can be installed directly for users not wanting to or unable to compile the C++ source themselves. We have also developed complementary interfaces in Matlab (available in a separate open-source repository (M. Berks, 2021b)) and python (integrated with the main toolkit), that allow the flexibility of developing in those scripting languages, while allowing C++ to do the heavy-duty computational work of tracer-kinetic model fittin

The measurement of low pay in the UK labour force survey

Consideration of the National Minimum Wage requires estimates of the distribution of hourly pay. The UK Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a key source of such estimates. The approach most frequently adopted by researchers has been to measure hourly earnings from several questions on pay and hours. The Office for National Statistics is now applying a new approach, based on an alternative more direct measurement introduced in March 1999. These two measures do not produce identical values and this paper investigates sources of discrepancies and concludes that the new variable is more accurate. The difficulty with using the new variable is that it is only available on a subset of respondents. An approach is developed in which missing values of the new variable are replaced by imputed values. The assumptions underlying this imputation approach and results of applying it to LFS data are presented. The relation to weighting approaches is also discussed

Dynamic Singularities in Cooperative Exclusion

We investigate cooperative exclusion, in which the particle velocity can be an increasing function of the density. Within a hydrodynamic theory, an initial density upsteps and downsteps can evolve into: (a) shock waves, (b) continuous compression or rarefaction waves, or (c) a mixture of shocks and continuous waves. These unusual phenomena arise because of an inflection point in the current versus density relation. This anomaly leads to a group velocity that can either be an increasing or a decreasing function of the density on either side of these wave singularities.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, 2 column revtex 4-1 format; version 2: substantially rewritten and put in IOP format, mail results unchanged; version 3: minor changes, final version for publication in JSTA

Vortex configurations and critical parameters in superconducting thin films containing antidot arrays: Nonlinear Ginzburg-Landau theory

Using the non-linear Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory, we obtain the possible vortex configurations in superconducting thin films containing a square lattice of antidots. The equilibrium structural phase diagram is constructed which gives the different ground-state vortex configurations as function of the size and periodicity of the antidots for a given effective GL parameter $\kappa^{*}$. Giant-vortex states, combination of giant- and multi-vortex states, as well as symmetry imposed vortex-antivortex states are found to be the ground state for particular geometrical parameters of the sample. The antidot occupation number $n_o$ is calculated as a function of related parameters and comparison with existing expressions for the saturation number $n_s$ and with experimental results is given. For a small radius of antidots a triangular vortex lattice is obtained, where some of the vortices are pinned by the antidots and some of them are located between them. Transition between the square pinned and triangular vortex lattices is given for different values of the applied field. The enhanced critical current at integer and rational matching fields is found, where the level of enhancement at given magnetic field directly depends on the vortex-occupation number of the antidots. For certain parameters of the antidot lattice and/or temperature the critical current is found to be larger for higher magnetic fields. Superconducting/normal $H-T$ phase boundary exhibits different regimes as antidots are made larger, and we transit from a plain superconducting film to a thin-wire superconducting network. Presented results are in good agreement with available experiments and suggest possible new experiments.Comment: 15 pages and 20 figure

Innovation in the Construction and Property Management Industries

Purpose – The purpose of this practice paper is to examine how the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme has been employed to introduce change and deliver business benefit in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an introduction to the KTP scheme and its context within the University of Gloucestershire which serves as an introduction to three case studies, each one covering a 21‐24 month time span. The cases draw their empirical material from the experience of managing the KTPs, interviews, meeting minutes, board papers and final reports. Findings – All three case studies have been successful in the introduction of new thinking or new ways of working in different areas of business. In one case study, a new marketing strategy was developed and implemented; in another, a new consultancy capability has been developed and embedded in the company; and in the third, new information systems were introduced to support corporate growth. Originality/value – The value of the case studies lies in their originality and the paper highlights the value of the KTP scheme as a catalyst for the introduction of new ideas and initiatives in three different sectors of the construction industry. The paper also illustrates how academics can work productively in a commercial environment with industry partner

Innovation in the Construction and Property Management Industries

Purpose – The purpose of this practice paper is to examine how the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme has been employed to introduce change and deliver business benefit in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an introduction to the KTP scheme and its context within the University of Gloucestershire which serves as an introduction to three case studies, each one covering a 21‐24 month time span. The cases draw their empirical material from the experience of managing the KTPs, interviews, meeting minutes, board papers and final reports. Findings – All three case studies have been successful in the introduction of new thinking or new ways of working in different areas of business. In one case study, a new marketing strategy was developed and implemented; in another, a new consultancy capability has been developed and embedded in the company; and in the third, new information systems were introduced to support corporate growth. Originality/value – The value of the case studies lies in their originality and the paper highlights the value of the KTP scheme as a catalyst for the introduction of new ideas and initiatives in three different sectors of the construction industry. The paper also illustrates how academics can work productively in a commercial environment with industry partner