Symbolic computation with finite quandles

Algorithms are described and Maple implementations are provided for finding all quandles of order $n$, as well as computing all homomorphisms between two finite quandles or from a finitely presented quandle (e.g., a knot quandle) to a finite quandle, computing the automorphism group of a finite quandle, etc. Several of these programs work for arbitrary binary operation tables and hence algebraic structures other than quandles. We also include a stand-alone C program which finds quandles of order $n$ and provide URLs for files containing the results for $n=6,$ 7 and 8.Comment: 6 pages. Version 2 includes some updates and corrections. Code has been relocated to www.esotericka.org/quandles. To appear in J. Symbolic Computatio

"Challenge Current Practice and Assumptions! Make waves!!” : What Works Scotland Collaborative Learning Event 23 & 24 February 2016 Queens Hotel, Perth

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A qualitative exploration of social motivational influences in determining the physical activity of 30–60 year old adults

Introduction: Adults over 60–65 years old are a group considered vulnerable to the risks of sedentary lifestyle causing decreased quality of life and poor health. Australian government figures estimate the number of over 65s will reach 8.1 million by 2056, and 11.2 million by 2101. One key opportunity to prevent sedentary lifestyles in older adults is to understand and promote motivation towards physical activity in middle-aged adults. This study qualitatively examined the motivationally relevant behaviours (‘motivational atmosphere’) of key social agents towards physical activity and sedentary lifestyles in adults between 30 and 60 years of age. Methodology: Twenty participants (32–60 years old) of varying activity levels were recruited from local workplaces and a GP referral scheme. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews to examine which social agents affected their motivation towards PA and how/why. A critical rationalist philosophy was deployed in the gathering and analysis of data. Results: Using inductive content analysis, 307 raw themes were coded into 38 categories and five higher dimensions, labelled: (1) providing information and impetus; (2) supporting progress and competence; (3) affiliation and belongingness; (4) logistical considerations; and (5) emotional support. Spouses, close family, work colleagues, GPs and the media were perceived to be highly influential social agents, with many others listed (e.g., personal trainers, local government). Whilst spouses, family and work colleagues influenced motivation through ‘leading-by-example’, ‘reminding/persuading’ and ‘support/encouragement’, GPs and the media were more likely to exert an influence by offering advice, guidance and recommendations, or in some cases ‘sounding-the-alarm-bell’. The consistency of messages from these different agents (media, health professionals, friends/family) was also noted as a key determinant of attitudes and actions. Whilst health was often central to participants’ responses, social interactions and friendships were also key reasons people gave for becoming or staying active (and for being sedentary). Further, there was preliminary evidence that the sources and types of influence changed as a function of current activity level. Conclusion: The results facilitate future interventions by suggesting specific behavioural recommendations in relation to known social agents, as well as guiding theoretical development/ refinement. The findings suggest that interventions should encompass psychological and social as-well-as health considerations, and that health professionals must understand the ‘motivational atmosphere’ of each client. Finally, the findings suggest that future research and modelling should adopt methodologies that better address the complexity inherent in the social determination of motivation

The Dog that Finally Barked:England as an Emerging Political Community

This report presents evidence which suggests the emergence of a new kind of Anglo-British identity in which the English component is increasingly the primary source of attachment for English people. It also suggests that English identity is becoming more politicised: that is, the more English a person feels, the more likely they are to believe that the current structure of the UK is unfair and to support a particularly English dimension to the governance of England

Platform for Health and Wellbeing pilot study: provision of weight management support via the workplace

Introduction: The role of the workplace as an opportunity for improving health has been highlighted in recent reports. The East Midlands Platform for Health and Wellbeing is a network of private, public and voluntary sector organisations working to improve health and reduce obesity. Member organisations commit to undertake actions to improve health and wellbeing of employees, individuals and/or communities. As part of Slimming World’s commitment, this pilot assessed the merits of providing weight management support via the workplace at two large regional employers. Methods: 278 British Gas and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust employees were offered 12 weeks’ support at either a bespoke workplace group or established community-based Slimming World group. Weight change was recorded weekly. Dietary and physical activity behaviours, along with aspects of psychological health were assessed by questionnaire pre and post-programme. Results: 121 employees (meeting inclusion criteria) joined a workplace-based group and 114 a community-based group. Weight and attendance: Mean joining BMI was 32.4kg/m2. 138 (59%) participants completed the programme (attended within final 4 weeks).Behaviour changes: Participants who completed both questionnaires (n=87), reported positive changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours (all p<.001) (figure 1), and psychological health (mental wellbeing, self-worth and self-esteem, all p<0.05). There were no significant differences between worksite and community intervention groups for any outcomes. Conclusion: Providing weight management support via the workplace significantly reduced weight of participants (-3.9%). Completer analysis also revealed positive changes in healthy eating habits and activity levels, and also importantly psychological health, which may impact on working life. The Slimming World programme works effectively within both the work setting and via community-based provision when employees are recruited via the workplace

