Cobordism obstructions to independent vector fields

We define an invariant for the existence of r pointwise linearly independent sections in the tangent bundle of a closed manifold. For low values of r, explicit computations of the homotopy groups of certain Thom spectra combined with classical obstruction theory identifies this invariant as the top obstruction to the existence of the desired sections. In particular, this shows that the top obstruction is an invariant of the underlying manifold in these cases, which is not true in general. The invariant is related to cobordism theory and this gives rise to an identification of the invariant in terms of well-known invariants. As a corollary to the computations, we can also compute low-dimensional homotopy groups of the Thom spectra studied by Galatius, Tillmann, Madsen, and Weiss.Comment: 46 page

Self perceptions of African-American female administrators in New England public schools.

This study presents information from in-depth interviews with seven African-American female administrators of public schools in New England. Their experiences and socially constructed meanings for their lives and work provide both personal and organizational insights into creative and sustaining leadership roles for minority women. Participants were interviewed in homes and offices. They are well-educated, have traveled, live in middle class sections of the cities or towns, and engaged in social, educational, charitable, and spiritual activities in their communities. Interviews took place from November 1986 through February 1987, spaced three days apart for each participant. The audio tapes were listened to, transcribed, and examined. Interviews concentrated on historical experiences, factors which influenced the participants to enter the field of education, and the meaning of work. These interviews gave voice to an often ignored segment of school leadership, especially in New England. Several common themes and patterns emerged in this study: (1) historical; (2) oppression, discrimination, and racism; (3) determination and stamina; and (4) pride and self-esteem. The participants spoke of obstacles and biases, as well as their own pride and self respect. They described the importance of strong family support and high expectations from family, teachers, and friends. They cited positive role models and early educational experiences that encouraged and inspired them. Despite the oppression, discrimination, racism, and sexism they encountered, these women maintained determination and positive self-esteem. They also acknowledged the importance of mentors, networks, and collegial support systems in sustaining them throughout their careers as administrators in public education. The study concluded with recommendations (1) for African-American women employed in public school administration in New England, (2) for researchers, and (3) for schools of education and inservice programs of public school systems

Une école missionnaire et étrangère dans la tourmente de la révolution constitutionnelle ottomane

En janvier 1909, les étudiants musulmans et juifs du Syrian Protestant College de Beyrouth décidèrent massivement de faire la grève des cours d’instruction biblique et des exercices religieux obligatoires à la chapelle du campus. Dans le climat révolutionnaire créé par le retour de la constitution ottomane en juillet 1908, ils invoquèrent la liberté de conscience et le respect de la loi interdisant la contrainte en matière de religion. L’affaire, largement médiatisée, eut une grande portée. Elle relançait le débat sur les écoles confessionnelles étrangères, recherchées pour la qualité de leur enseignement mais vues aussi comme une menace pour la souveraineté ottomane et l’identité islamique.In January 1909, the great majority of Moslem and Jewish students in the Syrian Protestant College of Beirut firmly opposed to the regulations requiring attendance at Bible classes and religious exercises in the campus chapel. This was an effect of the revolutionary atmosphere following the return of Ottoman constitution on July 23rd 1908. In this context, the students called upon freedom of conscience and the Ottoman law which forbade any religious constraint. Their mobilization got amplified by the press and had a great impact. The underlying question was the status of foreign confessional schools which on one side were praised for their quality of teaching and on the other side were seen as a threat for Ottoman sovereignty as well as Islamic identity

Circonstances aggravantes : lecture de Suite française d'Irène Némirovsky

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal