K-theory for group C*-algebras

These notes are based on a lecture course given by the first author in the Sedano Winter School on K-theory held in Sedano, Spain, on January 22-27th of 2007. They aim at introducing K-theory of C*-algebras, equivariant K-homology and KK-theory in the context of the Baum-Connes conjectur

Information Gap Activities: A Standards-Based Strategy for Promoting Oral Proficiency in a Thematic Context

This article demonstrates how the sustained use of standards-driven information gap activities (IGAs) supports and enhances the development of speaking skills. In the first section, we define the IGA. We then discuss recent research showing how IGAs promote focused student-student interactions. In the third section we provide a blueprint for implementing the IGA in a standards-based thematic context. We conclude with content-based models from a thematic unit on Argentina that are appropriate for both secondary and post-secondary classrooms

Strategic Procurement, Openness and Market Structure

We examine strategic procurement behaviour by governments and its effect on market structure in sectors, such as defence, where the government is the dominant consumer. In a world economy with trade between producers, and between producers and non-producers, we use a modified Dixit-Stiglitz utility function with an indepen- dent taste for variety. Governments can, in effect, choose the number of domestic firms and their size by adjusting the procurement price. Unlike the standard model with no independent taste for variety and no external sector of non-producers, there are incentives for subsidies, openness impacts on industrial structure and there are potential gains from procurement coordination between producer countries.procurement, openness, market structure, defence and pharmaceutical sectors

A 3D Reconstruction Algorithm for the Location of Foundations in Demolished Buildings

The location of foundations in a demolished building can be accomplished by undertaking a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey and then to use the GPR data to generate 3D isosurfaces of what was beneath the soil surface using image reconstruction. The SIMCA ('SIMulated Correlation Algorithm') algorithm is a technique based on a comparison between the trace that would be returned by an ideal point reflector in the soil conditions at the site and the actual trace. During an initialization phase, SIMCA carries out radar simulation using the design parameters of the radar and the soil properties. The trace which would be returned by a target under these conditions is then used to form a kernel. Then SIMCA takes the raw data as the radar is scanned over the ground and removes clutter using a clutter removal technique. The system correlates the kernel with the data by carrying out volume correlation and produces 3D images of the surface of subterranean objects detected. The 3D isosurfaces are generated using MATLAB software. The validation of the algorithm has been accomplished by comparing the 3D isosurfaces produced by the SIMCA algorithm, Scheers algorithm and REFLEXW commercial software. Then the depth and the position in the x and y directions as obtained using MATLAB software for each of the cases are compared with the corresponding values approximately obtained from original Architect's drawings of the buildings

Concentration in the International Arms Industry¤

The end of the Cold War led to a large drop in world military expenditure, rising fixed costs of developing weapons because of technological changes and a reduction of national preference for domestic weapons. Alongside these developments has been an increase in concentration in the world arms industry, which at the end of the Cold War had been very unconcentrated with concentration ratios close to the Sutton lower bound. This paper provides an empirical and theoretical analysis of this process. It examines the dynamics of the evolution of concentration and then shows that a trade model with optimal procurement decisions can capture the main features of this empirical analysis.market structure, arms industry, procurement

Preparing Tomorrow’s World Language Teacher Today: The Case for Seamless Induction

This essay is a call to action. It offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing world language (WL) teacher educators and their employers, the K-12 schools, during the teacher induction period. We propose a new paradigm for WL teacher education based on national accreditation standards, best-practice pedagogy, insights from the professional literature on methods education, and the enhanced role of the methods instructor/supervisor. In order to become successful in the classroom, the pre-service educator undergoes a seamless period of induction that is student-centered and college/university-supported beyond the classroom arena

Fine-tuning a context-aware system application by using user-centred design methods

Context-Aware Systems in the home environment can provide an effective solution for supporting wellbeing and autonomy for the elderly. The definition and implementation of the system architecture for a particular assisted living healthcare application entail both technological and usability challenges. If issues regarding users’ concerns and desires are taken into account in the early stages of the system development users can benefit substantially more from this technology. In this paper, we describe our initial experiences with different user-centred design methods, as they are applied in the process of fine-tuning a context-aware system architecture to improve quality of life for elderly THR patients (Total Hip Replacement). The insights resulting from this approach result in a clearer functional specification towards a better fit with the user needs regarding information need of the patient as well as the physiotherapist. Important system requirements as timing and content of the feedback are much more fruitful in an earlier phase of the development process. User-centred design methods help to better understand the needed functional features of a context-aware system, thereby saving time and helping developers to improve adoption of the system by the users

The life and work of Major Percy Alexander MacMahon

This thesis describes the life and work of the mathematician Major Percy Alexander MacMahon (1854 - 1929). His early life as a soldier in the Royal Artillery and events which led to him embarking on a career in mathematical research and teaching are dealt with in the first two chapters. Succeeding chapters explain the work in invariant theory and partition theory which brought him to the attention of the British mathematical community and eventually resulted in a Fellowship of the Royal Society, the presidency of the London Mathematical Society, and the award of three prestigious mathematical medals and four honorary doctorates. The development and importance of his recreational mathematical work is traced and discussed. MacMahon's career in the Civil Service as Deputy Warden of the Standards at the Board of Trade is also described. Throughout the thesis, his involvement with the British Association for the Advancement of Science and other scientific organisations is highlighted. The thesis also examines possible reasons why MacMahon's work, held in very high regard at the time, did not lead to the lasting fame accorded to some of his contemporaries. Details of his personal and social life are included to give a picture of MacMahon as a real person working hard to succeed in a difficult context