Modelling Curriculum Choice at A-level: Why is Business Studies More Popular than Economics?

This paper uses A-level Information System (ALIS) data to quantify the determinants of the choice between Economics and Business Studies at A-level. These subjects are often perceived as close curriculum options and possible substitutes in the UK. Subject choice is modelled using an underlying latent variable approach. On the basis of a series of counterfactual exercises an overall average grade differential, a measure of their comparative difficulty, is estimated to be 1.3 (old) UCAS points, equivalent to approximately two-thirds of a letter grade, in favour of Business Studies. The estimating equation suggests that a unit increase in the grade differential increases the probability of selecting Business Studies over Economics by approximately 12 percentage points. There is evidence that females are less likely to choose Economics over Business Studies and the more able students, in terms of their average GCSE score and mathematical ability, are more likely to select Economics. There is also some evidence of parental background characteristics and ethnicity exerting significant effects on the choice between these two subjects.

The Impact of Contracting Out on the Costs of Refuse Collection Services - The Case of Ireland

This paper examines the impact of contracting out on the costs incurred by local authorities in providing refuse collection services. Using original survey data for the Republic of Ireland, three methods of estimating the impact of tendering are adopted. Crude comparisons of costs before and after tendering and the costs of local authorities versus private contractors indicate that tendering can yield savings of between 34 and 45 per cent. Using multivariate regression analysis to enable us to control for service characteristics confirms cost savings of around 45 per cent. The bulk of these cost savings are attributed to real efficiency gains as a result of contracting out.

A roadmap to the economic evaluation of the activities of the Newhaven Community Development Association

NCDA provides a range of services to the local community with the general aim of supporting regeneration in the Newhaven area. We were asked to provide an economic evaluation of NCDA’s services and we chose to focus on a subset of those activities where the better quality data are available. These are the nursery, the family learning programme and the youth service. These three accounted for 20% of the costs of all services provided by NCDA (another 31% goes to the government-sponsored Work Programme). The paucity of good quality data meant that it proved difficult to obtain solid evidence on the benefits of the services provided (e.g. youths abstaining from drug abuse). We therefore had to look at research evidence from similar activities elsewhere, such as pre-school programmes in the USA or the Families and Schools Together (FAST) programme, which runs in several countries. These programmes are likely to provide benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) and rates of return which suggest such activities are worthwhile investments. Investment in pre school typically has BCRs of around 2; the FAST programme has a ratio of around 3. For the youth service, evidence from research gives a wide range of results, from a BCR of 1.2 all the way up to 13. In the literature we surveyed, small projects seem to have higher rates of return: there are diminishing returns to such activities. Using these research findings we have estimated the potential economic benefits of the NCDA activities, assuming that both the delivery of the interventions by NCDA and the characteristics of their client groups are identical to these programmes. If this holds true, the annual cost of the nursery of £240,000 could yield benefits in the order of £635,000, while the benefit-cost ratio of the youth service could be positive or negative depending on which existing programme is used as the basis of the estimation. There are many shortcomings with this approach. While similar programmes appear to have substantial benefits relative to theirs costs, Newhaven’s programmes need to be evaluated in their own right to be certain that they are realising the same benefits. We suggest some simple measures, which NCDA might like to take to improve the quality of the data they have and the use of it for analysis of their work

Towards a High Energy Theory for the Higgs Phase of Gravity

Spontaneous Lorentz violation due to a time-dependent expectation value for a massless scalar has been suggested as a method for dynamically generating dark energy. A natural candidate for the scalar is a Goldstone boson arising from the spontaneous breaking of a U(1) symmetry. We investigate the low-energy effective action for such a Goldstone boson in a general class of models involving only scalars, proving that if the scalars have standard kinetic terms then at the {\em classical} level the effective action does not have the required features for spontaneous Lorentz violation to occur asymptotically $(t \to \infty)$ in an expanding FRW universe. Then we study the large $N$ limit of a renormalizable field theory with a complex scalar coupled to massive fermions. In this model an effective action for the Goldstone boson with the properties required for spontaneous Lorentz violation can be generated. Although the model has shortcomings, we feel it represents progress towards finding a high energy completion for the Higgs phase of gravity.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figures;fixed typos and added reference

Getting Digitization Projects Done in a Medium-Sized Academic Library: a Collaborative Effort Between Technical Services, Systems, Special Collections, and Collection Development

Cleveland State University Library, a medium-sized academic library serving approximately 15,000 students, is engaged in large-scale efforts to digitize and make accessible online collections of unique Cleveland-related materials. The Cleveland State University Library Special Collections digitization and cataloging efforts use staff from several different library organizational units. The collaboration of staff with specific expertise in long-standing library functions -- special collections, cataloging, systems, archives, selection -- to create two Web databases is described. The collaborative effort has proven effective in getting resources processed, archived, digitized, described, promoted, and made accessible in a highly efficient and effective manner. The responsibilities of the different library units involved in the digitization project are described

Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding practices in Nigeria : a study of socioeconomic inequalities

Background: The effects of breastfeeding practices on children’s health are undoubtedly of great interest. However, inequalities in breastfeeding practices and mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact (SSC) exist in many resource-constrained settings. This study examined the regional prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), early initiation of breastfeeding and SSC in Nigeria. Methods: Data on 2936 infants under six months were extracted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) to determine EBF. In addition, data on 21,569 children were analysed for early initiation of breastfeeding and SSC. Concentration index and curves were used to measure socioeconomic inequalities in EBF, early initiation of breastfeeding and SSC. Results: The prevalence of EBF, early initiation of breastfeeding and SSC were 31.8, 44.2 and 12.1% respectively. Furthermore, Ogun state had the highest prevalence of EBF (71.4%); while Bayelsa state had the highest prevalence of SSC (67.8%) and early initiation of breastfeeding (96.2%) respectively. Urban dwellers had higher prevalence of EBF, SSC and early initiation of breastfeeding across household wealth quintile and by levels of mothers’ education in contrast to their rural counterparts. We quantified inequalities in early initiation of breastfeeding, EBF, and SSC according to household wealth and maternal education. The study outcomes had greater coverage in higher household wealth, in contrast to the lower household wealth groups; early initiation of breastfeeding (concentration index = 0.103; p = 0.002), EBF (concentration index = 0.118; p < 0.001), and SSC (concentration index = 0.152; p < 0.001) respectively. Furthermore, early initiation of breastfeeding (concentration index = 0.091; p < 0.001), EBF (concentration index = 0.157; p < 0.001) and SSC (concentration index = 0.156; p < 0.001) had greater coverage among mothers with higher educational attainment. Conclusion: Low prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in early initiation of breastfeeding, EBF and SSC were identified. We recommend that health promotion programs targeted and co-designed with disadvantaged mothers are critical to meet global breastfeeding targets. Also, future researchers should conduct further studies especially clinical control trials and qualitative studies to unravel the possible reasons for differences in the indicators

Microscale Infrared Technologies for Spectral Filtering and Wireless Neural Dust

Pivotal technologies, such as optical computing, autonomous vehicles, and biomedical implantables, motivate microscale infrared (IR) components. Hyperspectral imagers (HSI), for example, require compact and narrowband filters to obtain high-spatial and -spectral resolution images. HSIs acquire continuous spectra at each pixel, enabling non-destructive analyses by resolving IR scattering/absorption signatures. Toward this end, dielectric subwavelength gratings (SWG) are intriguing filter candidates since they are low-loss, have no moving parts, and exhibit narrow spectral features. Wireless neural implantables are another apropos microscale IR technology. Wireless IR data and power transfer disposes of infection-prone percutaneous wires by leveraging the IR transparency window in biological tissue. This dissertation contains two related topics. The first details SWG IR filters, and the second studies progress toward wireless neural motes. This work extends the capabilities of SWG IR filters. Following a theoretical overview, mid-wave infrared (MWIR, 3-7 um) transmittance filters are experimentally demonstrated using the zero-contrast grating scheme. Via a facile silicon fabrication process, we realize narrowband polarization-dependent and polarization-independent MWIR transmittance filters with some of the highest Q observed in MWIR SWGs. An empirical study confirms the relationship between filter performance and grating size, an important trade-off for HSIs. We then demonstrate GaAs SWG filters for monolithic integration with active optoelectronic devices. The GaAs SWGs perform comparably to their silicon counterparts. To enable narrowband filtering at normal incidence, we investigate symmetry-breaking in geometrically asymmetric gratings. The presented SWG geometries access quasi-bound states in the continuum (BIC). Studies in Fano resonance and diffraction efficiency symmetry provide physical insight. Asymmetric 1D and 2D SWGs furnish polarization-dependent and -independent filtering, respectively. We experimentally demonstrate normal incidence long-wave IR (LWIR, 7-12 um) transmittance filtering in asymmetric SWGs and confirm symmetry-breaking implications. A reduced-symmetry hexagonal pattern presents an early design for truly polarization-independent quasi-BIC coupling in SWGs. Advancements in implantable neural devices promise great leaps in brain mapping and therapeutic intervention. To meet this challenge, we investigated a wireless neural mote system using near-infrared (NIR, 800 nm – 3 um) photovoltaics and LEDs to wirelessly harvest power and transmit data. The neural recorders consist of three subsystems: an epitaxial GaAs-based optoelectronic chip, a Si CMOS IC, and a carbon fiber probe. Though this work encompasses the efforts of many, this dissertation outlines contributions in a few critical areas. To overcome low-flux LED emission, we devise an optical setup with ≈0.1% photon detection efficiency. Monte Carlo techniques model NIR scattering in biological tissue. Another steep challenge is the heterogeneous integration of the three material systems in a compact (200x170x150 um^3) package. To relay data and power between the GaAs and CMOS chips, through-wafer vias are critical. Using a novel selective copper plating technique, we demonstrate through-wafer GaAs vias with <2 Ohm series resistance. Additionally, conductive blind vias are presented for carbon fiber probe insertion. A self-aligned parylene etch mask permits sub-kOhm connection to a buried metal contact while maintaining GOhm substrate isolation. Both via structures meet the requirements of being low-resistance, insulated from the substrate, and amendable to thinned wafer processing. Finally, we demonstrate extensive processing on thinned chips and advances toward full heterogeneous integration via flip-chip alignment and solder bump bonding.PHDElectrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/169986/1/barrowm_1.pd

