7,946 research outputs found
Determining the quality of mathematical software using reference data sets
This paper describes a methodology for evaluating the numerical accuracy of software that performs mathematical calculations. The authors explain how this methodology extends the concept of metrological traceability, which is fundamental to measurement, to include software quality.
Overviews of two European Union-funded projects are also presented. The first project developed an infrastructure to allow software to be verified by testing, via the internet, using reference data sets. The primary focus of the project was software used within systems that make physical measurements. The second project, currently underway, explores using this infrastructure to verify mathematical software used within general scientific and engineering disciplines.
Publications on using reference data sets for the verification of mathematical software are usually intended for a readership specialising in measurement science or mathematics. This paper is aimed at a more general readership, in particular software quality specialists and computer scientists. Further engagement with experts in these disciplines will be helpful to the continued development of this application of software quality
A Letter of Consequence: Referral Letters from General Practitioners to Secondary Mental Health Services
The referral letter is a key instrument in moving patients from primary to secondary care services. Consequently, the circumstances in which a referral should be made and its contents have been the subject of clinical guidelines. This article is based on a project that demonstrated
that physicians do not adhere to clinical guidelines when referring patients to secondary mental health services. This research supports earlier findings into noncompliance
with guidelines by general practitioners (GPs). The authors briefly note possible reasons, which have been the subject of some debate. They also present a content analysis of referral letters to demonstrate the important ways in which they differ from guideline criteria. However, their central argument is that the role of the referral letter in relation to the GP’s repertoire of treatments has not been understood fully. Such understanding implies the need for a reexamination of the support available for GPs
Tuning biexciton binding and anti-binding in core/shell quantum dots
We use a path integral quantum Monte Carlo method to simulate excitons and
biexcitons in core shell nanocrystals with Type-I, II and quasi-Type II band
alignments. Quantum Monte Carlo techniques allow for all quantum correlations
to be included when determining the thermal ground state, thus producing
accurate predictions of biexciton binding. These subtle quantum correlations
are found to cause the biexciton to be binding with Type-I carrier localization
and strongly anti-binding with Type-II carrier localization, in agreement with
experiment for both core shell nanocrystals and dot in rod nanocrystal
structures. Simple treatments based on perturbative approaches are shown to
miss this important transition in the biexciton binding. Understanding these
correlations offers prospects to engineer strong biexciton anti-binding which
is crucial to the design of nanocrystals for single exciton lasing
applications.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figure
Developing teamwork in a multidisciplinary, multicohort curricular context: A case study of vertically integrated projects
The ability to work effectively in a diverse team is a valuable skill which is transferable to many contexts. As such, it is important to build this skill through deliberate, targeted, and meaningful learning activities in higher education. The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) model enhances team diversity by combining students from different disciplines and years of study to work together on a research project within the curriculum. Additionally, VIP provides the option to remain on the project for an extended period over several semesters and gain team leadership experience. Our research investigates the recent implementation of VIP at the University of St Andrews. Using a survey of student perceptions and analysis of student reflective writing, this case study reports evidence that the VIP model adds value to the development of teamwork skills
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