Smooth Structures on Spheres

We provide an account of Milnor's construction of an exotic 7-sphere and the subsequent rapid development of differential topology used to produce and classify exotic manifolds. We begin by giving some necessary background, assuming only previous knowledge of real analysis and linear algebra. Smooth manifolds, vector bundles, and fibre bundles are introduced, along with some operations on manifolds not usually seen in a first course, before giving a review of all necessary algebraic topology. We pay particular attention to the homology of smooth manifolds, as this will form the basis for the constructions of the following section. We then introduce characteristic classes, which are one of the main ingredients in constructing smooth manifold invariants. Using this setup, we develop Milnor's original smooth invariant and a generalisation of it to a wider class of manifolds. We give a brief introduction to Morse theory, which we use to characterise topological spheres. Having set up the necessary background, we construct a number of examples of exotic spheres. We first present Milnor's original example, and then develop a more general tool, plumbing disk bundles, to give a much larger class of examples. Finally, we turn to the classiffication of smooth structures on spheres of dimension greater than four, developing the necessary background to state Milnor and Kervaire's classiffication results on homotopy groups of spheres, before indicating a number of future directions of study to the reader, as this thesis is ultimately intended to be an introduction to a vast field

Reflection on Integrative Project-Based Learning in Business and Information Technology Programs

Recently there has been an increase in demand for interdisciplinary programs that enable graduates to demonstrate a blend of technical and ‘soft skills’. As a result, many higher education organizations are developing programs that integrate areas such as management and information technology or entrepreneurship and engineering. The wide range of topics covered in these programs and the need for graduate to be able to integrate and apply of core concepts. Since 2010 we have used integrative project-based learning as a core element of our game development and entrepreneurship program. In this model, students work in project teams to create a “complete” video game following a set of specific feature requirements drawn from the students’ courses. This project requires students to integrate concepts across all courses taken (including those from business, game design, programming, and game art) and develop a commercially viable game. More recently, we have developed project-based learning elements for our networking and information technology security program. In this paper, we reflect on the success and challenges of implementing integrative project-based learning throughout a university program. Elements considered include scalability, management of student groups, faculty engagement, program scheduling, and effectiveness of content integration. Results have demonstrated that students are better able to understand how fundamental concepts from the various curriculum areas interact while gaining additional opportunities to practice ‘soft skills’ such as project management, communications, problem solving, and leadership. The paper will provide recommendations on the necessary learning environment and supports for successful implementation of integrative project-based learning

Beyond the barrier: Female Genital Schistosomiasis as a potential risk factor for HIV-1 acquisition.

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) results from egg-deposition in the female reproductive tract primarily by the waterborne parasite Schistosoma (S.) haematobium, and less commonly by Schistosoma (S.) mansoni. FGS affects an estimated 20-56 million women worldwide, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. There is cross-sectional evidence of increased HIV-1 prevalence in schistosomiasis-infected women, but a causal relationship between FGS and either HIV-1 acquisition or transmission has not been fully established. Beyond the pathognomonic breach in the cervicovaginal barrier caused by FGS, this narrative review explores potential mechanisms for a synergistic relationship between S. haematobium infection, FGS, and HIV-1 acquisition through vaginal inflammation and target cell recruitment

Making Foreign: Legal Identity, Social Policy and the Contours of Belonging in the Contemporary Dominican Republic

This empirical, multidisciplinary study offers a critical perspective into social policy architectures primarily in relation to questions of race, national identity and belonging in the Americas. It is the first to identify a connection between the universal provision of legal identity in the Dominican Republic with arbitrary measures to restrict access to citizenship paperwork from populations of (largely, but not exclusively) Haitian descent. The study highlights the current gap in global policy that overlooks the possible alienating effects of social inclusion measures, particularly in countries that discriminate against migrant-descended populations. It also supports concerns in scholarship regarding the dangers of identity management, noting that as administrative systems improve, new insecurities and uncertainties can develop (Seltzer and Anderson, 2001; Bigo, 2006; Lyon, 2009). The project therefore serves as a warning about the potential use of social policy architectures for authoritarian practices. In this regard, it offers a timely critique of global policy measures to provide all people everywhere with a legal identity in the run-up to the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Effects of plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction training in male U17 soccer players

This project investigated the effect of adding 8 weeks of bi-weekly plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction (PSSCoD) training into standard training for elite youth soccer players from Tunisia. A training group (n = 18; age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 63.2 ± 4.8 kg; stature: 1.73 ± 0.07 m; body fat: 11.2 ± 1.7%), and control group (n = 16; age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 63.6 ± 4.3 kg; height: 1.73 ± 0.06 m; body fat: 11.6 ± 1.5%) participated. The pre- and post-intervention measures were squat-jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), 5 m and 20 m sprint, change-of-direction ability (4 × 5 m sprint test (S 4 × 5 m)), repeated sprint ability (RSA), and static balance (stork balance test). The training group displayed superior jump (all p < 0.05; d > 0.49), sprint (p < 0.05; d > 0.52), change-of-direction ability (p < 0.01; d = 0.78), RSA (p < 0.01; d > 0.70), and static balance (p < 0.05; d > 0.49) improvements. Adding bi-weekly PSSCoD improves the athletic performance of young soccer players

On the origin of the gravitational quantization: The Titius--Bode Law

Action at distance in Newtonian physics is replaced by finite propagation speeds in classical post--Newtonian physics. As a result, the differential equations of motion in Newtonian physics are replaced by functional differential equations, where the delay associated with the finite propagation speed is taken into account. Newtonian equations of motion, with post--Newtonian corrections, are often used to approximate the functional differential equations. In ``On the origin of quantum mechanics'', preprint, physics/0505181, May 2005, a simple atomic model based on a functional differential equation which reproduces the quantized Bohr atomic model was presented. The unique assumption was that the electrodynamic interaction has finite propagation speed. Are the finite propagation speeds also the origin of the gravitational quantization? In this work a simple gravitational model based on a functional differential equation gives an explanation of the modified Titius--Bode law.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figure in EPS forma

How do care partners of people with rare dementia use language in online peer support groups? A quantitative text analysis study

We used quantitative text analysis to examine conversations in a series of online support groups attended by care partners of people living with rare dementias (PLWRD). We used transcripts of 14 sessions (>100,000 words) to explore patterns of communication in trained facilitators’ (n = 2) and participants’ (n = 11) speech and to investigate the impact of session agenda on language use. We investigated the features of their communication via Poisson regression and a clustering algorithm. We also compared their speech with a natural speech corpus. We found that differences to natural speech emerged, notably in emotional tone (d = −3.2, p < 0.001) and cognitive processes (d = 2.8, p < 0.001). We observed further differences between facilitators and participants and between sessions based on agenda. The clustering algorithm categorised participants’ contributions into three groups: sharing experience, self-reflection, and group processes. We discuss the findings in the context of Social Comparison Theory. We argue that dedicated online spaces have a positive impact on care partners in combatting isolation and stress via affiliation with peers. We then discuss the linguistic mechanisms by which social support was experienced in the group. The present paper has implications for any services seeking insight into how peer support is designed, delivered, and experienced by participants

Short-Term Exercise Training Inconsistently Influences Basel Testosterone in Older Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background The age-associated decrease in testosterone is one mechanism suggested to accelerate the aging process in males. Therefore, approaches to increase endogenous testosterone may be of benefit. The aim of this paper was to undertake a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)-accordant meta-analysis concerning the effect of exercise on total (TT), bioavailable (bio-T), free (free-T), and salivary (sal-T) testosterone in older males. Methods Databases were searched up to and including 20th February 2018 for the terms ‘testosterone AND exercise AND aging AND males’, ‘testosterone AND exercise AND old AND males’, ‘testosterone AND training AND aging AND males’ and ‘testosterone AND training AND old AND males’. From 1259 originally identified titles, 22 studies (randomized controlled trials; RCTs; n=9, and uncontrolled trials; UCTs; n=13) were included which had a training component, participants ≥60 years of age, and salivary or serum testosterone as an outcome measure. Meta-analyses were conducted on change to testosterone following training using standardised difference in means (SDM) and random effects models. Results The overall SDM for endurance training, resistance training, and interval training was 0.398 (95% CI = 0.034 – 0.761; P = 0.010), -0.003 (95% CI = -0.330 – 0.324; P = 0.986), and 0.283 (95% CI = 0.030 – 0.535; P = 0.028) respectively. Resistance training exhibited a qualitative effect of hormone fraction whereby free-T resulted in the greatest SDM (0.253; 95% CI = -0.043 – 0.549; P = 0.094), followed by TT (0.028; 95% CI = -0.204 – 0.260; P = 0.813), and resistance training negatively influenced bio-T (-0.373; 95% CI = -0.789 – 0.042; P = 0.078). Due to the small number of studies, subgroup analysis was not possible for endurance training and interval training studies. Conclusions Data from the present investigation suggests that resistance training does not significantly influence basal testosterone in older men. Magnitude of effect was influenced by hormone fraction, even within the same investigation. Aerobic training and interval training did result in small, significant increases in basal testosterone. The magnitude of effect is small but the existing data are encouraging and may be an avenue for further research

Effects of loaded combined plyometrics and short sprints with change-of-direction training on athletic performance of soccer players

This project investigated effects of 8 weeks of biweekly loaded combined plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction training an in-season regimen of young soccer players. An experimental (n = 17, age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 64.5 ± 5.2 kg, height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m,) and control group (n = 17, age: 16.7 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 65.6 ± 4.8 kg, height: 1.74 ± 0.07 m) were tested pre- and post-intervention for squat-jump (SJ), countermovement-jump (CMJ), and five-jump test (5JT), 10 m and 30 m sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, and dynamic balance performance. The experimental group (EG) outperformed the control group (CG) over 8 weeks in jumping (p p p p < 0.001; d = 0.53–0.74). We conclude that adding biweekly loaded plyometric with short sprints and change-of-direction training to habitual training improves athleticism of young soccer players. Therefore, loaded plyometric with short sprints and change-of-direction training should be implemented as a part of research-informed soccer training