A generalized Beraha conjecture for non-planar graphs

We study the partition function ZG(nk,k) (Q,v) of the Q -state Potts model on the family of (non-planar) generalized Petersen graphs G(nk,k). We study its zeros in the plane (Q,v) for 1≤k≤7. We also consider two specializations of ZG(nk,k), namely the chromatic polynomial PG(nk,k) (Q) (corresponding to v= –1), and the flow polynomial PhiG(nk,k) (Q) (corresponding to v= –Q). In these two cases, we study their zeros in the complex Q -plane for 1≤k≤7. We pay special attention to the accumulation loci of the corresponding zeros when n→∞. We observe that the Berker&-Kadanoff phase that is present in two-dimensional Potts models, also exists for non-planar recursive graphs. Their qualitative features are the same; but the main difference is that the role played by the Beraha numbers for planar graphs is now played by the non-negative integers for non-planar graphs. At these integer values of Q, there are massive eigenvalue cancellations, in the same way as the eigenvalue cancellations that happen at the Beraha numbers for planar graphs.Publicad

Error-Correcting Codes Associated With Generalized Hadamard Matrices Over Groups

Classical Hadamard matrices are orthogonal matrices whose elements are ±1. It is well-known that error correcting codes having large minimum distance between codewords can be associated with these Hadamard matrices. Indeed, the success of early Mars deep-space probes was strongly dependent upon this communication technology. The concept of Hadamard matrices with elements drawn from an Abelian group is a natural generalization of the concept. For the case in which the dimension of the matrix is q and the group consists of the p-th roots of unity, these generalized Hadamard matrices are called “Butson Hadamard Matrices BH(p, q)”, first discovered by A. T. Butson [6]. In this dissertation it is shown that an error correcting code whose codewords consist of real numbers in finite Galois field Gf( p) can be associated in a simple way with each Butson Hadamard matrix BH(p, q), where p \u3e 0 is a prime number. Distance properties of such codes are studied, as well as conditions for the existence of linear codes, for which standard decoding techniques are available. In the search for cyclic linear generalized Hadamard codes, the concept of an M-invariant infinite sequence whose elements are integers in a finite field is introduced. Such sequences are periodic of least period, T, and have the interesting property, that arbitrary identical rearrangements of the elements in each period yields a periodic sequence with the same least period. A theorem characterizing such M-invariant sequences leads to discovery of a simple and efficient polynomial method for constructing generalized Hadamard matrices whose core is a linear cyclic matrix and whose row vectors constitute a linear cyclic error correcting code. In addition, the problem is considered of determining parameter sequences {tn} for which the corresponding potential generalized Hadamard matrices BH(p, ptn) do not exist. By analyzing quadratic Diophantine equations, new methods for constructing such parameter sequences are obtained. These results show the rich number theoretic complexity of the existence question for generalized Hadamard matrices

Towards Inclusive Education in Cambodia: Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Diversity

This paper examines the progress and challenges of inclusive education in Cambodia. Inclusive education aims to provide equal opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities, to access quality education. Despite some progress, inclusive education in Cambodia is still facing significant barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, limited policies, and negative attitudes towards students with disabilities. The study utilized a literature review approach to examine relevant studies and reports on inclusive education in Cambodia. The results indicate that there is a need for more investment in inclusive education, including teacher training, policy development, and infrastructure improvement. A change in societal attitudes towards disability is also required to create a more inclusive and accepting culture in Cambodia. The study recommends that the Cambodian government, in partnership with international organizations and stakeholders, take concrete steps towards achieving inclusive education and promoting equal opportunities for all students

Understanding the Factors that Support or Inhibit Livelihood Diversification in Coastal Cambodia

The DFID funded Aquatic Resource Dependency and Benefit Flows Project (ARDB) was a short research project (from January 2005 until August 2005) implemented by IMM of the UK, the Community Fisheries Development Office (CFDO) of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and the Community Based Natural Resource Management Learning Institute (CBNRM LI), both based in Cambodia. It had two aims: 1) to build capacity amongst government and NGO staff in understanding the importance of livelihood diversification as a potential tool for natural resource management, and 2) to further our understanding of how factors that support or inhibit rural household diversification may apply in the Cambodian coastal context and beyond. The current report reviews the background to, and the findings of, that research

Micropropagation and acclimatization of Bauhinia cheilantha (an important medicinal plant)

The objective of this study is to establish a micropropagation protocol for Bauhinia cheilantha. This was undertaken through an evaluation of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) effects, alone or in combination with a-napthaleneacetic acid (NAA), on the morphogenesis of different explants, taken from 20 day old seedlings grown in vitro. In the rooting, different auxins, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and NAA were tested under the influence of activated charcoal. The nodal segments showed an organogenic capacity which is 2.4 times greater than the cotyledonary segment. The highest number of shoots (2.84) was obtained at 2.0 mgl-1 BAP. The use of 0.5 mgl-1 IAA, 1.0 mgl-1 NAA or 0.25 mgl-1 IBA gave the highest percentage of rooting (about 65.0%). Concerning the activated charcoal (AC), there was a beneficial effect in most of the analyzed characteristics at a concentration of 0.5 gl-1. The culture tube, with forced ventilation during rooting, increased the percentage of seedling survival during the acclimatization in greenhouse. This finding reveals that it is possible to obtain in vitro culture of B. cheilantha using the segment nodal as a source of explants in woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with BAP.Key words: Bauhinia cheilantha, woody, in vitro culture, organogenesis, seedling node, activated charcoal

