Digital Commons Network^™

Profiling Instances In Noise Reduction, Sarah Jane Delany, Nicola Segata, Brian Macnamee

Articles

The dependency on the quality of the training data has led to significant work in noise reduction for instance-based learning algorithms. This paper presents an empirical evaluation of current noise reduction techniques, not just from the perspective of their comparative performance, but from the perspective of investigating the types of instances that they focus on for re- moval. A novel instance profiling technique known as RDCL profiling allows the structure of a training set to be analysed at the instance level cate- gorising each instance based on modelling their local competence properties. This profiling approach o↵ers the opportunity of investigating …

Sms Spam Filtering: Methods And Data, Sarah Jane Delany, Mark Buckley, Derek Greene

Articles

Mobile or SMS spam is a real and growing problem primarily due to the availability of very cheap bulk pre-pay SMS packages and the fact that SMS engenders higher response rates as it is a trusted and personal service. SMS spam filtering is a relatively new task which inherits many issues and solu- tions from email spam filtering. However it poses its own specific challenges. This paper motivates work on filtering SMS spam and reviews recent devel- opments in SMS spam filtering. The paper also discusses the issues with data collection and availability for furthering research in this area, analyses …

Speech Intelligibility Prediction Using A Neurogram Similarity Index Measure, Andrew Hines, Naomi Harte

Articles

Performance Intensity functions can be used to provide additional information over measurement of speech reception threshold and maximum phoneme recognition by plotting a test subject's recognition probability over a range of sound intensities. A computational model of the auditory periphery was used to replace the human subject and develop a methodology that simulates a real listener test. The newly developed NSIM is used to evaluate the model outputs in response to Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC) word lists and produce phoneme discrimination scores.

A Laboratory Inter-Comparison Of The Importance Of Serum Serotonin Levels In The Measurement Of A Range Of Radiation-Induced Bystander Effects: Overview Of Study And Results Presentation., Fiona Lyng, C. Mothersill, F. Antonelli, V. Dini, M. Kämäräinen,, B. Schilling-Tóth

Articles

No abstract provided.

Teaching Elements Of Election Law Beyond The Disciplinary Borders Of "Election Law", Frances R. Hill

Articles

No abstract provided.

The Fractal Geometry Of Invention, Alan L. Durham

Articles

Fractals are geometric objects of inexhaustible detail. Fractal structures have been found in the contours of mountain ranges, the patterns of veins on a leaf, and the fluctuations of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The endeavor of inventing new technologies, consisting of a hierarchical network of practical inquiries, exhibits fractal properties as well. Among these are multiplicity, latency, and self-similarity. Multiplicity means that a single inventive idea may lead to an immense and diverse array of technological artifacts. Latency means that the potential of an inventive idea to yield practical embodiments only reveals itself in time, and may never be …

Delineating Sexual Dangerousness, Fredrick E. Vars

Articles

Only “dangerous” individuals may be indefinitely detained. Is a one percent chance of a future crime clear and convincing evidence of dangerousness? For sex offenders, fear and uncertainty in case law leave open this passage to limbo. This Article closes it. The due process balancing test used to evaluate standards of proof provides the framework. This Article explains the relationship between the standard of proof and the definition of “dangerous” and argues that only an approach combining the two is consistent with the Constitution. Applying decision theory with assumptions favoring the government, this Article calculates a minimum likelihood of recidivism …

The Resistance Defense, Jenny E. Carroll

Articles

This article explores a previously ignored set of defendants "” those who choose to rely on a defense of resistance From Warren Jeffs the polygamist recently convicted of child rape in Texas to John Brown the fiery abolitionist who led a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry in the hopes of triggering an armed insurrection these defendants waived their procedural rights and transformed their criminal trials into a commentary on the deficiencies of the law and the system that supports it Though their belief systems varied they appear throughout history in moments of social or political crisis and …

Taxing Facebook Code: Debugging The Tax Code And Software, Xuan-Thao Nguyen, Jeffrey A. Maine

Articles

This article sets out to analyze both intellectual property laws and tax systems as applied to computer software. It analyzes software within intellectual property's established doctrinal framework, a difficult task due to the fact that software can encompass some combination of the traits of copyrights, trade dress, patents, and trade secrets. It then examines both the federal and state tax systems governing software. It shows that fitting software within current tax schemes presents unique challenges, as software contains both tangible and intangible elements, is subject to varying intellectual property protections, and can be delivered through various media. The article argues …

Fostering The Business Of Innovation: The Untold Story Of Bowers V. Baystate Technologies, Robert W. Gomulkiewicz

Articles

Perhaps the law review literature does not need another article on the Federal Circuit’s case [320 F.3d 1317 (Fed. Cir. 2003, cert denied, 123 S.Ct. 2588 (2003)]. That case has received more than its share of attention from commentators, all criticizing Judge Rader’s majority opinion and most extolling the virtues of Judge Dyk’s dissent. Despite the storm of scholarly criticism, however, courts have followed Judge Rader’s opinion.

