Segre Class Computation and Practical Applications

Let $X \subset Y$ be closed (possibly singular) subschemes of a smooth projective toric variety $T$. We show how to compute the Segre class $s(X,Y)$ as a class in the Chow group of $T$. Building on this, we give effective methods to compute intersection products in projective varieties, to determine algebraic multiplicity without working in local rings, and to test pairwise containment of subvarieties of $T$. Our methods may be implemented without using Groebner bases; in particular any algorithm to compute the number of solutions of a zero-dimensional polynomial system may be used

A Two Term Truncation of the Multiple Ising Model Coupled to 2d Gravity

We consider a model of p independent Ising spins on a dynamical planar phi-cubed graph. Truncating the free energy to two terms yields an exactly solvable model that has a third order phase transition from a pure gravity region (gamma=-1/2) to a tree-like region (gamma=1/2), with gamma=1/3 on the critical line. We are able to make an order of magnitude estimate of the value of p above which there exists a branched polymer (ie tree-like) phase in the full model, that is, p is approximately 13-23, which corresponds to a central charge c of about 6-12.Comment: 18 pages, LaTeX, 12 figure

Financial development and stock returns: A cross country analysis

We examine stock returns in a cross section of emerging and mature markets (49 countries) over 1980-99. Stock returns are found to be significantly related to the degree of financial development. In general, a deeper and higher quality banking system is associated with lower volatility of stock returns and a greater synchronization in the movements of domestic and world returns. International synchronization is also greater the more liquid the stock market.financial development; stock returns

Explaining Small-Business Development: A Small-Business Development Model Combining the Maslow and the Hayes and Wheelwright Models

This paper looks at small-business management from the standpoint of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Hayes and Wheelwright’s four-stage model. The paper adapts Maslow’s hierarchy of needs model to small- business development and evolution. Additionally, Hayes and Wheelwright’s four-stage model is combined with the adapted Maslow small-business development model. The implications of the new model on the development of small businesses and future research are discussed

Layered Fabrication of Branched Networks Using Lindenmayer Systems

A current challenge impeding the growth of bone tissue engineering is the lack of functional scaffolds of geometric sizes greater than 10mm due to the inability of cells to survive deep within the scaffold. It is hypothesized that these scaffolds must have an inbuilt nutrient distribution network to sustain the uniform growth of cells. In this paper, we seek to enhance the design and layered fabrication of scaffold internal architecture through the development of Lindenmayer systems, a graphical language based theory to create nutrient delivery networks. The scaffolds are fabricated using the Texas Instruments DLP™ system through UV‐photopolymerization to produce polyethylene glycol hydrogels with internal branch structures. The paper will discuss the Lindenmayer system, process planning algorithms, layered fabrication of samples, challenges and future tasks.Mechanical Engineerin

Using self-categorization theory to uncover the framing of the 2015 Rugby World Cup: a cross-cultural comparison of three nations’ newspapers

Research into the framing of sporting events has been extensively studied to uncover newspaper bias in the coverage of global sporting events. Through discourse, the media attempt to capture, build, and maintain audiences for the duration of sporting events through the use of multiple narratives and/or storylines. Little research has looked at the ways in which the same event is reported across different nations, and media representations of the Rugby World Cup have rarely featured in discussions of the framing of sport events. The present study highlights the different ways in which rugby union is portrayed across the three leading Southern Hemisphere nations in the sport. It also shows the prominence of nationalistic discourse across those nations and importance of self-categorizations in newspaper narratives.</jats:p

The Path Is A Circle

While the pastoral environment that surrounds my studio is inspirational in itself, my treescapes and organic abstractions are reflections of referential places experienced along my life\u27s path. Considering the constant onslaught of information in our increasingly rushed society, I hope my work, influenced by the natural world, may allow the viewer to slow down briefly and live in the moment

Taming systems to create enabling environments for HCV treatment: negotiating trust in the drug and alcohol setting.

HCV (hepatitis C) treatment uptake among the population most affected - people who inject drugs - is suboptimal. Hospital based treatment provision is one evidenced barrier to HCV treatment uptake. In response, HCV treatment is increasingly located in treatment settings seen as more amenable to people who inject drugs, such as drug and alcohol services. We explored the accessibility of HCV treatment provision at two such partnerships. Data collection comprised qualitative interviews collected in 2011 and 2012 with 35 service users and 14 service providers of HCV treatment in London, United Kingdom. We draw here primarily on thematic analyses of service provider accounts, yet narratives relating to trust and environment emerged unsolicited in both user and provider accounts of negotiated HCV treatment access. A key theme in service provider accounts were strategies they deployed to 'tame' the treatment system so as to create an 'enabling environment' of care, in which trust was a critical feature. This 'taming' of the system was enacted through practices of 'negotiated flexibility', including in relation to appointments, eligibility, and phlebotomy. Service user accounts accentuated familiar environments and known health providers as those most trusted, and the potentially stigmatising effects of negotiating treatment in unfamiliar territory, especially hospital settings. Whilst noting the effects of provider strategies to negotiate flexibility on behalf of would-be patients seeking treatment, we conclude by noting the limits of trust relations in settings of constrained choice

A faint extended cluster in the outskirts of NGC 5128: evidence of a low mass accretion

We report the discovery of an extended globular cluster in a halo field in Centaurus A (NGC 5128), situated \sim 38\kpc from the centre of that galaxy, imaged with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on board the Hubble Space Telescope. At the distance of the galaxy, the half-light radius of the cluster is r_h ~ 17pc, placing it among the largest globular clusters known. The faint absolute magnitude of the star cluster, M_(V,o)=-5.2, and its large size render this object somewhat different from the population of extended globular clusters previously reported, making it the first firm detection in the outskirts of a giant galaxy of an analogue of the faint, diffuse globular clusters present in the outer halo of the Milky Way. The colour-magnitude diagram of the cluster, covering approximately the brightest four magnitudes of the red giant branch, is consistent with an ancient, i.e., older than ~8 Gyr, intermediate-metallicity, i.e., [M/H] ~-1.0 dex, stellar population. We also report the detection of a second, even fainter cluster candidate which would have r_h ~ 9pc, and M_(V,o)=-3.4 if it is at the distance of NGC 5128. The properties of the extended globular cluster and the diffuse stellar populations in its close vicinity suggest that they are part of a low mass accretion in the outer regions of NGC 5128.Comment: 9 pages, MNRAS, in pres