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Domination of Hypercubes
No full textHypercubes are a family of graphs defined by using all possible 0-1 sequences of length n as vertices. In modern computing, hypercubes play an important role. This is because any input of an algorithm, as a 0-1 sequence, can be embedded into a hypercube. The same is true for any computer program. More recently, the hypercube has been used in designing the architectures of parallel computing. In this presentation we will define hypercubes and domination sets formally, talk about some of the practical applications of domination sets on hypercubes, and then establish upper and lower bounds on the number of vertices in the domination set of hypercubes
A Mind Diseased: Examining the Fallibility of the Mind in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
No full textShakespeare’s work, despite being four centuries old, remains a popular area of study, and Macbeth, like many of his works, continues to allow for new and profound interpretations that are still relevant in modern times. This research looks at William Shakespeare’s Macbeth as a complex illustration of the fallibility of the human mind and all the ways in which it can be swayed. The audience of Macbeth is allowed to look on as the mind that sways Macbeth (5.3.9) is swayed itself by numerous sources, both externally and internally born. Cultural and moral constructs, ambiguity, logical fallacies, imagination, intoxication, insomnia, guilt, trauma, and purposeful deception can be seen as at one point or another directly altering Macbeth’s thoughts, feelings and intentions, driving him one by one to his eventual damnation. Notably, not only Macbeth, but every individual character’s mind is at some point confused as “The multiplying villainies of nature/ Do swarm upon him” (1.2.11-2). In this light, the character of “the tyrant” (5.8.27) is not a “rarer monster” (5.8.25), a freak of nature who stands apart from the rest. Just as Macbeth is likely no different than the original Thane of Cawdor, we (the audience) are no different than Macbeth. Macbeth’s mind is not evil in nature, but “a mind diseased” (5.3.40). At its core, Macbeth is really a sophisticated warning about the fallibility of the human mind and all the manners in which it can be swayed
The Impact of Macro-economic Factors Such as Unemployment Rate, GDP Growth, and Exchange Rate on Post-Secondary Enrollment in Canada
No full textThis study will examine the impact of macroeconomic factors such as unemployment rate, GDP growth and exchange rate on student enrollment in Canadian post-secondary institutions. The Canadian post-secondary education system is increasingly dependent on tuition fees collected from students. Generally tuition fees cover more than 50% of the budget in Canadian post-secondary institutions. In recent times, facing budgetary deficits, provincial governments have cut funding commitments to the post-secondary institutions and consequently, universities and colleges have had to find ways to survive. Policy makers are interested in identifying factors that impact student enrollment because such knowledge will help in forecasting future enrollment scenarios. This study will focus on macroeconomic factors as these factors become important particularly after the 2008-2009 great recession.The results of this study may also generate interest among broader audiences since this study will shed light on the costs/benefits of economic recession and expansion. For example, a finding that recession negatively impacts student enrollment indicates another non-economic cost of recession. On the other hand, recession will have a beneficial impact of future productivity if the study finds that recession forces students to go back to school for skill enhancing education
Viral Warriors: Screening Water Samples for Bacteriophages Against Multiple Drug Resistant Bacteria
No full textAlthough mutation occurs randomly in nature and is passed randomly between bacterial species, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in modern medicine has selected for antibiotic resistant organisms, resulting in an epidemic of antibiotic resistant infections. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy, which uses lytic bacteriophages to attack specific bacteria strains, is seen as an alternative treatment method against pathogenic bacteria and is regarded as a superior method to antibiotics as it is much more specific and should not cause side effects or negative harm to the beneficial normal flora of the host. Phages have been used extensively in former Soviet Union countries with success, which has prompted Western researchers to consider using bacteriophages to fight microbial infections. Phage screening was performed on eight multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains provided from LifeLabs in Kamloops, B.C. Eight water samples from extreme and nutrient-limited habitats were used as a source of phages. Water samples were obtained from the Kamloops Sewage Treatment Plant, Kamloops Wastewater Treatment Center, Domtar, Pacific Ocean, Bisaro Anima Cave, and alkaline ponds. In addition, a water sample was created from mixing soil from Abbotsford, B.C. with sterile water. The successfulness of each phage screening trial was measured through the formation of plaques, which developed after plating the MDR bacteria, molten agar, and phages for confluent growth on nutrient agar. E. coli strain 318 developed plaques and was sent to GENEWIZ for sequencing
Environmental Impacts of Exurban Development on a Global Perspective
No full textWith cities becoming more populous and crowded, the urban-rural fringe is becoming more and more of an escape for urbanites. The driving forces are amenity migration and counter urbanization, which are resulting in the rural gentrification of exurbia. In this study of exurban areas we look at the driving forces that have created exurbia as a system of physical and social space. We also examine environmental impacts caused by exurban development. We review the literature and municipal master plans from both developed and developing countries to examine social structures, land use conflicts, as well as planning policy related to environmental impacts. Our preliminary results are that due to the increased population in exurbia, concerns have been raised over environmental impacts. For example, new golf courses are drawing large amounts of water, but for non-agricultural use. There has been a transition from agricultural land use towards residential and recreational land use instead, which has caused an imbalance between the physical and human characteristics of exurbia. In conclusion, the environmental impacts that exurbia can cause, compared to other land uses such as industrial agriculture, may be less significant and be a better development choice for certain areas
The Fate of Charity Organizations in Cambodia
No full textThis research analyzes the effectiveness of international aid organizations across Cambodia by concentrating on three organizations as case studies to illustrate the situation. Cambodia’s history is rich in culture but also ridden with countless conflicts. The intervention of the United Nations Transitional Authority in 1991 led to the signing of the Paris Peace Accords by the previous king Norodom Sihanouk and the current Prime Minister Hun Sen. One of the impacts this had was the opening of Cambodia to the world of globalization, notably the increasing presence of international aid organizations and entrepreneurs in the country. To this day, however, Cambodia remains a state with a cloudy democracy. Evidence of this is in the Lango draft law signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen, which makes aid organization registrations compulsory and only possible through governmental approval. This raises concern, as it may be percieved as another way in which the government might further its constrictions on the human rights which bottom-up aid organizations have been encouraging. Through my own experience as a volunteer in Cambodia and subsequent research of historical texts and online journals, it is clear that aid organizations are making a positive and significant difference for the country. Research highlights the crucial role aid has played in changing post-conflict societies like Cambodia for the better
Introduction of Taijin Kyofusho and the Underlying Japanese Cultural Specific Social Contributors
No full textThe reason why the psychology disorder, Taijin Kyofusho, is rarely found in other countries except Japan, is poorly understood. This study intends to investigate how Japanese customs and traditions might potentially give rise to Taijin Kyofusho. In this study, several potential contributors are identified. Firstly, a Japanese-specific cognitive construct, called amae , is thought to contribute to the development of Taijin Kyofusho. It is hypothesized that amae, which underlines a sense of unconditional nurturance, without any obligation to reciprocate, potentially burdens some people with stress and leads to pathological fear of interpersonal relationships. Another potential contributor are the specific display rules, which are assumptions people hold as they decide whether some emotions are appropriate or not. Researchers found that the Japanese hold a stricter display rule than Americans, entailing that Japanese people are less likely to freely display their emotions. This study also discovered that Japanese people often felt obligated to say yes to a equest even if it presented an impossible burden at the time. Lastly, the social pressure to retain harmony in the society is considered a contributing factor to the development of Taijin Kyofusho. The aim of the oral presentation is to display and illustrate these aforementioned findings and raise awareness of the existence of Taijin Kyofusho, as it is rarely known in Western culture