Moments of Sums of Independent and Identically Distributed Random Variables

We present an analytic method for computing the moments of a sum of independent and identically distributed random variables. The limiting behavior of these sums is very important to statistical theory, and the moment expressions that we derive allow for it to be studied relatively easily. We show this by presenting a new proof of the central limit theorem and several other convergence results.Comment: 13 page

Immigration to Scotland and the constitutional change debate: geography, difference and the question of scale

This paper seeks to extend understanding of how geographies of scale can contribute to the discussion surrounding migration and constitutional change. It asks the question, is immigration to Scotland distinctive? The 2011 Census is used to explore whether there are other scales at which Scotland’s possible claims to distinctiveness in terms of migration ‘experience’ and ‘needs’ can be assessed. The detailed and comprehensive perspective provided by the 2011 Census highlights the heterogeneous national immigration picture. The authors demonstrate the economic and policy evidence for developing a more nuanced approach to immigration policy. The implications of these findings are significant given the prospect of constitutional change in Scotland

Immigration, Scotland and the constitutional change debate: Geography, difference and the question of scale

This research uses the 2011 UK Census to explore the diverse immigration picture in the UK. In contrast to a simplistic comparison between England and Scotland, this briefing paper suggests that a more pertinent approach is to consider how Scotland compares with English regions. The authors provide evidence which argues that Scotland, and indeed other parts of the UK, would benefit from a more nuanced approach to immigration policy

Engaging with immigration policy on the ground: a study of Local Authorities in Scotland

This paper focuses on how policies and practices relating to immigration are developed at the local level. It explores how Local Authorities in Scotland plan for and respond to international migration. The Scottish Government has made it clear that it is keen to attract migrants to Scotland and that it would be more proactive in this if it had the relevant policy levers. However it is Local Authorities that need to respond to inflows of migrants in terms of issues such as service provision or community cohesion. This research was carried out as part of the ESRC Future of the UK and Scotland programme and focussed on 16 Local Authority areas, ranging from cities to remote regions. It raises questions about how the cogent arguments of local policy makers can be better represented in national debates about immigration policy

Automated progress identification and feedback in large experimental laboratories

In this work we describe a novel web-based system whose aim is to enhance the learning environment within experimental laboratories, and report on its deployment in undergraduate computer architecture modules. Student progress is tracked and recorded throughout the practical work, and supervisory facilities are provided including the visualisation of the progress of everyone in the laboratory on a management console. The system delivers information concerning the practical work to be undertaken, and uses carefully designed sets of questions based on the observations to be made by students in the laboratory. The responses made in this system are used to feedback further specific information to the student to aid their individual progress