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Quantitative methods and gender inequalities
This paper argues that concerns that the feminist agenda is better served by
qualitative not quantitative methodology were based on a rather narrow definition
of feminism and a somewhat misleading portrayal of quantitative research. Using
exemplar studies undertaken as part of the ESRC Research Priority Network on
Gender Inequalities in Production and Reproduction (GeNet), I show how
quantitative analysis can forward our understanding of the processes that underlie
gender inequalities. Quantitative approaches are essential to examine the
processes of selection and exclusion that reflect and create gender inequalities as
manifest in changing lives and structures. Quantitative analysis of longitudinal
data is used for investigating dynamic processes and different patterns of gendered
resource allocation in productive and reproductive activities; whereas in-depth
qualitative analysis is used to unpick the different national policy contexts for
work-family balance. This can help inform how quantitative researchers (some of
whom are feminists) interpret what they coun
Introduction: whatâs new about gender inequalities in the 21st century?
Both women and men strive to achieve a work and family balance, but does this imply more or less equality? Does the persistence of gender and class inequalities refute the notion that lives are becoming more individualised? This book documents how gender inequalities are changing and how many inequalities of earlier eras are being eradicated
The Concept of Consent under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
The concept of consent is fundamental in considering the crime of rape under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (SOA). Consent was placed on a statutory footing for the first time by the SOA which defines consent alongside evidential and conclusive presumptions under sections 74-76, respectively. This article explores the position that unfortunately, neither significant clarity nor enhanced protection appears to have been embraced or achieved by the incorporation of consent
A little more like water
âThe waves broke on the shore.â These are the final words of Virginia Woolfâs 1931 novel, The Waves, which follows the passage of a day at the oceanâs shore. The book serves as a backdrop for the life of six characters: Bernard, Susan, Neville, Rhoda, Louis and Jinny. Interludes are interjected between the chorus of these characters, depicting the arc of life from early childhood to old age and death. The relentlessness of the rhythm of the tide, at first pulsing and hard to ignore, becomes ceaseless white noise that eventually falls to the background. The dayâs initial dramaâa spectacular sunrise, rays sparkling on the surface of the water, shore birds singing to each other and diving to catch breakfastâfades as time progresses. Eventually, as characters pass away and grow apart, we are left with the words of just one, meditating on the ceaselessness of the progression of life in the face of death.
This thesis uses Woolfâs experimental work as a framework of sorts, following the experiences of six people close to me, exemplifying the relationship between grief, memory and the ocean. Using the ocean as its backdrop, this book and this collection lay bare the realities of grief. They bring those who have experienced grief together, eschewing the notion that talking about death in its aftermath is something to be avoided. These separate experiences collide with one another like waves, sometimes softly slipping into a unified palette, and sometimes into dissonance as a group of waves would crash up against a rock. This collection of textiles is inspired by and made for distinct individuals, layered playsuits, sweaters, and pants, made to be worn together in the landscape that they evoke. It is also a celebration of process, both in the making of the work and in moving forward with life after loss. By shedding light on the similarities and differences of individual experiences of grief, and by exposing this collection to the elements, this thesis hopes that we may let ourselves become softer, more willing to flow in and out with the tides, a little more like water
The Hetu'u Global Network: Measuring the Distance to the Sun Using the June 5th/6th Transit of Venus
In the spirit of historic astronomical endeavors, we invited school groups
across the globe to collaborate in a solar distance measurement using the rare
June 5/6th transit of Venus. In total, we recruited 19 school groups spread
over 6 continents and 10 countries to participate in our Hetu'u Global Network.
