Groups with poly-context-free word problem

We consider the class of groups whose word problem is poly-context-free; that is, an intersection of finitely many context-free languages. We show that any group which is virtually a finitely generated subgroup of a direct product of free groups has poly-context-free word problem, and conjecture that the converse also holds. We prove our conjecture for several classes of soluble groups, including metabelian groups and torsion-free soluble groups, and present progress towards resolving the conjecture for soluble groups in general. Some of the techniques introduced for proving languages not to be poly-context-free may be of independent interest.Comment: 38 pages, no figure

The Jouissance of the Torturer in Zero Dark Thirty and the Enjoyment of the Unacceptable

Abstract: In the scene of torture we can see a paradox at work in which the torturer is both sanctioned by positive law and prohibited by oedipal law. This latter prohibition brings the perpetrator into the proximity of, what can be understood as a Lacanian mode of jouissance, an enjoyment that both defies and demands the law. This enjoyment can be seen in the film Zero-Dark-Thirty in which the torturers animate the tortured to, arguably, further their enjoyment and further their goal of/as torture. In these scenes it is the very unacceptability of the breach in oedipal law, coupled with the sanction of positive law – as a command to torture – that makes the act of torture so exciting

Nurturing talent through curriculum integration

In this paper I discuss the benefits of curriculum integration for gifted and talented students in the regular classroom setting. Although this approach to curriculum delivery enhances learning for all learners, the focus of this article is the gifted and talented student. In this paper I begin by describing the approach and the teacher's role in the process. I then explore how curriculum integration differentiates learning, enhances cultural inclusiveness and crosses traditional subject boundaries. Examples of integrated units are woven throughout this paper to illustrate how this approach can be implemented in practice

An investigation into the non-uniform decay of Hardwick Stone

Hardwick stone as used on the vernacular Hardwick Estate buildings decays in a non-uniform way. Typically stones at Hardwick decay cavernously leaving the mortar matrix behind. Levels of decay can vary dramatically from stone to stone with one stone showing advanced decay whilst adjoining stones are relatively intact. Ten sample buildings giving a total of 1587m² of elevations and with a good geographical spread across the estate were surveyed. Ratings were assigned according to condition. It was shown with 95% confidence that the weathering on the western elevations is significantly worse than that seen on the eastern elevations of the sample buildings. Northern elevations had high levels of stonework in good condition, while western elevations had the lowest. The prevailing wind direction on the Estate is west to north-west. The difference in levels of decay below 1 metre and above 1 metre has been shown to be significant at the 95% confidence level with a slight correlation between levels of stone decay and building height (above sea level). The survey also highlighted stone decay parallel to, but offset from, the roofline where there were no overhanging gables present. In contrast, buildings constructed with protruding cills were often observed to have areas of decay underneath the cills. Stone decay often appears to be associated with the path of the chimney