992 research outputs found
Plateau Inflation from Random Non-Minimal Coupling
A generic non-minimal coupling can push any higher-order terms of the scalar
potential sufficiently far out in field space to yield observationally viable
plateau inflation. We provide analytic and numerical evidence that this
generically happens for a non-minimal coupling strength of the order
. In this regime, the non-minimally coupled field is sub-Planckian
during inflation and is thus protected from most higher-order terms. For larger
values of , the inflationary predictions converge towards the sweet spot
of PLANCK. The latter includes obtained from CMB normalization
arguments, thus providing a natural explanation for the inflationary
observables measured.Comment: 9 pages, twocolumn, some figures; v2: 1 figure and appendix added,
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On the Herbrand-Kleene universe for nondeterministic computations
AbstractFor nondeterministic recursive equations over an arbitrary signature of function symbols including the nondeterministic choice operator âorâ the interpretation is factorized according to the techniques developed by the present author (1982). It is shown that one can either associate an infinite tree with the equations, then interpret the function symbol âorâ as a nondeterministic choice operator and so mapping the tree onto a set of infinite trees and then interpret these trees. Or one can interpret the recursive equation directly yielding a set-valued function. Both possibilities lead to the same result, i.e., one obtains a commuting diagram. However, one has to use more refined techniques than just powerdomains. This explains and solves a problem posed by Nivat (1980). Basically, the construction gives a generalization of the powerdomain approach applicable to arbitrary nonflat (nondiscrete) algebraic domains
Pole Inflation - Shift Symmetry and Universal Corrections
An appealing explanation for the Planck data is provided by inflationary
models with a singular non-canonical kinetic term: a Laurent expansion of the
kinetic function translates into a potential with a nearly shift-symmetric
plateau in canonical fields. The shift symmetry can be broken at large field
values by including higher-order poles, which need to be hierarchically
suppressed in order not to spoil the inflationary plateau. The herefrom
resulting corrections to the inflationary dynamics and predictions are shown to
be universal at lowest order and possibly to induce power loss at large angular
scales. At lowest order there are no corrections from a pole of just one order
higher and we argue that this phenomenon is related to the well-known extended
no-scale structure arising in string theory scenarios. Finally, we outline
which other corrections may arise from string loop effects.Comment: twocolumn, 9 pages, 1 figure; v2: clarifications and refs added, JHEP
layout, 19 page
Detecting Media Bias
The program is intended to help students develop media literacy; it allows them to understand the newsâs biases in everyday life
Starobinsky-Type Inflation from -Corrections
Working in the Large Volume Scenario (LVS) of IIB Calabi-Yau flux
compactifications, we construct inflationary models from recently computed
higher derivative -corrections. Inflation is driven by a Kaehler
modulus whose potential arises from the aforementioned corrections, while we
use the inclusion of string loop effects just to ensure the existence of a
graceful exit when necessary. The effective inflaton potential takes a
Starobinsky-type form , where we obtain one set-up
with and one with corresponding to inflation
occurring for increasing or decreasing respectively. The inflationary
observables are thus in perfect agreement with PLANCK, while the two scenarios
remain observationally distinguishable via slightly varying predictions for the
tensor-to-scalar ratio . Both set-ups yield . They hence realise inflation with moderately large fields
without saturating the Lyth
bound. Control over higher corrections relies in part on tuning underlying
microscopic parameters, and in part on intrinsic suppressions. The intrinsic
part of control arises as a leftover from an approximate effective shift
symmetry at parametrically large volume.Comment: 29 pages, 6 figures; v2: clarifications and refs adde
Nodes and Hubs: An Exploration of Yiguandao Temples as âPortals of Globalizationâ
This paper takes a fresh look at the global spread of the ChineseâTaiwanese new religious movement Yiguandao (ä¸č˛Ťé; the emic transcription is âI-Kuan Taoâ) by directing attention to the concrete places where transnational connections and interactions actually transpire, i.e., temples, shrines, and other sites of worship. Emically known as âBuddha hallsâ (fotang ä˝ĺ ), these places range from large-scale temple complexes, to small niches of worship in peopleâs private residences. Yet, they all share the potential of becoming venues of transregional interactions through processes of migration, the circulation of personnel, and local outreach. I argued that we need to take the distinct character of these localities more seriously, in order to fully understand the global networks of Yiguandao groups. Through their specific embeddedness in both local affairs and transnational projects, these temples are not simply local chapters of the (mostly) Taiwanese headquarters, but instead they are âtranslocalitiesâ or even âportals of globalizationââtwo concepts developed in migration and global studies to help understand the significance of place in the recent phase of so-called globalization. By exploring Yiguandao temples across the globe, this paper critically evaluated these approaches, and their usefulness for the study of global religions. Empirically, it drew on both print and online material, as well as ethnographic fieldwork conducted by the author in Taiwan, Vienna (Austria), California, South Africa, and Japan from 2016 to 2018
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