1 Characteristic 0 We start with a basic question: given a polynomial f ∈ C[z1, · · · , zn] with a singularity at 0, how can we measure the “singularness” of this polynomial in a precise way? In other words: we can look at various singularities and see intuitively that some singularities are worse than others. For instance, it feels like a transverse self-intersection is probably not as bad as ...

This study compared the effects of problem-focused and solution-focused coaching questions on positive and negative affect, self-efficacy, goal approach, and action planning. A total of 225 participants were randomly assigned to either a problem-focused or solution-focused coaching condition. All participants described a real-life problem that they wanted to solve and set a goal to solve that p...

Strictly enforced encapsulation is a key concept for modular software designs. However, in many situations like unanticipated reuse, productivity can be raised by a more flexible approach to encapsulation. Also the discussion about the role of “obliviousness” in aspect-oriented programming is one instance of a general conflict between strictness and flexibility. Here, different technologies tak...