Resistance in maize to the maize stalk borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1989.An in depth review is given of Host Plant Resistance research on borers in general, and on B. fusca in particular. The general biology and economic importance of B. fusca are also discussed. Several aspects of the general methodology of breeding for resistance to B. fusca are discussed. These topics include collection of overwintering larvae, termination of diapause, field infestation methodology and damage assessment. Approximately 20 first instar larvae were applied to the plant whorl when plants were about 30 - 40 cm tall. The primary method of damage assessment was to evaluate leaf damage on a 1 to 5 scale. Further criteria for selection of resistant germplasm are assessment of stunting due to stem boring and yield at harvest. The effect of plant resistance on B. fusca was investigated. There were clearly defined differences in leaf damage evident between different maize genotypes. Heritability of this resistance was demonstrated, and presumed to be an additive mechanism that reduced insect feeding, indicating antibiosis. There were significant differences between the number of larvae recovered from whorl tissue of different cultivars. This was ascribed to two resistance mechanisms exerting their effects within the first few days' feeding by larvae. One mechanism was short lived, but effective, antibiosis resulting in larval death, while the other, also short lived, was repellence, resulting in larval migration. Both mechanisms resulted in fewer larva feeding in the plants. Another longer lasting resistant mechanism affected larval growth and mass gain, resulting in smaller larvae. These mechanisms were found to be heritable traits. Differences in levels of resistance affecting larval mass gain were also determined for various parts of the tassel. For all inbreds, the peduncles were more susceptible than the tassel Cultivars also differed in the levels of resistance in the stern tissue. Resistance in leaf tissue did not necessarily mean that resistance occurred in the stern of that genotype. Some cultivars had resistance mechanisms present in both leaves and sterns, some had only one resistance mechanism in either part, and some were totally susceptible. The effect of the borer on the plant was investigated. Leaf damage was found to not be of any consequence, but severe stern damage caused extensive yield losses. There was good correlation between leaf damage and stern damage. Yield loss was most pronounced in longer season hybrids than in quick maturing hybrids. Methodologies utilized in the development of inbreds, populations and hybrids are discussed. It was concluded that borer resistant hybrids do have a place in the commercial market. However their performance under conditions of low or no infestation must be similar to that of other susceptible hybrids because control measures for B. fusca are not excessively expensive

Functional aligned porous materials via directional freezing and frozen UV initiated polymerization

The work in this thesis is split into three experimental chapters: The first section involves the development of the directional freezing and frozen polymerization method to prepare crosslinked aligned porous polymers with improved mechanical stability. Monomer solutions were directionally frozen in liquid nitrogen to orientate the growth of solvent crystals and the frozen samples are polymerized by UV irradiation. The solvent is removed under vacuum at room temperature to produce aligned porous structure. The mechanical stability is improved by two orders of magnitude compared to the usually freeze-dried porous materials. The materials are modified with graphene and a conducting polymer to make conducting monoliths, whilst maintaining the aligned porous structure. The aligned porous monolith is also assessed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), showing fast separation of hydrocarbon compounds with low back-pressure. The second section uses directional freezing and frozen UV initiated polymerization to prepare aligned porous stimuli-responsive hydrogels. Oligo-ethylene glycol methacrylates and dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate monomers were used to produce temperature and pH-responsive hydrogels respectively. Aligned porous morphologies are observed in both dry and hydrated states. The hydrogels exhibit stimuli-responsive behaviour in aqueous conditions and anisotropic compressive strength and diffusion behaviour with respect to freezing direction. Section three uses directional freezing and frozen UV polymerization method to prepare aligned porous monoliths containing silica. The surface of the materials was post-functionalized to make two different types of aligned porous composites. Hydrothermal synthesis using Teflon lined autoclaves was used to functionalize monoliths separately with silver and metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOF composite materials were used as a stationary phase to try and separate a mixture of organic compounds