This Article tells the untold story of why courts have been wise to do so. The Article explains how commentators have argued that federal intellectual property law should have preempted Bowers’ claims …

Evaluation Of A Prototype Desktop Virtual Reality Model Developed To Enhance Electrical Safety And Design In The Built Environment, Martin Barrett, Jonathan Blackledge

Articles

The use of Desktop Virtual Reality (VR) systems for enhancing electrical safety and engineering design is a novel prospect for both practicing and student electrical services engineers. This innovative approach, which can be readily accessed via the World Wide Web, constitutes a marked shift in conventional learning and design techniques to a more immersive, interactive and intuitive working and learning environment. This paper initially identifies the unique characteristics of desktop web based VR technologies and highlights the educational affordances offered by working in such an environment. Subsequently, using a prototype model titled ‘Virtual Electrical Services’, a case study is carried …

A Teaching Practice Review Of The Use Of Multiple-Choice Questions For Formative And Summative Assessment Of Student Work On Advanced Undergraduate And Postgraduate Modules In Engineering, Aidan O'Dwyer

Articles

This paper reflects on, reports on and evaluates the use of multiple-choice questions, in both formative and summative assessment modes, on control engineering modules taken by advanced undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students, over four academic years. The material covered by the modules is analytical in nature. The rationale for examining the assessment strategy was the poor performance by students in a closed book traditional terminal examination on one of the advanced undergraduate modules over some years. The change in assessment strategy has improved student learning, as measured by assessment data; student feedback on the assessment methods is broadly positive. The …

Non-Gaussian Anisotropic Diffusion Processing For Medical Imagining Using The Osirix Dicom Viewer, Jonathan Blackledge, Matthew Blackledge, Jane Courtney

Articles

Medical imaging is a fertile area for computer graphics, image processing and real time visualization. In this paper we present a method for reducing noise in CT (Computed Tomography) and MR (Magnetic Resonance) images that (in addition to other noise sources) is characteristic of the numerical procedures required to construct the images, namely, the (inverse) Radon Transform. In both cases, MR imaging in particular, an additional noise source is due to the process of diffusion thereby predicating use of the Anisotropic Diffusion method for noise suppression. This method is based on a diffusion model for noise generation where the Diffusivity …

Properties Of Non-Tilted Bent-Core Orthogonal Smectic Liquid Crystal, S. Sreenilayam, M. Nagaraj, Yuri Panarin, J. K. Vij, A. Lehmann, C. Tschierske

Articles

We present the properties of different achiral orthogonal polar smectic phases observed in a homologous series of bent-core molecular compounds. The macroscopically uniaxial SmAPR phase transforms to biaxial state by the application of higher electric fields and biaxial SmAPA phase undergoes biaxial-uniaxial-biaxial texture transformation with increasing electric fields,i.e.,initial antiferroelectric structure transforms into ferroelectric state under higher electric fields and it shows three different optically distinguishable states. The SmAPAR phase shows an entirely different response compared to other polar smectic phases under study. The dielectric measurements in the SmAPAR phase is the evidence of antiferroelectric behavior of uniaxial state. The polarizing …

Structure And Polymorphism Of Biaxial Bent-Core Smectic Liquid Crystal, S. Sreenilayam, M. Nagaraj, Yuri Panarin, J. K. Vij, A. Lehmann, C. Tschierske

Articles

The mesomorphic properties of a homologous series of achiral bent-core compounds are studied by polarizing optical microscopy, electro-optics and polarization measurements. Induction of a new orthogonal smectic phases with the increase of alkyl side chain length was observed. One of the compounds exhibits a unique phase transition between four non-tilted smectic phases (SmAPA–SmAPAR-SmAPR-SmA). The uniaxial but antiferroelectric nature of SmAPAR phase was confirmed by POM, current response, the 2nd harmonic electro-optic response and polarization measurements. The structure of SmAPAR phase was studied theoretically by Next-Nearest-Neighbor model and was identified as SmAPα.

