Two Combinatorial Models with identical Statics yet different Dynamics

Motivated by the problem of sorting, we introduce two simple combinatorial models with distinct Hamiltonians yet identical spectra (and hence partition function) and show that the local dynamics of these models are very different. After a deep quench, one model slowly relaxes to the sorted state whereas the other model becomes blocked by the presence of stable local minima.Comment: 23 pages, 11 figure

The statistical mechanics of multi-index matching problems with site disorder

We study the statistical mechanics of multi-index matching problems where the quenched disorder is a geometric site disorder rather than a link disorder. A recently developed functional formalism is exploited which yields exact results in the finite temperature thermodynamic limit. Particular attention is paid to the zero temperature limit of maximal matching problems where the method allows us to obtain the average value of the optimal match and also sheds light on the algorithmic heuristics leading to that optimal matchComment: 11 pages 11 figures, RevTe

Changes in Federal and State Unemployment Insurance Legislation in 2012

Federal enactments extend federal funding for benefits provided by the Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits programs, require changes in the recovery of overpayments and work search requirements, permit drug testing under certain conditions, and modify the definition of the Short Time Compensation program

The place of professional learning groups in the induction of in-service teacher educators : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in Adult Education at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

In New Zealand In-service Teacher Educators (ISTEs) provide professional development for teachers, principals and management in Early Childhood Centres and Schools. ISTEs have been teachers or principals themselves. However, the role of ISTE is different to that of a teacher or principal. There are varied practices throughout New Zealand relating to the induction of ISTEs. The research of Trowler and Knight (1999) concluded that educators required support in gaining explicit knowledge about their new professional role and a process was required to enable this learning to take place. This study investigated how the use of professional learning groups (PLGs) supported the professional learning of five new ISTEs and also examined the perspectives of three members of the team responsible for implementing the PLGs. A mixed-methods approach was taken with predominantly qualitative and some quantitative information gathered from on-line surveys and semi-structured interviews. Broadly, the study's findings suggested that ISTEs do find the transition into their new role difficult and that the PLGs were a relevant structure to support their professional learning and induction. The findings also identified factors related to the broader area of induction of ISTEs. These were collaboration, observation and feedback related to ISTE practice and the leadership and facilitation of the PLG. This study's findings support research that concluded PLGs had the potential to strengthen professional learning and that there were conditions that were necessary for this to occur. The first was the purpose of the PLG related to the PLG as part of a larger induction structure. The second was what occurred in the PLG including the composition of the PLG and the environment that was necessary within the PLGs for them to be effective. Finally, the findings are presented relating to the ISTEs' and the Implementation Team's perspective on the continuation of the PLGs to support the professional learning of new ISTEs. The findings support research that proposed the transition into new professional roles was stressful and that an induction process that met educators' needs was vital to positively support the transition. The findings culminate in five recommendations and three suggestions for further research

Houston and Zimmermanns\u27 Sources of the Christian self: A cultural history of Christian identity (book review)

Reviewed Title: Sources of the Christian Self: A Cultural History of Christian Identity by James M. Houston and Jens Zimmermann. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2018. 964 pp. ISBN 9780802876270