An algorithm for finding homogeneous pairs

AbstractA homogeneous pair in a graph G = (V, E) is a pair Q1, Q2 of disjoint sets of vertices in this graph such that every vertex of V (Q1 ∪ Q2) is adjacent either to all vertices of Q1 or to none of the vertices of Q1 and is adjacent either to all vertices of Q2 or to none of the vertices of Q2. Also ¦Q1¦ ⩾ 2 or ¦Q2¦⩾ 2 and ¦V (Q1 ∪ Q2)¦ ⩾ 2. In this paper we present an O(mn3)-time algorithm which determines whether a graph contains a homogeneous pair, and if possible finds one

Understanding assurance in the Australian self-managed superannuation fund industry

Abstract Using proprietary data, this study examines auditor industry specialisation, professional brand effects and non-audit services (NAS) in the self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) sector, the fastest growing and largest segment of the Australian $1.75 trillion retirement savings industry. We consider the impact of industry leadership for a large sample of SMSF audits for the three years to June 2010. After controlling for factors known to determine audit fees, we find evidence of fee discounting for the leading suppliers of SMSF audits, consistent with Simunic (1980)’s assertion of competition in the small audit client market. When considering the impact of professional affiliations, we find that registered company auditors and members of professional bodies who comply with auditing and ethical standards receive a fee premium. In terms of auditor independence, the supply of NAS is shown to improve the auditors’ ability to report breaches, suggesting no independence concerns arising from joint supply of audit and NAS in this setting

Lessons Learned for Military-Based Partnerships for Landscape-Scale Conservation: A Case Study of the North Carolina Sentinel Landscapes Partnership

Landscape-scale conservation has become a popular approach for addressing complex land and water issues. Achieving this level of conservation requires regional collaboration that evokes a variety of approaches tailored to fit the scope and nature of the particular issues. In many states, military training grounds are a part of the rural landscape, resulting in significant interest from the military services in the maintenance and enhancement of land uses that are compatible with their operations. Many programs and initiatives are managing this issue utilizing a landscape-scale approach based on a recognition of the interconnectedness of interests. To date, there has been limited research on military partnerships related to land conservation. In order to better understand how engaging stakeholders from various sectors impacts the initial stages of military-based partnerships for landscape-scale conservation, this study explores climate, processes, people, policies, and resources—five variables that shape cross-sector partnerships, an important theoretical framework for evaluating such collaborative partnerships

Role of Extension in Building Sustainable Partnerships with Multiple Stakeholders for Land Conservation

The complexity of issues facing rural landscapes in the United States has resulted in a shift from the traditional Extension model to a partnership building approach. In North Carolina, Extension was charged with coordinating a partnership with a diverse set of stakeholders representing the interests of working lands, conservation, and national defense to address shared land compatibility issues. Using a single case study design, we evaluate the role of Extension in the coordination of diverse stakeholder groups for conservation of rural landscapes to protect the military training mission based on insights from the North Carolina Sentinel Landscapes Partnership. The case study includes analysis of key informant interviews and organizational documents through the constant comparative method that provides themes for Extension to consider for such efforts. We found that Extension plays a leadership role in convening a diverse set of interests, facilitating organizational development and educating a broad range of stakeholders. We provide eight key recommendations to accelerate the process of initiation and implementation of such efforts based on an ability to implement a realistic and feasible program that is informed by knowledge of what works elsewhere

Information Literacy as a joint competence shaped by everyday life and workplace roles amongst Scottish community councillors

*Introduction: This paper addresses the information practices of hyperlocal democratic representatives, and their acquisition and application of information literacy skills. *Method: 1034 Scottish community councillors completed an online questionnaire on the information-related activities they undertake as part of their voluntary roles, and the development of supporting competencies. The questions related to: information needs for community council work; preparation and onward dissemination of information gathered; factors that influence community councillors’ abilities to conduct their information-related duties. *Analysis: Data were summarised for quantitative analysis using Microsoft Excel. Free text responses were analysed in respect of the themes from the quantitative analysis and literature. *Results: Everyday life and workplace roles are perceived as the primary shapers of information literacy as a predominantly joint competence. *Conclusion: The focus of information literacy development has traditionally been the contribution of formal education, yet this study reveals that prior employment, community and family roles are perceived as more important to the acquisition of relevant skills amongst this group. This widens the debate as to the extent to which information literacy is specific to particular contexts. This adds to arguments that information literacy may be viewed as a collective accomplishment dependant on a socially constructed set of practices

Long-term community development within a researcher network: a social network analysis of the DREaM project cadre

Purpose Results are reported from a study that investigated the extent to which an intervention to develop a community of library and information science researchers – the Developing Research Excellence and Methods (DREaM) project-was successful in meeting its main objective three years after its implementation. Of particular interest are factors that support or hinder network longevity. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected by online survey/telephone and focus group. From quantitative data a Social Network Analysis (SNA) and network diagrams were generated. Focus group discussions were recorded and transcribed, and data from these analysed manually. Findings Three years after the end of its formal funding period DREaM endured as a loose but persistent network. Social ties were more important than work ties, and network members with the highest network centrality held roles in academic institutions. Physical proximity between members was important to the maintenance of network ties. Actor status did not appear to have a bearing on network centrality. Research limitations/implications Discussion is limited to consideration of community development amongst core members of the network only. The 'manufactured' nature of the DREaM network, and unique context in which it was formed, has implications for the generalisibility of findings reported. Practical implications Social infrastructure is key to the long-term health of a network initiative. Continued ad hoc support would strengthen it further. Originality/value The findings add to understanding of factors important to the development of scholarly and learning communities. They extend contributions of earlier work that has deployed SNA techniques in library and information science research and research in other fields

