GLOBAL SYSTEMS INSTITUTE

Publications

Vermin, Victims and Disease, British Debates over Bovine Tuberculosis and Badgers

Publication ID: pub.1121263209

Keywords: Badger Cull; Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB); Britain; Cattle; Cow; Land and Wildlife Management; Legislation; Ministry of Agriculture; Fisheries and Food (MAFF); Open Access; Oral History; Policy; Robert Koch; Science and Society; Testing; Tuberculosis (TB); Vaccination; Welfare

“Dr Cassidy draws pertinent general conclusions about generating policy and mediating the role of the expert in today’s science-sceptic and increasingly polarised society… It is both a useful and original contribution, specifically to the history of zoonotic disease policy, and policy history more generally.” —Helen Bynum, Author of Spitting Blood: The History of Tuberculosis (2012) […]

Modelling complex systems of heterogeneous agents to better design sustainability transitions policy

Publication ID: pub.1032494476

Keywords: Behavioural Sciences; Climate Change Mitigation; Complexity Sciences; Environmental Policy Assessment

This article proposes a fundamental methodological shift in the modelling of policy interventions for sustainability transitions in order to account for complexity (e.g. self-reinforcing mechanisms, such as technology lock-ins, arising from multi-agent interactions) and agent heterogeneity (e.g. differences in consumer and investment behaviour arising from income stratification). We first characterise the uncertainty faced by climate […]

Virtual learning environment engagement and learning outcomes at a ‘bricks-and-mortar’ university

Publication ID: pub.1105260398

Keywords: Exeter; Human-computer Interface; Interactive Learning Environments; Learning Communities; Post-secondary Education; UK; University of Exeter

In this study, we analyse the relationship between engagement in a virtual learning environment (VLE) and module grades at a ‘bricks-and-mortar’ university in the United Kingdom. We measure VLE activity for students enrolled in 38 different credit-bearing modules, each of which are compulsory components of six degree programmes. Overall we find that high VLE activity […]

Classification of the existing knowledge base of OR/MS research and practice (1990–2019) using a proposed classification scheme

Publication ID: pub.1124905468

Keywords: Classification Scheme; Global; OR/MS Education; OR/MS Knowledge Base

Operations Research/Management Science (OR/MS) has traditionally been defined as the discipline that applies advanced analytical methods to help make better and more informed decisions. The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the existing knowledge base of OR/MS research and practice using a proposed keywords-based approach. A conceptual structure is necessary in […]

Tunnel spoil classification and applicability of lime addition in weak formations for muck reuse

Publication ID: pub.1047282768

Keywords: Ground Conditioning; Lime Admixture; Muck Classification; Muck Reuse; Spoil Treatment; Tunnelling

Tunnel construction planning requires careful consideration of the spoil management part, as this involves environmental, economic and legal requirements. In this paper a methodological approach that considers the interaction between technical and geological factors in determining the features of the resulting muck is proposed. This gives indications about the required treatments as well as laboratory […]

Rapid localized flank inflation and implications for potential slope instability at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador

Publication ID: pub.1124227665

Keywords: Deformation; Ecuador; Finite Element Analysis; InSAR; Slope Stability; Tungurahua Volcano

High rates of volcano surface deformation can be indicative of a forthcoming eruption, but can also relate to slope instability and possible flank collapse. Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador, has been persistently active since 1999 and has previously experienced catastrophic flank failures. During the ongoing eruptive activity, significant surface deformation has been observed, with the highest rates […]