Digital Commons Network^™

Regulating Unicorns: Disclosure And The New Private Economy, Jennifer S. Fan

Articles

“Unicorns” are private companies with valuations of a billion dollars or more. As their name indicates, unicorns were originally so rare as to be almost mythical. But Uber and other technology companies have ushered in a new era: we now have a blessing of unicorns, each one of which has the potential to transform financial and cultural norms.

Yet from a legal perspective, these behemoths are regulated just like their much smaller, non-mythical counterparts. Unicorns’ dizzying valuations have not been matched with any expansion or recalibration of regulation. As a result, vital information about these companies remains secret, perhaps for …

The Secession Of The Successful: The Rise Of Amazon As Private Global Consumer Protection Regulator, Jane K. Winn

Articles

In 2005, the Americans for Fair Electronic Commerce Transactions (“AFFECT”) coalition issued a list of 12 principles it hoped would contribute to a new consensus about what constitutes fairness in online consumer transactions. A decade later, a cursory review of different jurisdictions indicates that, while there has been little discernable progress in the direction of the principles in the United States, other jurisdictions such as the European Union have made more progress.

However, the one jurisdiction in the world that comes closest to implementing all 12 principles across the full spectrum of consumer transactions is not a government at all, …

Highly Efficient F, Cu Doped Tio2 Anti-Bacterial Visible Light Active Photocatalytic Coatings To Combat Hospital-Acquired Infections, Nigel S. Leyland, Joanna Podporska-Carroll, John Browne, Steven J. Hinder, Brid Quilty, Suresh Pillai

Articles

Bacterial infections are a major threat to the health of patients in healthcare facilities including hospitals. One of the major causes of patient morbidity is infection with Staphylococcus aureus. One of the the most dominant nosocomial bacteria, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been reported to survive on hospital surfaces (e.g. privacy window glasses) for up to 5 months. None of the current anti-bacterial technology is efficient in eliminating Staphylococcus aureus. A novel transparent, immobilised and superhydrophilic coating of titanium dioxide, co-doped with fluorine and copper has been prepared on float glass substrates. Antibacterial activity has demonstrated (by using Staphylococcus …

Characterisation Of Strip Silicon Detectors For The Atlas Phase-Ii Upgrade With A Micro-Focused X-Ray Beam, L. Poley, A. Blue, R. Bates, I. Bloch, S. Diez, J. Fernandez-Tejero, C. Fleta, B. Gallop, B. Greenall, I.M. Gregor, K. Hara, Y. Ikegami, C. Lacasta, K. Lohwasser, D. Maneuski, S. Nagorski, I. Pape, P.W. Phillips, D. Sperlich, K. Sawhney

Articles

The planned HL-LHC (High Luminosity LHC) in 2025 is being designed to maximise the physics potential through a sizable increase in the luminosity up to 6centerdot1034 cm−2s−1. A consequence of this increased luminosity is the expected radiation damage at 3000 fb−1 after ten years of operation, requiring the tracking detectors to withstand fluences to over 1centerdot1016 1 MeV neq/cm2. In order to cope with the consequent increased readout rates, a complete re-design of the current ATLAS Inner Detector (ID) is being developed as the Inner Tracker (ITk).

A Different Type Of Lighting Research: A Qualitative Methodology, Kevin Kelly

Articles

As lighting researchers we can learn from our colleagues in the humanities who have progressed Qualitative Research methods to a high level of rigour. We should consider using Qualitative Research Methods more. Such methods allow exploration of complex issues involving human behaviour and facilitate researchers to address difficult to answer questions that otherwise go unanswered. Good quality Qualitative Research can provide rich explanations of what went on in a given situation. Validity and Reliability are considered differently with this type of research methodology. This paper attempts to identify when qualitative research is appropriate, what questions it can answer in lighting …

Time Series Analysis For A 1/Tb Memory Function And Comparison With The Lyapunov Exponent Using Volatility Scaling, Paddy Walsh, Jonathan Blackledge

Articles

Being able to provide accurate forecasts on the trending behaviour of time series is important in a range of applications involving the real time evolution of signals, most notable in financial time series analysis but control engineering in general. A critical solution for providing high accuracy forecasts is the filtering operation used to identify the position in time at which a trend occurs subject to a time delay factor that is inherent in the filtering strategy used. The paper explores this strategy and presents some example results that provide a quantitative measure of the accuracy used.

