The construction of self-dual normal polynomials over GF(2) and their applications to the Massey-Omura algorithm

Gaussian periods are used to locate a normal element of the finite field GF(2e) of odd degree e and an algorithm is presented for the construction of self-dual normal polynomials over GF(2) for any odd degree. This gives a new constructive proof of the existence of a self-dual basis for odd degree. The use of such polynomials in the Massey-Omura multiplier improves the efficiency and decreases the complexity of the multiplie

Knowles, Kolb, & Google: Prior Learning Assessment as a Model for 21st-Century Learning

For adult students who have committed anew to completing a four-year bachelor’s degree, prior learning assessment (PLA) can be a surprising bonus that affirms their previous life experiences, shortens the degree completion pathway, and ultimately lowers tuition dollars. What students typically do not realize as they enter the process, however, is that PLA can be much more than simply a road to a diploma: When designed with an intentional framework of andragogical principles and experiential emphases, PLA can provide adult students with a lifelong model for self-assessment and higher-level learning in a 21st-century Google era

The Geography of Travel to Work in England and Wales: Extracts from the 2011 Census

From a policy point of view, the question of transport connectivity has recently risen up the policy agenda in the UK, and particularly in the North of England where the government are currently seeking to boost economic growth through their ‘Northern Powerhouse’ initiative. Transport is central to this plan. However, existing patterns of connectivity across England and Wales are not always well understood in the policy domain, so this paper attempts to help fill a gap by taking a geovisualisation-based approach to the analysis of 2.4 million individual journey to work flows across England and Wales. The paper builds upon previous research in the field of spatial interaction by exploring patterns associated with different modes of transport. The analysis highlights London’s dominance as a rail commuter destination, relative to major cities in the North of England, in addition to the growth of cycling as a mode of travel to work. The question of ‘error’ in the dataset is then explored, followed by a discussion of possible explanations. The paper ends by reflecting on three key findings and by highlighting opportunities for future research in this field

Web 2.0 and micro-businesses: An exploratory investigation

This is the author's final version of the article. This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.This article was chosen as a Highly Commended Award Winner at the Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2013.Purpose – The paper aims to report on an exploratory study into how small businesses use Web 2.0 information and communication technologies (ICT) to work collaboratively with other small businesses. The study had two aims: to investigate the benefits available from the use of Web 2.0 in small business collaborations, and to characterize the different types of such online collaborations. Design/methodology/approach – The research uses a qualitative case study methodology based on semi-structured interviews with the owner-managers of 12 UK-based small companies in the business services sector who are early adopters of Web 2.0 technologies. Findings – Benefits from the use of Web 2.0 are categorized as lifestyle benefits, internal operational efficiency, enhanced capability, external communications and enhanced service offerings. A 2×2 framework is developed to categorize small business collaborations using the dimensions of the basis for inter-organizational collaboration (control vs cooperation) and the level of Web 2.0 ICT use (simple vs sophisticated). Research limitations/implications – A small number of firms of similar size, sector and location were studied, which limits generalizability. Nonetheless, the results offer a pointer to the likely future use of Web 2.0 tools by other small businesses. Practical implications – The research provides evidence of the attraction and potential of Web 2.0 for collaborations between small businesses. Originality/value – The paper is one of the first to report on use of Web 2.0 ICT in collaborative working between small businesses. It will be of interest to those seeking a better understanding of the potential of Web 2.0 in the small business community.WestFocu

All-optical non-demolition measurement of single-hole spin in a quantum-dot molecule

We propose an all-optical scheme to perform a non-demolition measurement of a single hole spin localized in a quantum-dot molecule. The latter is embedded in a microcavity and driven by two lasers. This allows to induce Raman transitions which entangle the spin state with the polarization of the emitted photons. We find that the measurement can be completed with high fidelity on a timescale of 100 ps, shorter than the typical T2. Furthermore, we show that the scheme can be used to induce and observe spin oscillations without the need of time-dependent magnetic fields

3D and multimedia on the information superhighway.

YesWhat has generated the unprecedented fascination with the Internet? What future lies ahead for computing as the Internet and its associated infrastructure expand? Will the network be able to cope with rising demands for carrying capacity and response speed? Will it change the way scientists, designers, artists, computer professionals, and home users work in the future? These are some of the wideranging questions being asked about the Internet and World Wide Web