The dance of an intellectual mandarin : a study of Neville Alexander's thoughts on the language question in South Africa

This study distils some of the principal political and sociological lines of enquiry that Neville Alexander embarked upon in his published writings. It initially sets out to sketch the political, economic and intellectual milieu that he encountered after his release from Robben Island in 1974, and then it addresses the language question, as a part of the national question, in South Africa. The researcher argues that Alexander’s “dance” in the world of political and educational interventions has at times been solitary but that his discourse is substantively girded by the writings and experiences of established practitioners in the fields of sociolinguistics, political economy and cultural activities. The study concludes that his policy proposals on language in particular, in spite of the fact that the constitutional and institutional infrastructure exists for their implementation, have been put on the back burner because the dominant linguistic interests of the post-apartheid government correspond with the communication interests of market-driven institutions in the country, and not with the interests of the linguistic majorities who populate the nation.M. Ed. (Philosophy of Education)Educational Studie

Can Total Quality Management improve the quality of care in Saudi Arabian hospitals? A patient and service provider perspective

Background The purpose of this study was to explore existing TQM practice in Saudi Arabian public hospitals, with the aim of improving quality of care, efficiency and productivity, and promoting strong patient satisfaction. Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in its healthcare system, but the country has not achieved desired returns in terms of quality outcomes and patient satisfaction. Considering that globally, regionally and domestically TQM, quality of care (customer service) and patient satisfaction (customer satisfaction) are receiving increasing attention in the healthcare sector, it is essential to evaluate TQM especially, in the services sector. Methodology The mixed method approach was deployed to allow for the across-method triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methods, to bring depth of insight and increase generalisability. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were the tool of choice to collect data from TQM managers and head nurses, while quantitative questionnaires gathered data from both nurses and patients at the main customer interface point. Data were collected at two public hospitals based in the capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Findings Qualitative findings reveal five themes: the need to create synergy between TQM practice and levels of understanding throughout the organisation, taking action to improve communications by establishing effective inter-institutional communication strategies (IICSs), placing greater targeted investment on enhanced competency development, training and the need for institutionalisation of transformational leadership throughout the hospitals. Quantitative findings showed that nurses and patients were dissatisfied with jobs and services, respectively, and that staff training and effective communication are critical factors in the delivery of quality care/TQM practice. Important and Relevance This is the first study to test and investigate the three levels of healthcare provider (governmental level, managerial level and operational level) in Saudi Arabia and to assess whether TQM can improve the quality of care in government hospitals. Conclusion The successful implementation of TQM, and hence improved quality of care, depends on important success factors such as effective communication, employee training, transformational leadership, staff motivation, measuring, level of understanding and improving patient needs in the healthcare sector

Developing Problems with Strengths in Mind: Problem-Based Learning in Introductory CSD Courses

Instructors in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) have used problem-based learning (PBL) for a variety of purposes across academic levels. Problem-based learning offers a framework for considering and including student strengths. In this paper, the authors describe the development of a PBL with specific utility to an introductory CSD course, explain how student strengths were considered in the problem development, and provide evidence of student strengths in outcomes of the PBL. This investigation followed 70 undergraduate students registered in introductory CSD courses across two universities as they engaged in a semester long PBL. A thematic analysis of 217 student solutions to the PBL was conducted. Evidence of two primary means of strengths inclusion, funds of knowledge and student interests, were found in the students’ solutions. The authors provide considerations for designing a strengths inclusive PBL in CSD

The role of celebrities as an aspirational reference group in the online environment for consumers of the Generation Y

Aim of the project: To explore the role of celebrities as an aspirational reference group for members of the Generation Y in the online context so that retailers can have a better understanding of this target market and improve their online marketing strategies. Methodology: The methodology consisted of a qualitative research with data collected by using semi-structured interviews. Looking at the symbolic consumption of young people and attitudes towards celebrity advertising, the qualitative analysis offers descriptions of personal thoughts and experience rather than statistics. An exploratory netnography was conducted to complement the findings that emerged from the interviews and to investigate the impact of the celebrity culture within the online environment. Key findings: There is evidence of celebrity influence amongst the majority of respondents. Fashion-wise, they are selective in the celebrities they wish to follow. The Generation Y is appreciative of e-tailers like ASOS that make use of the celebrity image, so long as this technique stays subtle. Those e-tailers must carefully select the most influential celebrities with regards to their target audience. The impact of the celebrity culture on the Internet has been very significant since the ‘new’ media and the social media. Further qualitative work is needed to explore other online platforms than e- tailers, such as the social media