Equi-Biaxial Fatigue Testing Of Epm Utilising Bubble Inflation, Mark Johnson, Niall Murphy, Ray Ekins, John Hanley, Stephen Jerrams

Articles

This paper describes an equi-biaxial tension fatigue test system which utilises the bubble inflation method to subject elastomers to equi-biaxial fatigue loading between user-defined limits of pressure, volume, stretch ratio or stress. The test system integrates a hydraulic inflation system, a high speed vision system and a control system. The high-speed vision system allows the stretch ratio and stress acting on the test specimen to be evaluated in real-time during testing. This in turn allows either stretch ratio or stress to be used as a direct control limit. In this research, constant maximum engineering stress control tests have been carried …

Integration Of New Biological And Physical Retrospective Dosimetry Methods Into Eu Emergency Response Plans – Joint Reneb And Eurados Inter-Laboratory Comparisons, Elizabeth Ainsbury, Christophe Badie, Stephen Barnard, Aidan Meade

Articles

RENEB, 'Realising the European Network of Biodosimetry and Physical Retrospective Dosimetry,' is a network for research and emergency response mutual assistance in biodosimetry within the EU. Within this extremely active network, a number of new dosimetry methods have recently been proposed or developed. There is a requirement to test and/or validate these candidate techniques and inter-comparison exercises are a well-established method for such validation.

A Novel Anthropomorphic Flow Phantom For The Quantitative Evaluation Of Prostate Dce-Mri Acquisition Techniques, Silvin Knight, Jacinta Browne, James Meaney, David Smith, Andrew Fagan

Articles

A novel anthropomorphic flow phantom device has been developed which can be used for quantitatively assessing the ability of MRI scanners to accurately measure signal / concentration time-intensity curves (CTCs) associated with dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. Modelling of the complex pharmacokinetics of contrast agents as they perfuse through the tumour capillary network has shown great promise for cancer diagnosis and therapy monitoring. However, clinical adoption has been hindered by methodological problems, resulting in a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate acquisition and modelling methodology to use and a consequent wide discrepancy in published data. A heretofore overlooked source of …

Suppressed Intuitions, Large Number Coincidences, And A Mathematical Foundation For Life And Consciousness, Maurice Goodman

Articles

A brief examination of the natural sciences reveals that we are still under the influence of pre Copernican intuitions. These have only been suppresses and not supplanted. This is why we appeal to such things as large number coincidences in the hope that the mathematics, which unlike us does not suffer from naive beliefs, will lead us in the right direction. However, we need to be extremely careful as it is easy to create these coincidences and over interpret their significance. In the 1980’s work on these coincidences did lead to a mathematical formulism which seems to have relevance in …

Optimized Sliding Mode Control To Maximize Existence Region For Single-Phase Dynamic Voltage Restorers, Samet Biricik, Hasan Komurcugil

Articles

This paper presents an optimized sliding mode control (SMC) strategy to maximize existence region for single-phase dynamic voltage restorers. It is shown analytically that there exists an optimum sliding coefficient which enlarges the existence region of the sliding mode to its maximum. Also, it is pointed out that the optimum sliding coefficient improves the dynamic response. In addition, a double-band hysteresis control which ensures the switching of a transistor in the voltage source inverter during a half-cycle while it remains either on or off in the other half cycle is used to mitigate the switching frequency. The theoretical considerations and …

New Hybrid Active Power Filter For Harmonic Current Suppression And Reactive Power Compensation, Samet Biricik, Ozgur Cemal Ozerdem, Soydan Redif, Mustafa Sezai Dincer

Articles

In the case of undistorted and balanced grid voltages, low ratio shunt Active Power Filters (APFs) can give unity power factors and achieve current harmonic cancellation. However, this is not possible when source voltages are distorted and unbalanced. In this study, the cost-effective hybrid active power filter (HAPF) topology for satisfying the requirements of harmonic-current suppression and non-active power compensation for industry is presented. An effective strategy is developed to observe the effect of the placement of power capacitors and LC filters with the shunt active power filter. A new method for alleviating the negative effects of a non-ideal grid …

Three-Level Hysteresis Current Control Strategy For Three-Phase Four-Switch Shunt Active Filters, Samet Biricik, Hasan Komurcugil

Articles

In this study, a three-level hysteresis current-control (HCC) strategy is proposed for three-phase four-switch shunt active power filters. The four-switch topology which utilises four switching devices together with two series connected capacitors is able to reduce the cost, switching losses and improve the reliability of system. In this topology, when the current control of phases A and B is achieved successfully, the current control of phase C which is connected to the midpoint of the series connected capacitors is achieved automatically. The current control is achieved by using a three-level HCC strategy. An important consequence of using this control strategy …

Tort Reform Through The Back Door: A Critique Of Law And Apologies, Yonathan A. Arbel, Yotam Kaplan

Articles

No abstract provided.

