Galilean contractions of WW-algebras

Infinite-dimensional Galilean conformal algebras can be constructed by contracting pairs of symmetry algebras in conformal field theory, such as $W$-algebras. Known examples include contractions of pairs of the Virasoro algebra, its $N=1$ superconformal extension, or the $W_3$ algebra. Here, we introduce a contraction prescription of the corresponding operator-product algebras, or equivalently, a prescription for contracting tensor products of vertex algebras. With this, we work out the Galilean conformal algebras arising from contractions of $N=2$ and $N=4$ superconformal algebras as well as of the $W$-algebras $W(2,4)$, $W(2,6)$, $W_4$, and $W_5$. The latter results provide evidence for the existence of a whole new class of $W$-algebras which we call Galilean $W$-algebras. We also apply the contraction prescription to affine Lie algebras and find that the ensuing Galilean affine algebras admit a Sugawara construction. The corresponding central charge is level-independent and given by twice the dimension of the underlying finite-dimensional Lie algebra. Finally, applications of our results to the characterisation of structure constants in $W$-algebras are proposed.Comment: 45 pages, v2: minor changes, references adde

The success of representative governance on superannuation boards

Australia’s superannuation system has transformed the way Australians think about their retirement. But as the size of the funds increase there is additional scrutiny surrounding the governance structures in place to administer the savings of members. The new Federal Government has kick-started the debate with its discussion paper: Better regulation and governance, enhanced transparency and improved competition in superannuation. It has been simultaneously welcomed and condemned, and while its motivations have been questioned there is now more than ever a focus on the governance on these massive pools of savings

The Demographics of Non-motor Vehicle Associated Railway Injuries Seen at Trauma Centers in the United States 2007 - 2014

Introduction The majority of railway injury studies are limited by small sample size, restricted to a small geographical distribution, or located outside the United States (US). The aim of our study was to assess the demographic patterns associated with non-motor vehicle railway injuries in the US using a national trauma center database. Materials and Methods Data from the National Trauma Data Bank data from 2007 - 2014 were used; 3,506 patients were identified. For all statistical analyses, a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The patients were 81% male with an average age of 38.6 + 17.1 years and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 16.8 + 13.8. Males compared to females were younger (37.7 vs 42.5 years, p = 0.000002), had greater length of stays (12.7 vs 9.8 days, p = 0.000006), and higher ISS scores (17.1 vs 15.4, p = 0.0007). The geographic distribution within the US was most common in the South (32.0%) and least in the Northeast (18.9%). The racial composition was 67.5% White, 19.1% Black, 11.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.9% others. The most common mechanisms of injury were hitting/colliding with rolling stock (38.6%), followed by a fall in or from a train (19.5%), and collision with an object (13.5%). The majority of patients were pedestrians or passengers (68.5%); employees accounted for 12.5%. Although the majority were pedestrian/passengers for all regions, the Midwest had a greater proportion of employees (22.0%) compared to the other regions (7.8% to 12.2%) (p < 10-6), and thus injuries were more commonly work-related (24.6% vs 6.7% - 13.7%, p < 10-6). Work-related injuries were less severe (ISS 11.2 vs 17.3 - p < 10-6) and more commonly occurred due to a fall (32.8% vs 17.9%, p < 10-6). Alcohol and/or drug involvement was present in 40.7% and was less in those with work-related injuries (2.2%). Overall mortality was 6.4% and was less in those having a work-related injury (2.0 vs 6.6% p = 0.000004). Conclusion For non-motor vehicle USA railway injuries, the average age was 38.5 years; 80.6% were male. The injuries were least common in the Northeast and most common in the South. Racial distribution mirrored that of the US population. Alcohol involvement was present in 29%, lower than in previous studies. Mortality was 6.4%, also lower than previously reported

Simply a matter of context? Partisan contexts and party loyalties on free votes

While recent studies suggest the party loyalties of Members of Parliament (MPs) influence voting behaviour on free votes independently of personal preferences, it remains to be seen to what extent party loyalties influence MPs’ voting behaviour more generally. To this end, this article examines the impact of the partisan context of the vote on the effects of party loyalties. Using data from 20 divisions decided largely as free votes and controlling for personal preferences using a survey measuring MPs’ attitudes, the analysis shows that the effect of party loyalty on voting behaviour is strongest under the most partisan conditions: when the outcome is anticipated to be close and most consequential to the success/failure of a bill. These findings suggest party loyalty effects may emerge on other highly partisan divisions with partisan consequences and not appear on less partisan divisions. </jats:p

David Cameron may have to emphasise the partisan consequences of a divided Tory party to his MPs if he is to get through this Parliament

David Cameron won a General Election majority against seemingly insurmountable odds in May 2015. But given the recent history of the Conservative Party, it looks possible that divisions over Europe and other issues could make the road to 2020 a bumpy one. Christopher D. Raymond argues that given the nature of the issues at stake and the Conservative majority, the Prime Minister’s best bet may be to emphasise party label and the partisan consequences of voting against the whip if he is to get through the next five years unscathed