Binomial D-modules

We study quotients of the Weyl algebra by left ideals whose generators consist of an arbitrary Z^d-graded binomial ideal I along with Euler operators defined by the grading and a parameter in C^d. We determine the parameters for which these D-modules (i) are holonomic (equivalently, regular holonomic, when I is standard-graded); (ii) decompose as direct sums indexed by the primary components of I; and (iii) have holonomic rank greater than the generic rank. In each of these three cases, the parameters in question are precisely those outside of a certain explicitly described affine subspace arrangement in C^d. In the special case of Horn hypergeometric D-modules, when I is a lattice basis ideal, we furthermore compute the generic holonomic rank combinatorially and write down a basis of solutions in terms of associated A-hypergeometric functions. This study relies fundamentally on the explicit lattice point description of the primary components of an arbitrary binomial ideal in characteristic zero, which we derive in our companion article arxiv:0803.3846.Comment: This version is shorter than v2. The material on binomial primary decomposition has been split off and now appears in its own paper arxiv:0803.384

An Investigation of the Relationship of Wave Intensity and Byssal Thread Strength of the Mussel Mytilus Californianus

The intertidal zone is a stressful environment with one of the main stressors being the fluctuation of wave energy over time and space. A structural adaptation employed by mussels living within the intertidal zone is byssal threads that aid in attachment while dealing with various levels of wave exposure. The California mussel, Mytilus californianus, lives in extremely wave exposure conditions, which makes it a great study species to assess the relationship between wave intensity and byssal thread strength. In this study, Mytilus californianus were collected from two locations in the Monterey Bay, each with a predicted wave exposed site and a wave protected site. The dimensions of the byssal threads were recorded and the threads tensile strength were measured on a tensometer. Thread strength and thickness werehigher at the wave exposed site in Santa Cruz compared to the wave protected site. At the other location, Pacific Grove, there was no difference between the predicted exposed and protected sites, but thread strength and thickness increased over time, mirroring seasonal changes in wave energy. These results support the relationship between wave intensity and thread strength and thickness over space and time, but the response to variable wave intensity is not consistent at both locations. A more accurate wave intensity assessment for individual mussels would be helpful to determine the intricacies of this relationship moving forward

Assessment of Library Service Quality at University of The Bahamas Libraries: A Comparison of the 2008 and 2018 LibQual Surveys

The 21st-century learner has changed the way that libraries are being used. Academic libraries must demonstrate their value to university governing boards, therefore, libraries must understand current user perceptions to be prepared for the future. Continuous assessment of library collections, space, and services provides data needed to understand and demonstrate the impact of libraries in academia. University of The Bahamas Libraries administered the web-based LibQUAL+® survey twice, first in 2008 and 10 years later in 2018, to assess users’ perceptions and to measure service quality. The survey designed by the Association of Research Libraries and Texas A&M University has been used globally by libraries to gain insight from their user communities. In the survey findings, library users highlighted a need for more computers, printers, and updated equipment, along with more current books and journals. The survey results also revealed that University Libraries had helpful staff who provided efficient service. Users perceived that the libraries’ information literacy sessions helped them gain skills allowing them to become more efficient in their academic pursuits. With the opening of two new library buildings during this period, the onsite use of resources increased significantly for both the Harry C. Moore Library and UB North Campus Library. Overall, the general satisfaction level of users increased in 2018

Combinatorics of binomial primary decomposition

An explicit lattice point realization is provided for the primary components of an arbitrary binomial ideal in characteristic zero. This decomposition is derived from a characteristic-free combinatorial description of certain primary components of binomial ideals in affine semigroup rings, namely those that are associated to faces of the semigroup. These results are intimately connected to hypergeometric differential equations in several variables.Fil: Dickenstein, Alicia Marcela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Matemática; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Investigaciones Matemáticas "Luis A. Santaló"; ArgentinaFil: Matusevich, Laura Felicia. Texas A&M University; Estados UnidosFil: Miller, Ezra. University Of Minnesota; Estados Unido

Trajectories of women's physical and psychosocial health following obstetric fistula repair in Uganda: a longitudinal study.

ObjectivesTo explore trajectories of physical and psychosocial health, and their interrelationship, among women completing fistula repair in Uganda for 1 year post-surgery.MethodsWe recruited a 60-woman longitudinal cohort at surgical hospitalisation from Mulago Hospital in Kampala Uganda (Dec 2014-June 2015) and followed them for 1 year. We collected survey data on physical and psychosocial health at surgery and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months via mobile phone. Fistula characteristics were abstracted from medical records. All participants provided written informed consent. We present univariate analysis and linear regression results.ResultsAcross post-surgical follow-up, most women reported improvements in physical and psychosocial health, largely within the first 6 months. By 12 months, urinary incontinence had declined from 98% to 33% and general weakness from 33% to 17%, while excellent to good general health rose from 0% to 60%. Reintegration, self-esteem and quality of life all increased through 6 months and remained stable thereafter. Reported stigma reduced, yet some negative self-perception remained at 12 months (mean 17.8). Psychosocial health was significantly impacted by the report of physical symptoms; at 12 months, physical symptoms were associated with a 21.9 lower mean reintegration score (95% CI -30.1, -12.4).ConclusionsOur longitudinal cohort experienced dramatic improvements in physical and psychosocial health after surgery. Continuing fistula-related symptoms and the substantial differences in psychosocial health by physical symptoms support additional intervention to support women's recovery or more targeted psychosocial support and reintegration services to ensure that those coping with physical or psychosocial challenges are appropriately supported

Evaluation of an “Alternative” School in South Georgia: Does It Improve Grades, Behavior, and Attendance?

Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, an evaluation of Westside Performance Learning Center (PLC) was completed. The central research question was, “Do students enrolled in the PLC experience a positive change in grades, behavior, and attendance?” T-tests comparing the conventional school and the PLC indicated that there was a statistically significant improvement in grades and behavior. Additionally, a focus group conducted with a sample of students at the PLC indicated that program structure, students’ relationships with faculty/staff, and general school environment had a positive impact on grades, behavior, and attendance. We also considered the effects of mentoring and incentives on the students. Recommendations for program improvement were also discussed