Effects Of Four Commercially Available Fxa Proteins On The Fluorogenic Anti-Fxa Assay When Monitoring Unfractionated Heparin, Vanessa Castro-Lopez, Brian Murray, Leanne F. Harris, James S. O'Donnell, Anthony J. Killard

Articles

Four commercially available Factor Xa (FXa) reagents were evaluated in a fluorogenic anti-FXa assay. The four reagents - of which three were of human origin and the fourth was bovine - were compared in terms of the resulting assay dynamic ranges, lag times, CV and R2 values, sum of squares as well as their sensitivity to unfractionated heparin (UFH) within the therapeutic range of 0-1.2 U mL-1. Based on a balance of performance characteristics, an optimum reagent was selected which had the best combination of all parameters. The best performing serine endopeptidase in the fluorogenic anti-FXa assay was found to …

The Impact Of Macular Pigment Augmentation On Visual Performance Using Different Carotenoid Formulations., James Loughman, J M. Nolan, Alan Howard, E Connolly, K Meagher, S Beatty

Articles

To investigate changes in macular pigment optical
density (MPOD) and visual performance following supplementation
with different macular carotenoid formulations.

Occupational Noise Exposure Of Nightclub Bar Employees In Ireland, Gary Henehan, Aoife Kelly, Sara Boyd, Gordon Chambers

Articles

Due to the transposition of the EU Directive 2003/10/EC into Irish Law, the entertainment sector was obligated to comply with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 1 Part 5: Control of Noise at Work since February 2008. Compliance with the Noise Regulations was examined in 9 nightclubs in Ireland. The typical daily noise exposure of 19 bar employees was measured using 2 logging dosimeters and a Type 1 fixed position sound level meter. Physical site inspections identified nightclub noise control measures. Interviews and questionnaires were used to assess the managers and …

Enhanced Refractometer Based On Periodically Tapered Small Core Singlemode Fiber, Pengfei Wang, Gilberto Brambilla, Ming Ding, Timothy Lee, Lin Bo, Yuliya Semenova, Qiang Wu, Gerald Farrell

Articles

Abstract—An all-fiber 1 refractive index (RI) sensor with a 2 simple configuration of periodical tapers is proposed and inves3 tigated experimentally. The proposed fiber RI sensor consists of 4 a small core fiber sandwiched between two standard singlemode 5 fibers, with tapers periodically fabricated along the small core 6 fiber using a focused CO2 laser beam. Such a structure can be 7 used for RI sensing by measuring the dip wavelength shift of 8 the multimode interference within the small core fiber cladding. 9 An average sensitivity of 226.6 nm/RIU (RI Unit) has been 10 experimentally achieved in the RI …

Trust In The Information Society, Brian O'Neill

Articles

Trust is an important feature for all users of the Internet who rely on the safety and security of network technologies and systems for their daily lives. Trust, or the lack of it, has also been identified by the European Commission’s Digital Agenda as a major barrier to further development of the information society in Europe. One of the areas in which concerns have been raised is in relation to children’s safety online. As a result, substantial efforts have been made by policymakers and by the industry to build greater trust and confidence in online digital safety. This paper examines …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Oral Communciations Apprehension, Marann Byrne, Barbara Flood, Dan Shanahan

Articles

Prior research has identified communication apprehension, or fear of communicating, as a major factor which inhibits an individual’s willingness to communicate and his/her capability to develop effective communication skills. While many prior studies have measured oral communication apprehension of students, there has been little qualitative exploration of the phenomenon. This study was conducted by interviewing first-year business and accounting students at a higher education institution in Ireland who were identified as encountering varying levels of oral communication apprehension. The experiences of the students in communicating in different contexts are analysed and the impact of factors such as fear of peer …

Nonlinear Optical Properties Of Carbon Nanotube Hybrids In Polymer Dispersions, Jun Wang, Kang-Shyang Liao, Daniel Früchtl, Ying Tian, Aisling Gilchrist , T, Nigel Alley, Enrico Andreoli, Brad Aitchison, Albert Nasibulin, Hugh Byrne, Esko I. Kauppinen, Long Zhang, Werner Blau, Seamus Curran

