On the Regularization of Extremal Three-point Functions Involving Giant Gravitons

In the AdS_5/CFT_4 set-up, extremal three-point functions involving two giant 1/2 BPS gravitons and one point-like 1/2 BPS graviton, when calculated using semi-classical string theory methods, match the corresponding three-point functions obtained in the tree-level gauge theory. The string theory computation relies on a certain regularization procedure whose justification is based on the match between gauge and string theory. We revisit the regularization procedure and reformulate it in a way which allows a generalization to the ABJM set-up where three-point functions of 1/2 BPS operators are not protected and where a match between tree-level gauge theory and semi-classical string theory is hence not expected.Comment: 5 pages, no figures. v2 updated reference

‘Destitute of all manner of Livelihood’: The Sequestration of the Earl and Countess of Downe

This paper explores the marriage of the Earl and Countess of Downe in the 17th century, and the struggles faced by the Countess when the family were sequestered during the English Civil War

‘His Lands as well as Goods / Sequestred ought to be’: The introduction of sequestration, 1642-3.

This paper is a short summary of my MA by Research, which explored the background to the introduction of sequestration in 1643, and the role played by the Capell family

Evaluating explanations of artificial intelligence decisions : the explanation quality rubric and survey

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms is growing rapidly (Vilone & Longo, 2020). With this comes an increasing demand for reliable, robust explanations of AI decisions. There is a pressing need for a way to evaluate their quality. This thesis examines these research questions: What would a rigorous, empirically justified, human-centred scheme for evaluating AI-decision explanations look like? How can a rigorous, empirically justified, human-centred scheme for evaluating AI-decision explanations be created? Can a rigorous, empirically justified, human-centred scheme for evaluating AI-decision explanations be used to improve explanations? Current Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) research lacks an accepted, widely employed method for evaluating AI explanations. This thesis offers a method for creating a rigorous, empirically justified, human-centred scheme for evaluating AI-decision explanations. It uses this to create an evaluation methodology, the XQ Rubric and XQ Survey. The XQ Rubric and Survey are then employed to improve explanations of AI decisions. The thesis asks what constitutes a good explanation in the context of XAI. It provides: 1. a model of good explanation for use in XAI research 2. a method of gathering non-expert evaluations of XAI explanations 3. an evaluation scheme for non-experts to employ in assessing XAI explanations (XQ Rubric and XQ Survey). The thesis begins with a literature review, primarily an exploration of previous attempts to evaluate XAI explanations formally. This is followed by an account of the development and iterative refinement of a solution to the problem, the eXplanation Quality Rubric (XQ Rubric). A Design Science methodology was used to guide the XQ Rubric and XQ Survey development. The thesis limits itself to XAI explanations appropriate for non-experts. It proposes and tests an evaluation rubric and survey method that is both stable and robust: that is, readily usable and consistently reliable in a variety of XAI-explanation tasks.Doctor of Philosoph

A Lawyer’s Divorce: Will Decentralized Ledgers and Smart Contracts Succeed In Cutting Out the Middleman?

Society is progressing at a rapid pace. As math and science evolve, new technologies begin to utilize these advances and create something novel. These technological changes are revolutionizing not only the science-oriented industries, but also the humanities. One such example falls within the legal arena. More specifically, the exciting advent of smart contracts and their use of technological changes are altering the way law is processed and practiced. However, as is often the case, new technological innovations spur certain growing pains. The implementation of smart contracts is proving no different. Some view the smart contract as the start of a more ideal society. With the aid of smart contracts and blockchain technology, machines can finally be equipped to fulfill some of the most basic human functions. Not only would business transactions always occur in a timely, seamless, and cost-effective manner, but also more mundane life tasks, such as ordering laundry detergent, could soon be done via smart contract technology. As exciting as these changes may be, smart contracts and the blockchain technology behind them are still immature. Before this legal phenomenon is widely accepted, there needs to be more advancement in not only the code that creates the technology, but also in the law and its regulations. As it stands today, smart contracts are most likely to be accepted only in part, and heavily tailored to meet each contracting party’s needs. This Note will start by giving an overview of the technology needed to implement smart contracts—blockchain technology—and an explanation of how smart contracts fit within the framework of a blockchain. Next, this Note will discuss some of the major issues smart contracts face. Such issues include: the need to translate natural language into computer code, the traditional concept of contracting in conjunction with the effect of smart contracts on traditional legal notions, and reoccurring enforcement issues. After discussing smart contracts and the current issues barring wide-spread acceptance, this Note will explore the future of smart contracts in the legal arena by analogizing such an electronic contracting change to the now-widely accepted electronic clickwrap agreements. Additionally, this Note will explore recently enacted state statutes that create favorable legal conditions for smart contracts and what impact, if any, these statutes may have upon federal legislation. Furthermore, this Note will analyze the lack of and potential need for regulations regarding smart contracts. In an attempt to make smart contracts acceptable, this Note will suggest future regulations focus on two components of smart contracts. As it will be discussed, regulations should require smart contracts to utilize a permissioned ledger and focus on ensuring the legal requirement of mutuality between the two contracting parties. Lastly, this Note will conclude that although the publicity surrounding smart contracts is exciting and innovative, this form of contracting is likely to remain in a controlled business environment with implementation under select circumstances

