Cosmetic crossings and Seifert matrices

We study cosmetic crossings in knots of genus one and obtain obstructions to such crossings in terms of knot invariants determined by Seifert matrices. In particular, we prove that for genus one knots the Alexander polynomial and the homology of the double cover branching over the knot provide obstructions to cosmetic crossings. As an application we prove the nugatory crossing conjecture for twisted Whitehead doubles of non-cable knots. We also verify the conjecture for several families of pretzel knots and all genus one knots with up to 12 crossings.Comment: 16 pages, 5 Figures. Minor revisions. This version will appear in Communications in Analysis and Geometry. This paper subsumes the results of arXiv:1107.203

The perceived influence of some trainee characteristics and conditions for transfer on training outcomes

While training is an important organisational development strategy, training transfer is increasingly being recognised as a key issue in ensuring the effectiveness of training and obtaining a return on investment. This study examines the transfer of training following on from a specific experiential learning program that was aimed at increasing the skills of a group of staff within a unique public sector organisation in Western Australia. The aim of this course was that staff would then be able to achieve a key performance indicator for the organisation at the identified target of 99.99% performance. The study is based on the perceived influence of two trainee characteristics (motivation to work, and organisational commitment), and two conditions for transfer ( supervisor support, and opportunity to use) on training transfer as an outcome. The study first examined the issue of training evaluation and proceeded to conduct a more thorough examination of the literature on training transfer. Three popular and dominant models were examined for their strengths and weaknesses, which formed the basis for the conceptual framework proposed in this study. The four research questions focus on each of the four independent variables. The data collection for this study was based on previously used scales in each of the 4 variables and data gathered through a questionnaire from the staff of the Information Services Directorate of Lotterywest who formed the sample for the study. Early reliability analysis required some items from the survey instrument to be deleted from future analyses. Factor analysis suggested the existence of sub scales within each of the variables. Subsequent regression analyses suggested that motivation to work (2%) did not impact on training transfer in this study, but the other three predictor variables; organisational commitment, supervisor support, and opportunity to use each had significant influence on training transfer and ranged from over 20% to almost 50% of the variance in the model. Collectively, the results suggest that approximately 50% of the variance in the model is attributed to the influence these variables have on training transfer. There are some limitations to this study which are discussed in detail and must be considered due to the unique nature of the sample who took part in the study and the public sector agency in which this study was conducted. In addition, implications for human resource practitioners and organisational development practitioners are discussed in detail. There are several opportunities for further research to be conducted within this particular industry (to which this public sector agency belongs) as it appears that no such research has previously been conducted of this nature within this industry, either in Australia or in the rest of the world

Nature conservation planning approach in the urban epoch

This study explores the nature conservation planning in the urban context, an emerging issue in the process of striking a balance between natural heritage conservation and urbanization demands, by focusing on two cases: Breda City Plan in the Netherlands and Beykoz Riva Integrated Environmental Protection and Development Plan. Breda City Plan is analyzed as a reflection of a deep-rooted tradition that is sensitive to nature while Riva Beykoz Plan is analyzed as a unique example within Turkey in that regard. These cases see the development of an integrated rainwater management system by the enhancement of existing ecosystems and green urban spaces and by their connection to the adjacent protected natural areas. This study explores whether the recent implementations of nature conservation in Breda and Beykoz Riva meet IUCN guidelines for urban areas. These cases are analyzed with the IUCN Urban Protected Area Guidelines which adopts current concept and methodology of nature conservation planning in urban areas. As a result of their analysis, it is observed that they both meet the guideline criteria

Architectural User Interface:: Towards a Performative Architecture

This is our primary question: with the inexorable advance of digital technologies along all fronts of human endeavor, whither architecture? We identify performance as the primary criterion to revealing a new paradigm for architecture. We do not delimit this definition to the role traditionally played by mechanical and quasi-mechanical technologies in the optimization of environmental control systems and building skins. Nor do we intend to ascribe to performance the interpretation narrowly defined by the emergence of digital gadgetry, primarily optical in methodology, which have nonetheless already radically altered the means by which we negotiate our environment, built and otherwise. Instead, we seek to engage a notion of performance that encompasses these definitions in a wider arc: one that seeks an understanding of a broad interface between architecture and technology, and one that attempts to solicit optimal collateral advantage from their respective strengths. From architecture, we affirm presence as its quintessential condition, its inalienable concreteness, with the necessarily contingent properties of Benjamin's ‘tactile appropriation'. And from technology, we recognize the emergence of models of interactivity and intelligence that allow for not only new possibilities for the inhabitation and manipulation of space, but for indications of a new definition of architecture itself

Developing an evaluation framework for innovative urban and interurban freight transport solutions

This paper presents work carried out in the projects STRAIGHTSOL and SMARTFUSION, both funded within the seventh framework programme of the European Commission. Both projects develop and apply an evaluation framework to assess innovative urban and interurban freight transport solutions. The frameworks will be generic and applicable to any measure within the urban-interurban context and across regions in Europe. To reach that goal, the two projects work together on improvements. This paper discusses their common challenges, approaches, provisional outcomes and differences. Next it looks at the lessons that can be learned from each other