Resolving The Policy Paradox: The Case Of Biofuel Production In Ireland, Alan Gilmer, Mark J. Mcgarrity, Vivienne Byers

Articles

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the status of policy design and policy implementation in the biofuel sector in Ireland. The focus of the work addresses the overarching operational context of the biofuel sector in Ireland and the role of different actors in shaping and resolving inconsistencies in policy outlook and practice. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a qualitative research approach involving a series of semi-structured interviews with members of the relevant sub-groups concerned. This study sought to address two questions – whether current or proposed policy is likely to affect consumption of indigenous biofuel feedstocks …

Predicting Asthma Exacerbations Employing Remotely Monitored Adherence, Isabelle Killane, Imran Sulaiman, Elaine Mac Hale, Aoife Breathnach, Terrence Taylor, Martin Holmes, Richard B Reilly, Richard W Costello

Articles

This Letter investigated the efficacy of a decision-support system, designed for respiratory medicine, at predicting asthma exacerbations in a multi-site longitudinal randomised control trial. Adherence to inhaler medication was acquired over 3 months from patients with asthma employing a dose counter and a remote monitoring adherence device which recorded participant's inhaler use: n = 184 (23,656 audio files), 61% women, age (mean ± sd) 49.3 ± 16.4. Data on occurrence of exacerbations was collected at three clinical visits, 1 month apart. The relative risk of an asthma exacerbation for those with good and poor adherence was examined employing a univariate …

The Neural Dynamics Of Somatosensory Processing And Adaptation Across Childhood: A High-Density Electrical Mapping Study, Neha Uppal, John J. Foxe, John Butler, Frantzy Acluche, Sophie Molholm

Articles

Young children are often hyperreactive to somatosensory inputs hardly noticed by adults, as exemplified by irritation to seams or labels in clothing. The neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying changes in sensory reactivity are not well understood. Based on the idea that neurodevelopmental changes in somatosensory processing and/or changes in sensory adaptation might underlie developmental differences in somatosensory reactivity, high-density electroencephalography was used to examine how the nervous system responds and adapts to repeated vibrotactile stimulation over childhood. Participants aged 6–18 yr old were presented with 50-ms vibrotactile stimuli to the right wrist over the median nerve at 5 blocked interstimulus intervals (ranging …

Unique Characterization Of Materials With Memory, John Murrough Golden

Articles

In general, materials with linear memory constitutive relations are characterized by a relaxation function. This leads to a situation where the free energy for most materials with memory is not unique. There is a convex set of free energy functionals with a minimum and a maximum element. An alternative procedure is proposed which characterizes a material by the kernel of the rate of dissipation functional. Using some recent results, we find that a unique free energy and relaxation function may then be deduced. An example is given for discrete spectrum materials. Also, the new results are used to show that …

Energy-Saving Occupant Behaviour In Offices: Change Strategies, Mark Mulville, Keith Jones, Gesche Huebner, Joanne Powell-Grieg

Articles

As regulated energy consumption in buildings is reduced, the proportional importance of unregulated energy consumption increases. Reducing unregulated energy use in the commercial office requires an understanding of the factors that influence workplace behaviour. To date these factors have been assumed to be similar to those that influence behaviour in the home. However, the social dynamics of the workplace are different to those in the home. This study examines the degree to which theories of behaviour change generated largely in a domestic building setting could be used as the basis for designing interventions to reduce unregulated energy consumption in the …

Iron In The Soul, Noel Brady

Articles

This paper re-examines the iconic use of cruciform columns in the famous Barcelona Pavilion and the other ‘German’ projects of the architect Mies Van der Rohe. It extrapolates for the material itself to construct a theory about the meaning behind their design and iconography linking it to Shinkel and a coded national identify.

Interpreting Megalithic Tomb Orientations And Siting Within Broader Cultural Contexts, Frank Prendergast

Articles

This paper assesses the measured axial orientations and siting of Irish passage tombs. The distribution of monuments with passages/entrances directed at related tombs/cairns is shown. Where this phenomenon occurs, the targeted structure is invariably located at a higher elevation on the skyline and this could suggest a symbolic and hierarchical relationship in their relative siting in the landscape. Additional analysis of astronomical declinations at a national scale has identified tombs with an axial alignment towards the rising and setting positions of the Sun at the winter and summer solstices. A criteria-based framework is developed which potentially allows for these types …

Strategy/Enterprise Discourse Bounds In Business Talk., Brendan O'Rourke

Articles

Corporate strategy emerged as large non-owner managed firms became economically important (Knights and Morgan, 1991). Strategy became the substitute for the earlier enterprise discourse, which depended on the dominance, in entrepreneurial capitalism, of owner-managed firms. The discourses of strategy and enterprise developed as separate academic areas and as logics of two very different economic domains. From the late 1970s however, large organizations (Kanter, 1983:27) and governments have been urged to be more entrepreneurial (Klein et al., 2010; Osborne and Gaebler, 1993). Meanwhile, small firms were encouraged to be more strategic (Carr, 2000). This article looks at evidence from small …

Legitimising Expertise: Analysing The Legitimation Strategies Used By Economics Experts In Broadcast Interviews, Joseph K. Fitzgerald, Brendan O'Rourke

Articles

Few would doubt that economists have taken a prominent role as experts on policy issues [Maesse, J. 2015. Economic experts: A discursive political economy of economics. Journal of Multicultural Discourses 10, no.3: 279–305] and some contend that no other social science discipline has gained such prominence [Fourcade, M., E. Ollion, and Y. Algan. 2015. The superiority of economists. Journal of Economic Perspectives 29, no.1: 89–114]. This prominent societal role has long been evident and leans on their perceived objectivity with regard to the economy and policy advice. Yet, the Great Recession of 2008 put past understandings of the economy, and …

Friending The Privacy Regulators, William Mcgeveran

Articles

According to conventional wisdom, data privacy regulators in the European Union are unreasonably demanding, while their American counterparts are laughably lax. Many observers further assume that any privacy enforcement without monetary fines or other punishment is an ineffective “slap on the wrist.” This Article demonstrates that both of these assumptions are wrong. It uses the simultaneous 2011 investigation of Facebook’s privacy practices by regulators in the United States and Ireland as a case study. These two agencies reached broadly similar conclusions, and neither imposed a traditional penalty. Instead, they utilized “responsive regulation,” where the government emphasizes less adversarial techniques and …

Constructing A Postcolonial Feminist Ethnography, Jennifer Manning

Articles

Purpose – The paper details the construction of a postcolonial feminist approach to ethnography; providing insight into how the researcher developed her ethnographic approach based on her theoretical framework and demonstrating how she undertook this research. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to outline how the researcher identified positionality and representation as the primary challenges of undertaking a postcolonial feminist ethnography with marginalised Maya women in Guatemala, and how she addressed these complexities in the field.

Design/methodology/approach – This postcolonial feminist ethnography was conducted over a three-month period in the rural highlands of Sololá, Guatemala. This approach bridges the …

Injury Scheme Claims In Gaelic Games: A Review Of 2007-2014, Mark Roe, Catherine Blake, Conor Gissane, Kieran Collins

Articles

Context: Gaelic games (Gaelic football and hurling) are indigenous Irish sports with increasing global participation in recent years. Limited information is available on longitudinal injury trends. Reviews of insurance claims can reveal the economic burden of injury and guide cost-effective injury-prevention programs.

Campus Sexual Assault Adjudication: Why Universities Should Reject The Dear Colleague Letter, Tamara Rice Lave

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No abstract provided.

"Immigrants Are Not Criminals": Respectability, Immigration Reform, And Hyperincarceration, Rebecca Sharpless

Articles

Mainstream pro-immigrant law reformers advocate for better treatment of immigrants by invoking a contrast with people convicted of a crime. This Article details the harms and limitations of a conceptual framework for immigration reform that draws its narrative force from a contrast with people-citizens and noncitizens-who have been convicted of a criminal offense and proposes an alternate approach that better aligns with racial and class critiques of the U.S. criminal justice system. Noncitizens with a criminal record are overwhelmingly low-income people of color. While some have been in the United States for a short period of time, many have resided …

The Turn To Procedure, Kunal M. Parker

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No abstract provided.

Post-Crisis Legal Education: Some Premature Thoughts, David Yellen

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No abstract provided.