Articles

A series of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) and multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with selected organic chromophores, fluorescein 5(6)-isothiocyanate (FITC), rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC) and fullerene (C₆₀) were synthesized by covalently linking these electron-donor groups to the metallic nanotubes. These versatile carbon nanotube composites show remarkable nonlinear optical (NLO) performance, due to a merged effect of the complementary NLO characteristics of the moieties of the composites. The hybrids were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Evidence suggests charge transfer species are formed between the chromophores and the nanotubes. The optical limiting performance of the DWNT, MWNT hybrids and …

Journalism Education And Children's Rights: New Approaches To Media Development In Cee/Cis Countries, Michael Foley, Noirin Hayes, Brian O'Neill

Articles

This article gives the background to a project entitled Children's Rights and Journalism Practice, which was carried out for UNICEF in university journalism faculties in CEE/CIS countries

By focusing on journalism in the context of the academy and raising awareness of children’s rights from a journalistic perspective, the project seeks to provide a relatively safe space for critical engagement with journalistic ethics and values. Children are targets of, or are implicated in, nearly all aspects of public policy, yet are largely invisible in news-media coverage, and rarely have their voices heard in matters affecting them. By using the UNCRC as …

New Tools In Improvised Music Performance., Seán Mac Erlaine

Articles

This paper looks at the synthesis of computer technology and instrumental practice in improvised music performance. The emerging field of performers who use real-time signal processing as a technological extension of their instrument is discussed. How do new tools affect musical practice? Does the use of computers impose an associated aesthetic?

A number of key players are scrutinised including Evan Parker, La Monte Young, Terry Riley, Jon Hassell, Miles Davis, Pauline Oliveros, David Behrman. The research provides a historical context to these practices and explores how pre- and post-digital technologies have shaped their work.

This article identifies an innovative and …

Co-Operatives As Social Innovation – How Older Models Of Social Enterprise Are More Relevant Than Ever, Gerard Doyle

Articles

Ireland faces a number of socio-economic issues, including, an over-reliance on fossil fuels, inequality, unsustainable approaches to urban regeneration and unbalanced regional development. This chapter will demonstrate how social enterprise can lead to the implementation of socially innovative responses to addressing these issues.

Convergence And Multidisciplinarity In Nanotechnology: Laboratories As Technological Hubs, Nicolas Battard

Articles

This article argues that research groups dedicated to nanoscience and nanotechnology are considered as technological hubs where scientists with multiple backgrounds converge in order to conduct research at the nanoscale (a billionth of a metre). Scientific production is therefore challenged as multiple ways of thinking, practices and knowledge participate in the creation of new outcomes. Through an exploratory and inductive study, I show that these technological hubs develop a specialisation based on internal competencies and stock of knowledge. The specialisation enables laboratories to position themselves as an expert among other laboratories as well as making them more visible in order …

Young Men Consuming Newspaper Prostitution: A Discourse Analysis Of Responses To Irish Newspaper Coverage Of Prostitution., Joseph Fitzgerald, Brendan O'Rourke

Articles

In this article we look at how young men consume coverage of prostitution in Irish newspapers. This is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, because the media, and newspapers in particular, seem to be an important source of information for people (Meade, 2008). This is especially true in the case of prostitution, as the only contact the citizenry generally have with sex-workers is through the media (Hallgrimsdottir, Phillips and Benoit, 2006). In many Western countries consuming media is one of the main activities that people, particularly young people, engage in and therefore is the prism through which they view …

Applying International Human Rights Standards To The Restraint And Seclusion Of Students With Disabilities, David Weissbrodt, Willy Madeira, Daniel Stewart, William Dikel

Articles

No federal law in the United States prohibits school administrators from physically restraining or secluding students. 1 State laws diverge widely. 2 Unlike in medical, psychiatric, and law enforcement settings, where strict national standards govern the use of physical restraint and seclusion, many schools may have no, or inconsistent, guidelines to follow in deciding when the use of force upon students is appropriate. 3 This lack of industry-approved protocol and standardized training of school personnel makes restraint and seclusion susceptible to misapplication and abuse. 4

Advancing Feminist Positioning In The Field Of Transitional Justice, Fionnuala Ní Aoláin

Articles

No abstract provided.

The Myth Of The Magic Circle: Rejecting A Single Governance Model, Trey Hickman, Kristin Hickman

Articles

No abstract provided.