Topological charge on the lattice: a field theoretical view of the geometrical approach

We construct sequences of ``field theoretical'' (analytical) lattice topological charge density operators which formally approach geometrical definitions in 2-d $CP^{N-1}$ models and 4-d $SU(N)$ Yang Mills theories. The analysis of these sequences of operators suggests a new way of looking at the geometrical method, showing that geometrical charges can be interpreted as limits of sequences of field theoretical (analytical) operators. In perturbation theory renormalization effects formally tend to vanish along such sequences. But, since the perturbative expansion is asymptotic, this does not necessarily lead to well behaved geometrical limits. It indeed leaves open the possibility that non-perturbative renormalizations survive.Comment: 14 pages, revte

Strong-coupling expansion of lattice O(N) sigma models

We report progress in the computation and analysis of strong-coupling series of two- and three-dimensional ${\rm O}(N)$ $\sigma$ models. We show that, through a combination of long strong-coupling series and judicious choice of observables, one can compute continuum quantities reliably and with a precision at least comparable with the best available Monte Carlo data.Comment: 4 pages, compressed uuencoded PostScript, Contribution to Lattice 9

Renormalization group flow of SU(3) lattice gauge theory - Numerical studies in a two coupling space

We investigate the renormalization group (RG) flow of SU(3) lattice gauge theory in a two coupling space with couplings $\beta_{11}$ and $\beta_{12}$ corresponding to $1\times 1$ and $1\times 2$ loops respectively. Extensive numerical calculations of the RG flow are made in the fourth quadrant of this coupling space, i.e., $\beta_{11}>0$ and $\beta_{12}<0$. Swendsen's factor two blocking and the Schwinger-Dyson method are used to find an effective action for the blocked gauge field. The resulting renormalization group flow runs quickly towards an attractive stream which has an approximate line shape. This is numerical evidence of a renormalized trajectory which locates close to the two coupling space. A model flow equation which incorporates a marginal coupling (asymptotic scaling term), an irrelevant coupling and a non-perturbative attraction towards the strong coupling limit reproduces qualitatively the observed features. We further examine the scaling properties of an action which is closer to the attractive stream than the currently used improved actions. It is found that this action shows excellent restoration of rotational symmetry even for coarse lattices with $a \sim 0.3$ fm.Comment: 18 pages with 9 eps figures psfig.sty, typos correcte

Dynamical Scaling from Multi-Scale Measurements

We present a new measure of the Dynamical Critical behavior: the "Multi-scale Dynamical Exponent (MDE)"Comment: 9 pages,Latex, Request figures from [email protected]

Workplace Contextual Supports for LGBT Employees: A Review, Meta‐Analysis, and Agenda for future Research

The past decade has witnessed a rise in the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This has resulted in some organizational researchers focusing their attention on workplace issues facing LGBT employees. While empirical research has been appropriately focused on examining the impact of workplace factors on the work lives of LGBT individuals, no research has examined these empirical relationships cumulatively. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review and meta‐analysis of the outcomes associated with three workplace contextual supports (formal LGBT policies and practices, LGBT‐supportive climate, and supportive workplace relationships) and to compare the relative influence of these workplace supports on outcomes. Outcomes were grouped into four categories: (a) work attitudes, (b) psychological strain, (c) disclosure, and (d) perceived discrimination. Results show that supportive workplace relationships were more strongly related to work attitudes and strain, whereas LGBT supportive climate was more strongly related to disclosure and perceived discrimination compared to the other supports. Our findings also revealed a number of insights concerning the measurement, research design, and sample characteristics of the studies in the present review. Based on these results, we offer an agenda for future research

Medication Use Patterns among Urban Youth Participating in School-Based Asthma Education

Although pharmaceutical management is an integral part of asthma control, few community-based analyses have focused on this aspect of disease management. The primary goal of this analysis was to assess whether participation in the school-based Kickin’ Asthma program improved appropriate asthma medication use among middle school students. A secondary goal was to determine whether improvements in medication use were associated with subsequent improvements in asthma-related symptoms among participating students. Students completed an in-class case-identification questionnaire to determine asthma status. Eligible students were invited to enroll in a school-based asthma curriculum delivered over four sessions by an asthma health educator. Students completed a pre-survey and a 3-month follow-up post-survey that compared symptom frequency and medication use. From 2004 to 2007, 579 participating students completed pre- and post-surveys. Program participation resulted in improvements in appropriate use across all three medication use categories: 20.0% of students initiated appropriate reliever use when “feeling symptoms” (p < 0.001), 41.6% of students reporting inappropriate medication use “before exercise” initiated reliever use (p < 0.001), and 26.5% of students reporting inappropriate medication use when “feeling fine” initiated controller use (p < 0.02). More than half (61.6%) of participants reported fewer symptoms at post-survey. Symptom reduction was not positively associated with improvements in medication use in unadjusted and adjusted analysis, controlling for sex, asthma symptom classification, class attendance, season, and length of follow-up. Participation in a school-based asthma education program significantly improved reliever medication use for symptom relief and prior-to-exercise and controller medication use for maintenance. However, given that symptom reduction was not positively associated with improvement in medication use, pharmaceutical education must be just one part of a comprehensive asthma management agenda that addresses the multifactorial nature of asthma-related morbidity

Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Ohio

Approximately 212,000 LGBT workers in Ohio are vulnerable to employment discrimination absent state or federal legal protections.  At least 13 localities in Ohio prohibit employment discrimination against LGBT people, yet 81 percent of the workforce remains unprotected by local ordinances.  A statewide non-discrimination law would result in 100 additional complaints being filed with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission each year.  The cost of enforcing the additional complaints would be negligible.  At most, it would cost the state approximately $214,500 annually; only 2.8 percent of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission’s annual budget

Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Ohio

Approximately 212,000 LGBT workers in Ohio are vulnerable to employment discrimination absent state or federal legal protections.  At least 13 localities in Ohio prohibit employment discrimination against LGBT people, yet 81 percent of the workforce remains unprotected by local ordinances.  A statewide non-discrimination law would result in 100 additional complaints being filed with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission each year.  The cost of enforcing the additional complaints would be negligible.  At most, it would cost the state approximately $214,500 annually; only 2.8 percent of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission’s annual budget