Real and strongly real classes in PGL<i>_n(q)</i> and quasi-simple covers of PSL<i>_n(q)</i>

We classify the real and strongly real conjugacy classes in PGLn(q), PSLn(q) and all quasi-simple covers of PSLn(q). In each case we give a formula for the number of real, and the number of strongly real, conjugacy classes. This is a companion paper to [Gill and Singh, J. Group Theory, May 2011, 14:3, pp.437-459] in which we classified the real and strongly real conjugacy classes in GLn(q) and SLn(q)

In conversation with Professor Jonathan Rix

Professor ‘Jonty’ Rix holds the chair of Participation and Learning Support at the Open University. Jonty's research interests include policies, practices and language that facilitates inclusion. His work explores diverse perspectives and models that promote thinking about the aim and fundamental purpose of education which is central to his philosophy …. ‘it’s not just about changing systems’ (Rix, 2016). I had the opportunity of spending a couple of very enjoyable hours ‘in conversation’ with Professor Rix. The aim was to discuss his latest book, ‘Must Inclusion be Special?’ but our discussion quickly moved into an interesting exploration of his realistic vision for educational change which I endeavour to capture here along with offering some insights into his book

Urban-rural linkages enhancing European territorial competitiveness: background paper

This background paper provides the context for the seminar on urban-rural linkages enhancing European territorial competitiveness, to be held by DG REGIO on 17th September 2008. This seminar forms part of an ongoing debate at European level on the importance of urban-rural linkages for territorial competitiveness, and on appropriate support mechanisms to assist these developments in Member States

Not all creatives are created equal

Revelations of sexual harassment, sexism and unequal pay in film and broadcasting have called ‘time’s up’ on the myths of egalitarianism that circulate about the creative sector, argues Rosalind Gill

The government’s plans to place a levy on early student loan repayments will change little and add an unnecessary layer of complexity to the system

The government’s changes to how undergraduate education is financed means that those who earn more will pay a higher rate of interest repayments. Concerned that the most affluent will simply repay their fees early to avoid paying this higher interest, the government is considering introducing a levy on early repayments. Gill Wyness argues that this policy is unnecessary. There is very little evidence that higher earning graduates are repaying their loans early to escape interest payments, and the proposals will only add complexity and actually undermine the progressive nature of the system

On a conjecture of Degos

In this note we use a result of Kantor to prove a conjecture of Degos. Specifically we prove the following: let $\mathbb{F}$ be a finite field of order $q$ and let $f, g\in\mathbb{F}[X]$ be distinct polynomials of degree $n$ such that $f$ is primitive, and the constant term of $g$ is non-zero. Then $=\mathrm{GL}_n(q)$.Comment: 6 pages. This version includes a sketch-proof of a result of Kantor. The article will appear in Cah. Topol. G\'eom. Diff\'er. Cat\'e

Property Claims in GM and Non-GM crops

Conceptualising the ongoing conflict over GM versus non-GM crops in the frame of property rights one can see that economic valorisation dynamics and aspirations are working on both sides, within two differently evolving agri-food paradigms, with biotechnology companies propagating intellectual property rights on seeds and crops within a productivist strategy, and with retailer chains, NGOs, farmer associations claiming generic names and labels as public property rights on identity preserved crops within a consumerist strategy. The analysis shows that the direction and strength of the dynamics depends much on the physical intricacies and the social relations which are implicated in these two types of intangible property. As the development of the intangible property rights lies at the heart of postindustrial knowledge economies, the study of the GM conflict is also instructive for understanding social change in the agri-food sector and in the society more generally

Reducing the Amount of Microbiological Growth Using Ultrasonic Treatment

This thesis explored the possibility of using ultrasonic treatment to reduce the amount of microbiological growth in a sample of contaminated mill wastewater. It was found that ultrasonic treatment reduces microbiological growth through the mechanism of cavitation. percent inhibition increases with both time of treatment and applied power. The most economical conditions were high power and a short treatment time. The increase in cell volume had an inverse effect on the percent inhibition. The increase in consistency of the treated solution also had an inverse effect on the percent inhibition and 6% was the maximum treatable consistency. Ultrasonic treatment was compared to three popular biocides at a 90% inhibition level. The biocides used were Methylene Bis(Thiocyanate), Isothiazolin, and a Thiadiazine type. Dosages to achieve 90% inhibition were 154 ppm., 161 ppm, and 127 ppm. respectively. The 90% inhibition level was reached with 0.0158 kW hrs. of energy, using ultrasonic treatment. This energy was scaled up to 8.030% HP day/ton. Further studies are recommended in the areas of cell geometry, determination of the maximum power efficiency, and the development of a dynamic model to test ultrasonic treatment in a situation oriented more towards the paper mill environment