The Mod-2 Cohomology Ring of the Third Conway Group is Cohen-Macaulay

By explicit machine computation we obtain the mod-2 cohomology ring of the third Conway group Co_3. It is Cohen-Macaulay, has dimension 4, and is detected on the maximal elementary abelian 2-subgroups.Comment: 12 pages; writing style now more concis

A New Challenge: Testing the Video Course

This paper offers some preliminary thoughts on the testing ofvideo courses, including a review of the literature and an examinationof the research on the subject. The unique characteristics ofvideo courses suggest that different language learning outcomes maybe expected, which means that creating appropriate tests is thereforea new challenge for language teachers. The paper lists subtesttypes, and gives an example of a test used by the authors. Based onthis experience, a number of guidelines are offered regarding thecreation of appropriate tests, and a direction for future research inthe area is suggested

On the Hilbert series of Hochschild cohomology of block algebras

We show that the degrees and relations of the Hochschild cohomology of a p-block algebra of a finite group over an algebraically closed field of prime characteristic p are bounded in terms of the defect groups of the block and that for a fixed defect d, there are only finitely many Hilbert series of Hochschild cohomology algebras of blocks of defect d. The main ingredients are Symondsʼ proof of Bensonʼs regularity conjecture and the fact that the Hochschild cohomology of a block is finitely generated as a module over block cohomology, which is an invariant of the fusion system of the block on a defect group

On stable equivalences and blocks with one simple module

Using a stable equivalence due to Rouquier, we show that Alperin’s weight conjecture holds for any p-block of a finite group with defect 2 whose Brauer correspondent has a unique isomorphism class of simple modules

SPS construction perspective. Summary

Projections concerning the general construction requirements for a solar power satellite (SPS) are summarized. It is recognized that the ability to construct an SPS must be developed through an evolutionary process. This process would begin with shuttle operations and when construction timelines exceed the shuttle capability, small manned bases in low Earth orbit (LEO) would be used. The influence of construction methods on design, assembly bases, and crew considerations are addressed

CPCP violation in Bs0B_s^0 decays at LHCb

Latest LHCb measurements of $CP$ violation in the interference between mixing and decay are presented based on $pp$ collision data collected during LHC Run I, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3.0\, {\rm fb}^{-1}$. Approximately $27\, 000$ $B_s^0\to J/\psi \pi^+\pi^-$ signal events are used to make what is at the moment the most precise single measurement of the $CP$-violating phase in $b\to c\bar{c}s$ transitions, $\phi_s^{c\bar{c}s}=0.070\pm0.068{\rm (stat.)}\pm0.008{\rm (syst.)}$ rad. The most accurate measurement of the $CP$-violating phase in $b\to s\bar{s}s$ transitions, $\phi_s^{s\bar{s}s}$, is found from approximately $4\, 000$ $B_s^0\to \phi\phi$ signal events to be $\phi_s^{s\bar{s}s}=-0.17\pm{\rm (stat.)}0.15\pm0.03{\rm (syst.)}$ rad.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures, presented at the second annual LHCP conferenc

Religious interfaith work in Canada and South Africa with particular focus on the drafting of a South African Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms

Constitutional protections for religious freedom (and related freedoms of conscience, belief and association and equality), once interpreted by courts and tribunals, apply in a precedential manner to future cases. They have an influence well beyond the particular community to which they first applied. For this reason, religious communities have increasingly banded together and sought to intervene or even, on occasion, to initiate legal actions asserting or defending their rights. This article reviews some of the principles around the freedom of religion as understood in South Africa and Canada to show how courts have understood the freedom of religion in its social context. In addition, interfaith cooperation is discussed with particular reference to the recent process which led to the formation of a Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms pursuant to Section 234 of the South African Constitution (which is attached to the article). This section, a unique provision in any constitution, allows for the creation of additional Charters to give greater specificity to the general language of the Constitution itself. As such, it is an encouragement to civil society to determine what it thinks are the important provisions that should be spelled out to give guidance to politicians and the judiciary. A wide variety of religious groups participated in the creation of the Charter. The Charter does not claim to be, nor could it be, exhaustive of such concerns but demonstrates that religions can cooperate across a host of issues in education, health care, employment and other issues. The next stage – passage into law, is still in the future but the first important hurdle has been crossed with the signing of the Charter in October of 2010. The Charter might be a template for other countries though changes would be necessary to deal with local issues

Carbon offers advantages as implant material in human body

Because of such characteristics as high strength and long-term biocompatability, aerospace carbonaceous materials may be used as surgical implants to correct pathological conditions in the body resulting from disease or injury. Examples of possible medical uses include bone replacement, implantation splints and circulatory bypass implants