Symplectic torus bundles and group extensions

Symplectic torus bundles $\xi:T^{2}\to E\to B$ are classified by the second cohomology group of $B$ with local coefficients $H_{1}(T^{2})$. For $B$ a compact, orientable surface, the main theorem of this paper gives a necessary and sufficient condition on the cohomology class corresponding to $\xi$ for $E$ to admit a symplectic structure compatible with the symplectic bundle structure of $\xi$ : namely, that it be a torsion class. The proof is based on a group-extension-theoretic construction of J. Huebschmann (Sur les premieres differentielles de la suite spectrale cohomologique d'une extension de groupes, C.R. Acad. Sc. Paris, Serie A, tome 285, 28 novembre 1977, 929-931). A key ingredient is the notion of fibrewise-localization.Comment: 18 page

On establishing a modus vivendi : the exercise of agency in decisions to participate or not participate in higher education

It is becoming increasingly clear that the notion of 'removing barriers' offers a limited foundation for widening participation to higher education. Drawing on realist social theory, we consider how decisions to participate or not participate form part of a process to establish a modus vivendi or 'way of life' for oneself. We explore factors that affect how individuals pursue courses of action around entry into potentially alien educational contexts. Our analysis suggests that interventions designed to widen participation should take account of different modes of reflexive deliberation, underpinning social and cultural structures, and a range of notions of human flourishing.</ns7:p