Applying the methods of French astronomer Joseph-Nicolas Delisle, we used
individual second and third Venus-Sun contact times to calculate the distance
to the Sun. Ten of the sites in our network had amiable weather; 8 of which
measured second contact and 5 of which measured third contact leading to
consistent solar distance measurements of 152+/-30 million km and 163+/-30
million km respectively. The distance to the Sun at the time of the transit was
152.25 million km; therefore, our measurements are also consistent within
1sigma of the known value. The goal of our international school group network
was to inspire the next generation of scientists using the excitement and
accessibility of a rare astronomical event. In the process, we connected
hundreds of participating students representing a diverse, multi-cultural group
with differing political, economic, and racial backgrounds.Comment: 19 pages; 7 Figures; 1 Table; Accepted for publication in Astronomy
Education Review (AER) For more information see
http://www.das.uchile.cl/~drodrigu/easter/index_en.htm
Supporting State Policymakers' Implementation of Federal Health Reform
Outlines the capacities states will need to implement federal healthcare reform in the areas of information and analysis, strategic implementation and planning, topic-specific technical assistance, communications, and coordination and integration
Using TPA to count linear extensions
A linear extension of a poset is a permutation of the elements of the set
that respects the partial order. Let denote the number of linear
extensions. It is a #P complete problem to determine exactly for an
arbitrary poset, and so randomized approximation algorithms that draw randomly
from the set of linear extensions are used. In this work, the set of linear
extensions is embedded in a larger state space with a continuous parameter ?.
The introduction of a continuous parameter allows for the use of a more
efficient method for approximating called TPA. Our primary result is
that it is possible to sample from this continuous embedding in time that as
fast or faster than the best known methods for sampling uniformly from linear
extensions. For a poset containing elements, this means we can approximate
to within a factor of with probability at least using an expected number of random bits and comparisons in the poset
which is at most Comment: 12 pages, 4 algorithm
Medical computed tomography (CT) able to image the past: an investigation of diagnostic accuracy and image quality
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Johannesburg, South Africa, May 2018.The use of X-ray imaging in palaeoanthropology has a long history. Both plain X- rays as well as computed tomography have successfully imaged fossils that have been cleaned and prepared from any encasing materials. There has, however, been very little work done using radiological techniques to image fossils still enclosed in surrounding matrix. Most imaging modalities have been applied post preparation of the fossils. This body of work explores the use of medical computed tomography (XCT) in the pre-preparatory phase of fossil discovery in the South African context. Scanning of breccia blocks from the site of Malapa on XCT concluded that the resultant images were of sufficient quality to enable accurate fossil identification and characterization when measured against the standard of manual preparation. Breccia blocks from Malapa were scanned at high and lower energies using micro CT (ÎŒXCT) and XCT respectively. Images were analysed for image quality, artifact and certainty of diagnosis. Results show that lower energy images are deemed superior to higher energy images for this particular application. This finding, taken together with the limitations associated with the use of ÎŒXCT for the imaging of the large breccia from Malapa, shows that XCT is the better modality for this specific application. Pre-preparatory XCT scanning can focus both preparation and interpretation of findings. The importance of pre-preparatory XCT imaging is demonstrated by the fact that preparatory techniques and protocols need to be modified from traditional methods in order to minimize the risk of contamination of possible biomolecules. Revision is needed of the peri and post excavation treatment of fossil bones to better preserve the potential of genetic heritage of the past and this research demonstrates the role that XCT can play.
None of the research covered by this body of work has been done before on fossil- bearing matrices. This research should significantly change the way fossil discovery, recovery and preparation is done in the South African context and has potential for application in other palaeontological situations.LG201
Rigid or Bendable Manipulatives in Conceptualisation of 3-D Space from 2-D Nets in the Year 4 Classroom
Primary school students understand complex ideas on the basis of simpler concepts derived from practical experience. The usefulness of manipulatives (physical objects which may be safely handled) in the primary maths classroom has been frequently asserted. However, little has been reported concerning their use in Stage 2 geometry. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different types of manipulatives, bendable and rigid, as aids for the conceptualisation of 3-D solids from 2-D nets (flat fold-outs of solid geometrical shapes) within the NSW Stage 2 Mathematics curriculum. Even though a lot of research has been performed on the use of manipulatives in the mathematics classroom, very few studies have been performed specifically relating to their use in the topic of 3-D space. Contrary to initial expectations, the bendable nets, although more attractive to pupils, did not prove superior to the rigid variety. By far the most significant advances in conceptualisation followed teaching experiences using the rigid nets. It is suggested that this may demonstrate that the greater mental engagement required to visualise 3-D solids from rigid nets may promote greater advances in conceptualisation. This research supports the idea that use of a range of tactile experiences in the mathematics classroom not only diversifies assimilation pathways, but makes learning more enjoyable. They may even increase motivation to learn on the part of the student
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