Demazure Modules, Chari-Venkatesh Modules and Fusion Products

Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a finite-dimensional complex simple Lie algebra with highest root $\theta$. Given two non-negative integers $m$, $n$, we prove that the fusion product of $m$ copies of the level one Demazure module $D(1,\theta)$ with $n$ copies of the adjoint representation ${\rm ev}_0 V(\theta)$ is independent of the parameters and we give explicit defining relations. As a consequence, for $\mathfrak{g}$ simply laced, we show that the fusion product of a special family of Chari-Venkatesh modules is again a Chari-Venkatesh module. We also get a description of the truncated Weyl module associated to a multiple of $\theta$

Large Area Electronic Skin

Technological advances have enabled various approaches for developing artificial organs such as bionic eyes, artificial ears, and lungs etc. Recently electronics (e-skin) or tactile skin has attracted increasing attention for its potential to detect subtle pressure changes, which may open up applications including real-time health monitoring, minimally invasive surgery, and prosthetics. The development of e-skin is challenging as, unlike other artificial organs, tactile skin has large number of different types of sensors, which are distributed over large areas and generate large amount of data. On top of this, the attributes such as softness, stretchability, and bendability etc., are difficult to be achieved as today's electronics technology is meant for electronics on planar and stiff substrates such as silicon wafers. This said, many advances, pursued through “More than Moore” technology, have recently raised hope as some of these relate to flexible electronics and have been targeted towards developing e-skin. Depending on the technology and application, the scale of e-skin could vary from small patch (e.g. for health monitoring) to large area skin (e.g. for robotics). This invited paper presents some of the advances in large area e-skin and flexible electronics, particularly related to robotics

SECTORAL PERFORMANCE IN THE AFRICAN ECONOMY – SOME ISSUES AND TRENDS

African economies are facing the critical challenge of raising the rate of GDP growth and sustaining high growth rates and thus meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The performance of agriculture is more paradoxical and African exports of industrial goods are dominated by mining and crude oil. The financial systems remain largely underdeveloped both in terms of the size and range of financial instruments and services offered. This article explores the recent growth performance both at the continental and subregional level. It discusses disparities in growth performance and the factors behind the observed disparities across countries and subregions. It also discusses developments at the sectoral level and progress and challenges in human development, closing with a brief exposition of the prospects for 2007. The paper further analyses the HIV/AIDS in the continent and its impact on the economy.African Economy, MDGS, Financial System, Crude Oil, Human Development

AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY POLICY IN ERITREA - AN ANALYSIS

The main economic activity of the people of Eritrea is agriculture: crop production and livestock herding. Agriculture mainly comprises mixed farming and some commercial concessions. Most agriculture is rain-fed. The main rain-fed crops are sorghum, millet and sesame, and the main irrigated crops are all horticultural crops like bananas, onions and tomatoes and cotton. The major livestock production constraints are disease, water and feed shortages and agricultural expansion especially in the river frontages. The agricultural sector employs eighty percent of the working population, but its production has not managed to cover internal food demand and is forced to cover nearly 50 per cent of its annual cereal requirements through imports-commercial and food assistance. Like most African countries, Eritrea is also a victim of the problem of food insecurity. In good years the country produces only about 60 per cent of its total food needs and in poor years, it produces no more than 25 per cent. On average, once in 10 years, the country is threatened with famines. Annual crop production depends on rainfall that is variable and unevenly distributed from year to year. Therefore, the primary goal of Eritrea is to guarantee food security by introducing modern technology, irrigation, terracing, soil and water conservation, with less dependence on rainwater. Thus the Government has articulated its food policy, which stresses national ownership of grant food assistance and to achieve food security in the coming five years. The policy indeed encompasses all sectoral policies and represents the Government’s engagements with regard to food security. Despite the general trends of improvement in the economy of Eritrea, it has not yet fully recovered, and thus will still continue to require variable degrees of food assistance for the coming few more years. Based on this historical and recurrent food insecurity in Eritrea, an attempt is made in this paper to assess the agriculture development and food policy in the country. Furthermore, the paper captures the available food security policy proposals of Eritrea and eventually draws conclusions.Agriculture, Food Security, Food Policy, Eritrea, Agriculture Technology

Gender Disparity in Education – An Eritrean Perspective

Gender disparities in education raise many questions for governments and civil societies. There are many factors that contribute to the gender gap in education. In Eritrea, gender disparities persist in the enrolment rates between boys and girls at all levels. Gender inequality has become a major issue in Eritrea in the recent years. This paper discusses educational development in the country. It identifies and analyses various factors that cause gender inequality in education. Further, it also provides some policy implications to solve the gender related problems in the country.Gender, Education, Eritrea, Education for All, Inequality, Dakar Framework, Warsay Yikeallo

TRENDS AND DETERMINANTS OF POVERTY IN THE HORN OF AFRICA - SOME IMPLICATIONS

The poverty problem is chronic in the Horn of Africa. Majority of the people in the region are suffering from this problem. There are numerous factors that cause poverty in the region. The challenge of poverty reduction in the Horn should therefore address the poverty reduction issues at national, provincial and local levels. A brief survey of literature has been made to enable us understand some theories and models that are related to poverty reduction in the developing economies. This paper delves the incidence of poverty in the Horn of Africa region. It identifies the major threats and challenges of the poverty. It highlights different factors that cause the poverty and provides some implications to minimize the poverty levels in the Horn region.Poverty, Horn of Africa, Challenges, Sustainable Development, Drought, Pastoralists