A map on the space of rational functions

We describe dynamical properties of a map $\mathfrak{F}$ defined on the space of rational functions. The fixed points of $\mathfrak{F}$ are classified and the long time behavior of a subclass is described in terms of Eulerian polynomials

Language Proficiency, Citizenship, and Food Insecurity among Predominantly Immigrant Caribbean Latinos in Massachusetts: A Masters Thesis

BACKGROUND: Latinos report higher food insecurity than the national average, and food insecurity has been associated with adverse health outcomes wherein Latinos experience disparities. This study quantified the independent effects of language-speaking proficiency and citizenship on increased food insecurity among a predominantly immigrant Caribbean Latino sample in Lawrence, Massachusetts. METHODS: The analytic sample comprised 574 participants aged 21-83 who visited a community health center in 2011-2013. Food insecurity was assessed via the 6-item US Household Food Security Survey. Multivariable logistic modeling (adjusted for self-reported age group, gender, education, and marital status) examined the independent associations between language proficiency and citizenship on increased food insecurity. RESULTS: One-third of participants were classified as food insecure. Most respondents were citizens (59.5%), foreign-born (92.4%; 70.3% from the Dominican Republic), and spoke monolingual Spanish (72.8%). Monolingual Spanish-speakers had marginally increased odds of food insecurity (odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00 to 2.26), compared to bilingual participants; however after adjustment this relationship was attenuated (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.79 to 2.00). Non-citizenship was not associated with increased odds of food insecurity (OR=1.18, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.68). CONCLUSION: Food insecurity in this predominantly immigrant Caribbean Latino sample was higher than the national average for Latinos. Future research on food insecurity among different Latino ethnicities is needed in order to inform targeted interventions that promote food security

A new species of Trigonia from Upper Cretaceous beds near Itongazi river, Natal

Main articleA description is furnished of Trigonia (Scabrotrigonia) itongazi, a new species of Trigonia from the Upper Cretaceous Beds, occurring between the Itongazi and Umkandandhlovu Rivers, Alfred County, Natal. Its characteristic features are discussed. In June 1944 Professor T. W. Gevers came on an occurrence of fossiliferous Upper Cretaceous beds at a locality along the South Coast of Natal between the Itongazi and Umkandandhlovu river mouths. This occurrence was described in 1945 (3). The fossils then collected were identified by the writer. The form listed as Trigonia itongazi sp. nov. is now described below.Non

Role of Knowledge Asset Indicators in Understanding Knowledge-Intensive Processes

Organizations are increasingly engaging in implementing knowledge management systems to create, store, retrieve, and apply knowledge in achieving organizational goals and objectives. In that regard, the ability to identify knowledge assets is essential. Knowledge-intensive business processes rely heavily on appropriate utilization of knowledge and are also a source for new knowledge creation. As such, understanding the value of knowledge assets through various indicators can prove immensely helpful in better managing knowledge-intensive processes and deriving value from knowledge management systems. This paper presents a conceptual framework, which emphasizes the link between knowledge asset indicators and management of knowledge-intensive processes within an organization. Through a pilot case study used to emphasis these connections, this paper discusses the importance of developing organizational understanding of both internal and external knowledge asset indicators in enabling knowledge-intensive processes, and to ultimately achieve organizational strategic goals

Induction of dc voltage, proportional to the persistent current, by external ac current on system of inhomogeneous superconducting loops

A dc voltage induced by an external ac current is observed in system of asymmetric mesoscopic superconducting loops. The value and sign of this dc voltage, like the one of the persistent current, depend in a periodical way on a magnetic field with period corresponded to the flux quantum within the loop. The amplitude of the oscillations does not depend on the frequency of the external ac current (in the investigated region 100 Hz - 1 MHz) and depends on its amplitude. The latter dependence is not monotonous. The observed phenomenon of rectification is interpreted as a consequence of a dynamic resistive state induced by superposition of the external current and the persistent current. It is shown that the dc voltage can be added in system of loops connected in series: the dc voltage oscillations with amplitude up to 0.00001 V were observed in single loop, up to 0.00004 V in a system of 3 loops and up to 0.0003 V in a system of 20 loops.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

Quantum Force in Superconductor

Transitions between states with continuous (called as classical state) and discrete (called as quantum state) spectrum of permitted momentum values is considered. The persistent current can exist along the ring circumference in the quantum state in contrast to the classical state. Therefore the average momentum can changes at the considered transitions. In order to describe the reiterated switching into and out the quantum state an additional term is introduced in the classical Boltzmann transport equation. The force inducing the momentum change at the appearance of the persistent current is called as quantum force. It is shown that dc potential difference is induced on ring segments by the reiterated switching if the dissipation force is not homogeneous along the ring circumference. The closing of the superconducting state in the ring is considered as real example of the transition from classical to quantum stateComment: 4 pages, RevTex, 0 figure

Relational conceptions of paternalism: a way to rebut nanny-state accusations and evaluate public health interventions

Objectives: ‘Nanny-state’ accusations can function as powerful rhetorical weapons against interventions intended to promote public health. Public health advocates often lack effective rebuttals to these criticisms. Nanny-state accusations are largely accusations of paternalism. They conjure up emotive concern about undue governmental interference undermining peoples’ autonomy. But autonomy can be understood in various ways. We outline three main conceptions of autonomy, argue that these that can underpin three different conceptions of paternalism, and consider implications for responses to nanny-state accusations and the assessment of public health interventions. Study design and methods: Detailed conceptual analysis. Results: The conceptions of paternalism implicit in nanny-state accusations generally depend on libertarian conceptions of autonomy. These reflect unrealistic views of personal independence and do not discriminate sufficiently between trivial and important freedoms. Decisional conceptions of paternalism, like their underlying decisional conceptions of autonomy, have limited applicability in public health contexts. Relational conceptions of paternalism incorporate relational conceptions of autonomy, so recognise that personal autonomy depends on socially shaped skills, self-identities and self-evaluations as well as externally structured opportunities. They encourage attention to the various ways that social interactions and relationships, including disrespect, stigmatisation and oppression, can undermine potential for autonomy. While nanny-state accusations target any interference with negative freedom, however trivial, relational conceptions direct concerns to those infringements of negative freedom, or absences of positive freedom, serious enough to undermine self-determination, self-governance and/or self-authorisation. Conclusion: Relational conceptions of autonomy and paternalism offer public health policymakers and practitioners a means for rebutting nanny-state accusations, and can support more nuanced and more appropriately demanding appraisals of public health interventions. (249 words) Keywords: Paternalism; autonomy; nanny-state; public health; ethicsThis work is funded by NHMRC grant 1023197. Stacy Carter is funded by an NHMRC Career Development Fellowship 103296