Study made of destructive sectioning of complex structures for examination

Advances in destructive sectioning of very small or complex structures are discussed. Examination is made by filling the structure in a vacuum with a low viscosity potting compound and then cutting without danger of spatial disorientation

The absence of efficient dual pairs of spanning trees in planar graphs

A spanning tree T in a finite planar connected graph G determines a dual spanning tree T* in the dual graph G such that T and T* do not intersect. We show that it is not always possible to find T in G, such that the diameters of T and T* are both within a uniform multiplicative constant (independent of G) of the diameters of their ambient graphs.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

Extrinsic versus intrinsic diameter for Riemannian filling-discs and van Kampen diagrams

The diameter of a disc filling a loop in the universal covering of a Riemannian manifold may be measured extrinsically using the distance function on the ambient space or intrinsically using the induced length metric on the disc. Correspondingly, the diameter of a van Kampen diagram filling a word that represents the identity in a finitely presented group can either be measured intrinsically its 1-skeleton or extrinsically in the Cayley graph of the group. We construct the first examples of closed manifolds and finitely presented groups for which this choice -- intrinsic versus extrinsic -- gives rise to qualitatively different min-diameter filling functions.Comment: 44 pages, 12 figures, to appear in the Journal of Differential Geometr

Work-based learning for the creative industries: a case study of the development of BA (Hons) web design and social media

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the knowledge and insight gained building a work-based learning (WBL) Degree Apprenticeship developed through the HEFCE Catalyst Fund. Requirements of the funding stipulated that, in addition to work WBL provision, the course should be offered as a two-year fast-track. This was required to help reduce the increased financial burden placed on students, which arose from the substantial rise in HE tuition fees sanctioned by the UK coalition government in 2010. Design/methodology/approach: The article presents a case study detailing the advantages and pitfalls of integrating WBL into fledgling but rapidly expanding creative industries, such as web media production and social media. The development and composition of WBL model was adapted from an existing and successful three-year, traditionally structured, BA (Hons.) Web Media Production course. It adopted a model whereby partnerships between external organisations and educational institutions are established through a contractual agreement. Findings: Growth of the web media sector, while rapid, is still embryonic. Consequently many employers, particularly in social media, remain small or micro businesses, many capable of only employing one student. This caused several accumulative and administrative and issues along with funding implications. While for many micro businesses the WBL model was appealing by provided employers with an appropriately skilled workforce that addressed the technical and digital skills gap, Government funding and partnership initiatives proved to be more directly suitable for larger businesses. Originality/value:The author considers the case study to be a distinctive insight into the development of creative and vocationally orientated subjects. The article examines Degree Apprenticeships and work-based learning from the perspective of creative industries employer partnerships, particularly in the area of web and social media micro businesses. These are crucial areas for expansion as higher-level degree apprenticeships are rolled out in the UK

Self-created digital content sharing in retirement

In the United Kingdom the retired population is rising and statistics show that growth in the use of digital technologies and the internet are also increasing within this age group. However a polarised view of this age range has emerged as either a ‘tech-savvy’ ‘silver surfer’ web user or a fearful, ‘digitally dismissive’ reticent nonuser. This suggests an oversimplified perception of the over-65s, a section of society often ignored in qualitative internet research, and overlooks growing numbers who are using digital technology and the internet for something more than to search and consume online goods and materials. Through the use of qualitative research interviews this paper presents an insight into a small but significant section of retirees who are using the internet to share self-created digital content. Self-created content, in the context of this research, is defined as an arrangement of visual and/or audio material that requires some element of composition or editing. Participants revealed that they were self-initiated in their uptake of post-retirement education. Nonetheless, the acquisition of digital technology skills were often learnt unintentionally and as a consequence of embracing a new interest in retirement or the rediscovery of an old one that they may not have been able to explore prior to retirement. This paper addresses how retired web users deploy self-created content sharing practices to communicate online and their motivations for engaging in these practices. Practices of this kind are of importance for individuals’ self-expression and participation in an increasingly digitalised world

The creative industries and degree apprenticeships: the benefits and challenges of adoption for small and micro businesses

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the needs and receptiveness of the creative industry sectors, in particular small and micro businesses, in respect of the adoption and development of degree apprenticeships. In addition, the paper aims to identify employers’ barriers to entry into such programmes. Design/methodology/approach – Due to the lack of knowledge of degree apprenticeships, an ‘explain and respond’ method was adopted, where a comprehensive explanation of degree apprenticeships and the process for delivery was given to respondents. This enabled them to ask questions and give informed and knowledgeable response to interview questions. Findings – Participants in this research were generally positive about the integration and adoption of degree apprenticeships into their businesses. However, they suggest that the rigid procedure set by the Institute for Apprenticeships makes embarking on the process of developing standards and adopting degree apprenticeships difficult, time-consuming and impracticable for businesses of their size and in these sectors. This has implications for addressing skills shortages and diversity that stands to endanger the continued success of the creative industries. Originality/value – Little research has been conducted into the viability of degree apprenticeships for creative industries, particularly non-levy paying small and micro businesses