Étude des propriétés vibratoires d'un système robotique en opération de meulage par modélisation multi-corps flexibles

Un robot à 6 degrés de liberté a été développé depuis de nombreuses années par l’Institut de recherche d’Hydro-Québec (IREQ) afin de réaliser des réparations in situ d’équipements hydroélectriques. Ce robot a été conçu dans le but d’effectuer plusieurs tâches comme le soudage, le meulage, ou encore le martelage, tout en gardant l’équipement à réparer dans son environnement. Pour ceci le robot possède des qualités de compacité, de portabilité et de poids qui impliquent malheureusement des problèmes au niveau vibratoire et donc de contrôle de trajectoire et d’enlèvement de matière. Ce document présente donc dans un premier temps la modélisation numérique du robot à l’aide d’un logiciel multi-corps, MD Adams, où la flexibilité des joints et membrures sont mises en place. Pour les membrures flexibles, un logiciel de type éléments-finis, Patran, est utilisé en parallèle afin de déterminer les informations modales de chaque bras et de les introduire dans le logiciel MD Adams. Ce modèle permet de déterminer le comportement vibratoire du robot pour des trajectoires prédéfinis. Ensuite, une partie expérimentale est exposée. Elle a pour objectif de valider le modèle numérique en inspectant la trajectoire de l’effecteur puis de chaque membrure avec un système de mesure laser. En effectuant un traitement de données, celles-ci sont regroupées avec les données numériques et une étude est faite dans le but de valider puis d’optimiser le modèle. Avec le modèle numérique, des simulations de meulages sont faites en introduisant une masse excentrée en rotation (qui représente le balourd de la meule) ainsi qu’une force de contact. En conséquence, les modes de vibrations sont mis en évidence et peuvent être observés dans la trajectoire de l’effecteur. Le modèle numérique réalisé sous Adams a de nombreuses utilités futures, tel que le contrôle du robot ou encore pour des études vibratoires plus approfondies sur celui-ci

Closing the researcher-practitioner gap: an exploration of the impact of an AHRC networking grant

Purpose: Results are presented from a study that investigated the extent to which learning gained through participation in three research methods workshops funded by an AHRC networking grant was applied in practice.Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected by online survey and focus group from individuals who participated in the Developing Research Excellence and Methods (DREaM) project workshops in 2011/12. The survey data were coded and analysed manually, as were the transcribed focus group discussions. Findings: Following the conclusion of the DREaM project the participants at the core of the network applied their learning from the workshops to innovate in the workplace and to develop information services, with evident impact on endusers of library and information services. The strongest impact of the DREaM project, however, was found in reports of widened opportunities for the researcher and practitioner cadre members, many of which arose from collaborations. This provides evidence of a second proven strategy (in addition to the provision of research reports in practitioner publications) for narrowing the LIS research-practice gap: the creation of researcher-practitioner networks.Research limitations/implications: Collaborative interactions between academic researchers and practitioners bring benefits to both network participants themselves and to the wider communities with which they interact. These are likely to be applicable across a range of subject domains and geographies.Practical implications: Network grants are valuable for furnishing learning that may be applied in practice, and for bridging the research-practice gap. In library and information science and other domains that suffer from a research-practice gap (e.g. teaching, social work, nursing, policing, management) the bringing together of researchers and practitioners in networks may address problems associated with misunderstandings between the two communities, and lead to improved services provision.Originality/value: This study provides an evaluation of network development that goes beyond simply reporting changes in network topology. It does so by assessing the value that network relationships provide to individuals and groups, extending knowledge on mechanisms of collaborative interaction within research networks. It is also the first detailed study of the impact of a UK research council networking grant

Building patient participation in quality of care through the healthcare stories project: A demonstration program in New York State HIV clinics

There is growing recognition that patients should play a central role in defining, assessing, and improving the quality of healthcare, thereby enhancing patient experiences. Healthcare organizations struggle to meet these goals, which require becoming more patient-centered and patient-involved. The Healthcare Stories Project (HCSP), a demonstration program of the NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute, aimed to address this. HCSP comprises three, stepwise activities to: 1) Capture how patients define and experience ‘quality of care’ in the clinic; 2) Engage patients and providers as equal partners in understanding and improving the quality of care; and through partnerships, 3) Support the building of a coproduced healthcare system. After reviewing HCSP and its rollout in New York HIV outpatient settings, we describe a qualitative process evaluation, consisting of interviews at two time points with implementing organizations (N=12, 11). Each activity offered an opportunity to share ideas and experiences of quality of care, generating concrete improvement project ideas. Activities strengthened patient involvement by engaging consumer advisory boards, and staff not traditionally involved in quality. While designed to be implemented with HIV patients, organizations implemented Activity Two and Three with broader populations. Organizations had the hardest time implementing Activity Three that focused on the coproduction concept, but they none the less applied and strengthened coproduced healthcare during Activities One and Two. Overall, HCSP is a promising model to advance patient-centered and patient-partnered quality of care, better understanding patient experiences and acting with patients to develop practical improvements and a more coproduced healthcare system. Experience Framework This article is associated with the Quality & Clinical Excellence lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework (https://www.theberylinstitute.org/ExperienceFramework). Access other PXJ articles related to this lens. Access other resources related to this lens