An inquiry into the origin, literary character, historical and religious significance, of the pastoral epistles

With scores of volumes having been written on various aspects of the Pastoral Epistles, it may appear somewhat presumptuous to present this study with the claim that there is anything new to contribute. This work is presented, however, in the belief that there is a need to evaluate extensively the decisions of scholarship regarding the origin, literary character, historical and religious significance of the Pastoral Epistles. The present work is not a commentary nor an introduction. It does not seek to prove or disprove the authenticity of the Epistles. The investigation is limited to the reappraisal of once settled issues and attempts to cast new light upon persistent problems surrounding the Epistles. This writer is aware of certain considerations which have been handled far too briefly; while still others were regrettably omitted altogether (e.g. a discussion of worship). Because of the limitations of space an attempt has been made to confine the discussion to those issues which have been most under dispute.The following general conclusions have been made:1. Literary Relationships. Because of their acknowledged use by Polycarp, universal acceptance by A.D. 180, and Version status by mid-second century, any date within the second century for their composition would appear to be out of question. The extensive use of these Epistles by the early Church writers seemingly carries the authorship back into the first century, a time when any mistake as to authorship is unlikely. The author, moreover, was found to be steeped in the canonical and non-canonical writings of Judaism; while any Hellenistic affinities may be explained through other associations. 2. Literary Character. A re-examination of the vocabulary and style of the Epistles reveals that it is extremely hazardous to attempt to determine mathematically what the Apostle could or could not have said and how he would have said it in every year of his life. Arithmetic cannot allow for the component influences exerting their own proportion of impact upon an author's literary habits. If the Epistles were written late, under unknown conditions which prohibit exposition along the traditional lines, peculiarities would naturally arise which would provide critical problems. 3. Origin. Each theory of origin is seen to have its own particular set of problems. It would appear to be far more difficult to frame a rational historical picture of the Pastorals' origin in terms of the unparalleled literary procedure demanded by the pseudepigraphical and fragmentary theories, than it is to grant the plausibility of a release and second imprisonment of the Apostle. 4. Ecclesiastical Organization. The frequently alleged advanced ecclesiastical organization actually requires no ministry of women, and only the distinct possibility of a threefold differentiation of an undifferentiated ministry of men as paralleled in the NT. The revealed Church-order fails to conform to that which is known to exist in the second century. If it can be granted that the withholding of the parousia and the impending death of the Apostles would have hastened the transition from a relative spontaneity of action to the consolidation disclosed within the Pastorals, then these Epistles must be placed within the framework of the Apostolic Church-order. 5. Religious Significance. Both the formalized and the false religious expression disclosed in the Pastorals are found to be in keeping with an early rather than a late date. Formalizations are found to be prevalent within the primitive Church, and are evidenced within the writings of the Apostle. The error involved is probably a form of the Jewish-Gnostic-Christian syncretism revealed in the first century. It is freely admitted that there are some remarkable peculiarities in these Epistles; yet the main objective arguments against their authenticity can "be fairly met. Whether it is possible to take the further step and assert unqualifiedly that they are the work of Paul will inevitably depend not upon objective criticism but subjective acumen. If the situation has been shown to be conceivable, and if the Apostle may have spoken as indicated in the Letters, then it is the 'ring' of the Epistles alone which will be the determining factor. Although there are difficulties regarding the Pastorals' apostolic authorship, their apostolic authority is vindicated by the potent dynamics of the content. The Epistles' true significance is to be determined not by the erection of tests - but by their use. Down through the centuries they have exercised a more practical influence on Church-life than have the genuine Letters of Paul. The religious realities contained provided a spiritual treasure for men; a vade mecum for the 'good soldier' of every age; the missionary's manual. It is urged, therefore, that the contents be practised - not proved. They are, and will remain, within the authentic canon of the Church. To this author, in spite of all that can be said to the contrary, the more deeply he delves into the spirit of their contents, the more the Epistles' own account of authorship appears to be vindicated