BCFW Recursion Relations and String Theory

We demonstrate that all tree-level string theory amplitudes can be computed using the BCFW recursion relations. Our proof utilizes the pomeron vertex operator introduced by Brower, Polchinski, Strassler, and Tan. Surprisingly, we find that in a particular large complex momentum limit, the asymptotic expansion of massless string amplitudes is identical in form to that of the corresponding field theory amplitudes. This observation makes manifest the fact that field-theoretic Yang-Mills and graviton amplitudes obey KLT-like relations. Moreover, we conjecture that in this large momentum limit certain string theory and field theory amplitudes are identical, and provide evidence for this conjecture. Additionally, we find a new recursion relation which relates tachyon amplitudes to lower-point tachyon amplitudes.Comment: 36 pages, JHEP3; reference and note added, improved discussion in section

Development of bite guard for wireless monitoring of bruxism using pressure-sensitive polymer

A wireless pressure sensing bite guard has been developed for monitoring the progress of bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep); as well as for protecting the teeth from damages. For sensing the grinding event effectively in restricted space and hostile environment, a pressure sensitive polymer composite which is safe for intra oral applications has been fabricated and encapsulated into a conventional bite guard. Also encapsulated was a microcontroller-based electronic circuit which was built in-house for data collection and transmission. A low power approach was configured to maximize the working life-time of the device to several months. The device can provide real-time tooth grinding profile through wireless communication. This device is anticipated to be a useful tool for understanding and treating bruxism

Financial Structure and Diversification of European Firms. ESRI WP492, September 2014

Small and medium enterprises have been shown to rely mainly on banks for funding and, unlike larger firms, rarely have direct access to capital markets. This paper looks at the extent to which SMEs avail of a wider range of funding options and how their use differs across firms and countries. Using the Survey of Access to Finance in Europe (SAFE) covering sixteen Euro Area countries, we find that firms are currently using two or three sources of finance to fund their firm’s operations and have had previous experience of other types of funding. There are some noticeable differences across countries with funding types in peripheral economies generally being less diversified. Differences across firm size and age groups are more marked than cross-country variation, with smaller and younger firms significantly more reliant on a limited set of finance types and older, larger firms having more diversified financial structures. Looking at individual sources of financing, we find that trade credit and informal sources of finance are extremely prevalent across all countries, with Irish firms being particularly likely to use them as sources of funding

SME Recovery Following a Financial Crisis: Does Debt Overhang Matter?. ESRI WP491. September 2014

The years before the financial crisis saw a dramatic build-up in private debt levels in several countries and this increase was particularly marked in Ireland. In this paper, we look at whether outstanding debt taken out by small and medium sized enterprises in Ireland constrains current performance. We find that the level of debt is generally associated with positive firm performance, facilitating growth and investment. Higher debt burdens (measured as the ratio of debt to turnover), on the other hand, have significant negative effects on all measures of firm performance, in particular investment, employment and indicators of financial distress

Maynooth Musicology: Postgraduate Journal

The second issue of Maynooth Musicology Postgraduate Journal will be a memorable one for the student editors, and for me too as founder and general editor. Many of the young musicologists who have written these essays will embark on new journeys, leaving our department with MLitts. or PhDs, some bringing their experience at Maynooth to bear on studies further afield. It is to the students of this volume and to musicology students in general that this preface is directed, for what matters on such occasions is not so much the educational givens of your background but the state of readiness of your own spirit. In fact, the ability to start out upon your own impulse is fundamental to the gift of keeping going on your own terms, not to mention the further and more fulfilling gift of getting going all over again -never resting upon the oars of success or in the doldrums of disappointment, but getting renewed and revived by some further transformation

Transitions In and Out of Unemployment Among Young People in the Irish Recession. ESRI WP467. September 2013

This research attempts to answer two particular questions: a) what factors drive SME credit constraints in the Irish economy and b) what is the impact of such constraints on the macro-economy, in particular on employment and investment. We find that constraints decrease with firm size while there is variation by sector. Our results indicate that firms applying to foreign-owned banks are more likely to be constrained. We also identify a direct effect of debt overhang on access to credit. Linking constraints to the macro-economy, we find a negative and significant effect of SME credit constraints on employment, while no effect is evident on firm investment

How do banking crises affect aggregate consumption? Evidence from international crisis episodes. ESRI working paper no. 464, August 2013

This paper considers the effect of systemic financial crises on aggregate consumption. Using a sample of 23 countries over 32 years, we find that consumption growth seems lower during banking crises, crises following credit booms and crises following house price booms. Moreover, the response to income growth seems to change, which may be due to credit constraints. In the long run, consumption appears to be linked to income, housing and other financial wealth

A sleep bruxism detection system based on sensors in a splint – pilot clinical data

It is difficult in a dental setting to accurately diagnose sleep bruxism and to objectively assess the severity, frequency or natural history of the condition in an individual patient. Yet this information is essential for the management of sleep bruxism and to plan appropriate dental treatment. The objective of this study was to clinically test a device that could be used to record bruxism events in a home environment. Pressure sensors were developed for use under the surface of an occlusal splint, and circuitry was designed to facilitate the recording and wireless transmission of the pressure sensor signal to a computer. Controlled mandibular movements were carried out in vivo to simulate bruxism and non-bruxism patterns. These patterns of force application were graphically presented to two examiners who were asked to identify the type of activity represented by the force curves. Examiners were largely able to distinguish bruxism from non-bruxism activity; the sensitivity ranged from 80% to 100% and the specificity from 75% to 100%. Using sensors in an occlusal splint, it is possible to recognise the typical tooth contact patterns seen in sleep bruxism. Such a device may be useful for monitoring sleep bruxism over an extended period at home

Development of a wireless autonomous bruxism monitoring device

A wireless pressure sensing bite guard has been developed for monitoring the progress of bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep. The pressure sensor was fabricated from carbon-polymer composite which was encapsulated into a conventional prescription biteguard; together with a built in-house microcontroller-based electronics circuit for data collection and data transmission. A low power approach was configured to maximize the working life-time of the device to several months. The device can provide real-time tooth grinding profile through wireless communication. This device is anticipated to be a useful tool for understanding the progress of bruxism treatment

Comparison of human uterine cervical electrical impedance measurements derived using two tetrapolar probes of different sizes

BACKGROUND We sought to compare uterine cervical electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements employing two probes of different sizes, and to employ a finite element model to predict and compare the fraction of electrical current derived from subepithelial stromal tissue. METHODS Cervical impedance was measured in 12 subjects during early pregnancy using 2 different sizes of the probes on each subject. RESULTS Mean cervical resistivity was significantly higher (5.4 vs. 2.8 Ωm; p < 0.001) with the smaller probe in the frequency rage of 4–819 kHz. There was no difference in the short-term intra-observer variability between the two probes. The cervical impedance measurements derived in vivo followed the pattern predicted by the finite element model. CONCLUSION Inter-electrode distance on the probes for measuring cervical impedance influences the tissue resistivity values obtained. Determining the appropriate probe size is necessary when conducting clinical studies of resistivity of the cervix and other human tissues