Bose-Mesner Algebras attached to Invertible Jones Pairs

In 1989, Vaughan Jones introduced spin models and showed that they could be used to form link invariants in two different ways--by constructing representations of the braid group, or by constructing partition functions. These spin models were subsequently generalized to so-called 4-weight spin models by Bannai and Bannai; these could be used to construct partition functions, but did not lead to braid group representations in any obvious way. Jaeger showed that spin models were intimately related to certain association schemes. Yamada gave a construction of a symmetric spin model on $4n$ vertices from each 4-weight spin model on $n$ vertices. In this paper we build on recent work with Munemasa to give a different proof to Yamada's result, and we analyse the structure of the association scheme attached to this spin model.Comment: 23 page

Four-Weight Spin Models and Jones Pairs

We introduce and discuss Jones pairs. These provide a generalization and a new approach to the four-weight spin models of Bannai and Bannai. We show that each four-weight spin model determines a ``dual'' pair of association schemes

The Role of Auctions in Allocating Public Resources

This paper provides an economic framework within which to consider the effectiveness and limitations of auction markets. The paper looks at the use of auctions as a policy instrument and the effects of auction design on consumer interests, the efficient allocation of resources, and industry competitiveness.Australia; Research; Ascending-bid auction; Auctions; Bidders; Conservation funds; Descending-bid auction; Dutch auction; English auction; Environmental Management; First-price sealed-bid auction; Infrastructure; Markets; Oral auction; Outcry auction; Pollutant emission permits; Power supply contracts; Public resources; Radio- spectrum; Second-price sealed-bid auction Spectrum licences; Vickrey auction; Water rights;

THE FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS’ CHOICE IN STUDYING ENGLISH AT PRIVATE TUTORING SCHOOLS: A CASE OF THAI UPPER-SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study explores the factors leading Thai upper-secondary school students to study English at tutoring school. The students’ perceptions of their EFL private tutors and mainstream school teachers are also a focus of this research. Drawing on statistical data from 80 upper-secondary school students, it shows that these students perceive EFL private tutors to be more effective in the provision of examination support, particularly regarding the university admission examination, compared with mainstream school teachers. Overall, these students have more positive attitudes towards their English tutors than their mainstream school teachers. They agree that tutors have higher English language proficiency and can make them understand the lesson better than their school teachers. The characteristic of the tutors and teaching techniques is considered a significant factor leading students to study English at tutoring schools, particularly the teaching techniques that allow them to do better on university examinations. These findings not only highlight the impact of private tutoring schools on language education systems, but also caution Thai educational policy makers and practitioners to further explore the pressure of the university admission examination on upper-secondary school students in the country.Keywords: Examination support, English language proficiency, private tutoring schools, teaching technique, Thailand.Cite as: Chan, C. & Mongkolhutthi, P. (2017). The factors affecting students’ choice in studying English at private tutoring schools: A case of Thai upper-secondary school students. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 44-52.  http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol2iss2pp44-5

The early cellular events that control mechano-inflammatory signalling after cartilage injury

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that has no disease- modifying drug licenced for its treatment. Mechanical injury of cartilage is a principal risk factor in osteoarthritis (OA). Recent insights arising from our group demonstrate that mechano-sensitive intracellular signalling drives disease pathways. Cartilage injury is known to activate inflammatory signalling that leads to production of matrix-degrading proteases and consequent cartilage breakdown – a process our group has called mechanoflammation. Cartilage injury induces activation of transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1), that further activates downstream extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Our group has previously identified the role of apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and reactive oxygen species as key drivers of MAPKs on cartilage injury and downstream inflammatory gene regulation. My project sought to identify the role of ASK1 in the cartilage injury response. ASK1 was phosphorylated rapidly after cartilage injury, leading to the accumulation of ASK1 protein in the cell. Inhibition of ASK1 phosphorylation suppressed ASK1 accumulation, suggesting that phosphorylation was responsible for stabilising ASK1, most likely, by preventing its degradation. Degradation was through a proteosome- dependent mechanism as stabilisation of non-phosphorylated protein could be induced by pre-incubation with a proteosome inhibitor. IL1 and H2O2 stimulation of isolated primary chondrocytes activated MAPKs and NF-κB but did not appear to involve ASK1, although this needs repeating. Attempting to inhibit ASK1 in murine OA did not suppress cartilage degradation nor osteophyte formation. Giving mice a modified diet of oxidation-resistant compounds appeared to reduce injury-induced inflammatory gene regulation in vitro but increased cartilage damage in murine OA. My findings provide further insight into the role of ASK1 and other mechano-inflammatory pathways in articular cartilage and highlight the challenges of inhibiting them in vivo

Computerized Simulation of Case Management with Deaf Clients: Tools for Instruction and Evaluation of Information Gathering Strategies

Many counselors and case managers working with individuals who are deaf have incomplete knowledge about the complex factors that affect case management, learning primarily through trail-and-error what information is really necessary to develop effective rehabilitation plans. Computer-based training using simulations of cases involving management of deaf individuals allows trainees to try out various strategies and receive expert feedback about “best practices” for the simulated cases without harming actual clients. A brief description of simulations currently utilized in rehabilitation training is presented, the development of a deafness-specific case is described and current training applications using that simulation are discussed. The development, validation, and dissemination of a library of cases by the Northern Illinois University Research ad Training Center on Traditionally Underserved Persons Who are Deaf is in progress. Possible future directions for case management simulation with clients who are deaf are discussed

The infrastructures of global connectivity: 5G networks

This primer outlines what 5G telecommunication networks are, how they function, and what the relevant policy considerations are, given ongoing policy debates

Baking an institutional doughnut:A systemic design journey for diverse stakeholder engagement

Doughnut Economics offers a contemporary compass for navigating the complexities of creating a safe and just space where humanity can flourish while respecting ecological boundaries. This pictorial reports on how the Doughnut Economics model can be applied as a tool for facilitating complex stakeholder engagement. We present a novel visual framework and facilitation method to enable systemic and values-led thinking in the context of establishing a new interdisciplinary academic institution. Using a participatory design process, 115 stakeholders from academic, research, and administrative backgrounds explored this model over two studio sessions, co-creating an institutional compass to navigate the socio-ethical challenges of their professional practices. We leverage the pictorial format to (i) demonstrate the application of the Doughnut Economics model as an effective visual framework for fostering structured dialogue to surface shared and contesting values and boundaries and (ii) facilitate complex stakeholder engagement through a systemic design journey that encourages emergent dialogue