How Key is Commitment? – Findings from Pilot Study

Aimhigher is a government funded initiative, working largely within the 13 to 19 age group who have potential to achieve, but are under represented in Higher Education (HE). The Aimhigher Summer Schools Analysis of Provision and Participation 2004 to 2008 (March 2009, p. 5) states ‘it is intended that application and progression to HE is achieved via providing an experience of HE which encourages the learners in the target group to: reinforce a commitment to learning and progression to HE’ In solution to a plethora of definitions of commitment in an organisational context, Allen and Meyer (1990) produced a Three-Component Framework, identifying commitment in three approaches; Affective, Continuance and Normative, by obtaining responses to statements using a Likert scale. Affective Commitment is most desirable as employees are emotionally attached, identify with the organisation and want to continue employment. “Research consistently shows that employee’s who want to stay, tend to perform at higher levels” (Meyer and Allen 2004, p. 2). Employees with continuance commitment perceive a need to stay due to costs associated with leaving and lack of comparable alternatives, demonstrating this is the least desirable form of commitment. With Normative Commitment, employees feel a moral obligation to continue employment. Following a review of organisational commitment literature and recent research, (Young 2008), a paper was presented at the Forum for Access and Continuing Education conference in July. This outlined how adaptation of these management models could be used to answer questions concerning, progression, reinforcement of commitment by summer schools, commitment type, year group other influences whilst investigating the concept of commitment within the wider context of Aimhigher and its objectives, evidencing and evaluating positive learner identity (HEFCE 2008/05) and references to commitment in the Higher Education Curriculum Map (Action on Access 2008). A pilot study followed, based upon Allen and Meyer’s commitment scales, used under licence from the authors Dr. John Meyer and Dr. Natalie Allen in the faculty of Social Science at the University of Western Ontario. Statements were produced to test the three commitment types in an educational context, for use at two residential summer schools, one lead by Aimhigher for year 11 and the other by the university, for year 12. The results of the Aimhigher summer school study show that there is very little difference in the commitment profile (consisting of Affective, Continuance and Normative commitment), of the whole group prior to and post summer school activity. However, when individual results are analysed an overall increase in Affective commitment can be demonstrated. This paper will discuss these findings and make recommendations for further research

Examining the Role of Asparagine 564 in E. coli MetH by Site-Directed Mutagenesis

From the Washington University Office of Undergraduate Research Digest (WUURD), Vol. 12, 05-01-2017. Published by the Office of Undergraduate Research. Joy Zalis Kiefer, Director of Undergraduate Research and Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences; Lindsey Paunovich, Editor; Helen Human, Programs Manager and Assistant Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences Mentor: April Bednarsk

Incorporating patient preferences in the management of multiple long-term conditions: is this a role for clinical practice guidelines?

Background: Clinical practice guidelines provide an evidence-based approach to managing single chronic conditions, but their applicability to multiple conditions has been actively debated. Incorporating patient-preference recommendations and involving consumers in guideline development may enhance their applicability, but further understanding is needed. Objectives: To assess guidelines that include recommendations for comorbid conditions to determine the extent to which they incorporate patient-preference recommendations; use consumer-engagement processes during development, and, if so, whether these processes produce more patient-preference recommendations; and meet standard quality criteria, particularly in relation to stakeholder involvement. Design: A review of Australian guidelines published from 2006 to 2014 that incorporated recommendations for managing comorbid conditions in primary care. Document analysis of guidelines examined the presence of patient-preference recommendations and the consumer-engagement processes used. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation instrument was used to assess guideline quality. Results: Thirteen guidelines were reviewed. Twelve included at least one core patient-preference recommendation. Ten used consumer-engagement processes, including participation in development groups (seven guidelines) and reviewing drafts (ten guidelines). More extensive consumer engagement was generally linked to greater incorporation of patient-preference recommendations. Overall quality of guidelines was mixed, particularly in relation to stakeholder involvement. Conclusions: Guidelines do incorporate some patient-preference recommendations, but more explicit acknowledgement is required. Consumer-engagement processes used during guideline development have the potential to assist in identifying patient preferences, but further research is needed. Clarification of the consumer role and investment in consumer training may strengthen these processes.Journal of Comorbidity 2015;5(1):122–13