The space of paths in complex projective space with real boundary conditions

We compute the integral homology of the space of paths in $\mathbb{C}P^n$ with endpoints in $\mathbb{R}P^n$, $n \ge 1$ and its algebra structure with respect to the Pontryagin-Chas-Sullivan product with $\mathbb{Z}/2$-coefficients.Comment: 33 pages, 6 figure

Evolving Players for an Ancient Game: Hnefatafl

Hnefatafl is an ancient Norse game - an ancestor of chess. In this paper, we report on the development of computer players for this game. In the spirit of Blondie24, we evolve neural networks as board evaluation functions for different versions of the game. An unusual aspect of this game is that there is no general agreement on the rules: it is no longer much played, and game historians attempt to infer the rules from scraps of historical texts, with ambiguities often resolved on gut feeling as to what the rules must have been in order to achieve a balanced game. We offer the evolutionary method as a means by which to judge the merits of alternative rule set

Essentialism, Moral Opposition, and the Aversion to Genetically Modified Foods

This dissertation examines the psychological underpinning of the consumer aversion to genetically modified foods. Although a substantial body of scientific evidence supports the notion that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe to consume, many consumers continue to reject these products on principle. Drawing on research that distinguishes how people reason about natural and manmade objects, I find that consumers are more accepting of GMOs when marketing cues suggest they are manmade. Evidence from these studies suggests that the moral opposition towards genetically modified foods impedes the perception of their benefits. Critically, this moral opposition is reduced when the product is positioned as being manmade. Specifically, if consumers view the GMO as manmade and if they understand why it was created, moral opposition towards the product diminishes, and the GMOs perceived benefits increase, which subsequently increases purchase intentions for the product. As a whole, this work offers novel theoretical insights into consumers negative response to GM foods. Although prior research suggests that consumers dislike GMOs because these products are unnatural, the present work demonstrates that preference for a GMO is actually contingent upon the belief that the object ought to be natural. When cues suggest that the product is manmade to begin with, consumers are more accepting of genetically modified foods. This research also represents the first evidence that moral opposition impedes the perception of a GM foods benefits. Finally, this work lends managerial implications in light of the recent GMO food labelling debate

The Impact of Parental Support on the Health Behaviors of Transgender Young Adults

Paralleling recent increased public awareness of transgender issues, gender nonconforming youth are coming out at increasingly earlier ages. It is important to understand the impact that family acceptance or family rejection has on the health outcomes of transgender young people, who are at increased risk of discrimination, prejudice, harassment, victimization, violence, and possible mental health issues and who are understudied. This understanding can be framed within the minority stress model and Carl Rogers\u27 theory of self, which provide insight into how minority groups experience negative reactions from both society and an internalized sense of congruence. The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study was to measure the levels of negative health behaviors between transgender young adults who felt they had the support of their parents for their gender identity and those who did not. Data from 96 young transgender adults, between 18 and 25 years of age recruited through LGBT and transgender community organizations, were analyzed using correlation and logistic regression. Results showed significant relationships between the perception of parental support and suicidal ideation, number of suicide attempts, and illicit drug use. Findings from this study could contribute to positive social change by informing families, schools, health care providers, mental health practitioners, and policy makers about the significance of affirmative support for transgender youth. Quantifiable data regarding the impact of parental responses to a young person\u27s gender identity could lead to the development of programs and policies leading to improved health outcomes for transgender youth