2,673 research outputs found
Is Quantum Gravity a Chern-Simons Theory?
We propose a model of quantum gravity in arbitrary dimensions defined in
terms of the BV quantization of a supersymmetric, infinite dimensional matrix
model. This gives an (AKSZ-type) Chern-Simons theory with gauge algebra the
space of observables of a quantum mechanical Hilbert space H. The model is
motivated by previous attempts to formulate gravity in terms of
non-commutative, phase space, field theories as well as the Fefferman-Graham
curved analog of Dirac spaces for conformally invariant wave equations. The
field equations are flat connection conditions amounting to zero curvature and
parallel conditions on operators acting on H. This matrix-type model may give a
better defined setting for a quantum gravity path integral. We demonstrate that
its underlying physics is a summation over Hamiltonians labeled by a conformal
class of metrics and thus a sum over causal structures. This gives in turn a
model summing over fluctuating metrics plus a tower of additional modes-we
speculate that these could yield improved UV behavior.Comment: 22 pages, LaTeX, 3 figures, references added, version to appear in
PR
Automated Analysis of MUTEX Algorithms with FASE
In this paper we study the liveness of several MUTEX solutions by
representing them as processes in PAFAS s, a CCS-like process algebra with a
specific operator for modelling non-blocking reading behaviours. Verification
is carried out using the tool FASE, exploiting a correspondence between
violations of the liveness property and a special kind of cycles (called
catastrophic cycles) in some transition system. We also compare our approach
with others in the literature. The aim of this paper is twofold: on the one
hand, we want to demonstrate the applicability of FASE to some concrete,
meaningful examples; on the other hand, we want to study the impact of
introducing non-blocking behaviours in modelling concurrent systems.Comment: In Proceedings GandALF 2011, arXiv:1106.081
A Novel Approach to the Cosmological Constant Problem
We propose a novel infinite-volume brane world scenario where we live on a
non-inflating spherical 3-brane, whose radius is somewhat larger than the
present Hubble size, embedded in higher dimensional bulk. Once we include
higher curvature terms in the bulk, we find completely smooth solutions with
the property that the 3-brane world-volume is non-inflating for a continuous
range of positive values of the brane tension, that is, without fine-tuning. In
particular, our solution, which is a near-BPS background with supersymmetry
broken on the brane around TeV, is controlled by a single integration constant.Comment: 20 pages, revte
Hierarchical models for service-oriented systems
We present our approach to the denotation and representation of hierarchical graphs: a suitable algebra of hierarchical graphs and two domains of interpretations. Each domain of interpretation focuses on a particular perspective of the graph hierarchy: the top view (nested boxes) is based on a notion of embedded graphs while the side view (tree hierarchy) is based on gs-graphs. Our algebra can be understood as a high-level language for describing such graphical models, which are well suited for defining graphical representations of service-oriented systems where nesting (e.g. sessions, transactions, locations) and linking (e.g. shared channels, resources, names) are key aspects
Dwelling or duelling in possibilities: how (Ir)relevant are African feminisms?
In its four decades of rebirth, the world has debated (enough) the relevance of feminism, but there is, surprisingly, refreshingly emergent dimensions at the turn of the twenty-first century: feminisms from feminism flowing from Africa. The theories or models of Womanism, Stiwanism, Motherism, and Nego-feminism, with their underlying assumptions and values,were all born at various end times of the twentieth century with a common objective of seeking gender justice. This paper examines the crucial question of how relevant these models are to the global practice of woman as human. What propels their separateness, and why didnāt they combine to make a more solid stance on the plight of the African woman? In fact, why canāt they simply identify with the general feminism? Put differently, are they dwelling in the same terrain or are they separable and easily recognisable discourses duelling in possibilities for the woman in Africa in particular and the woman of the globe in general? More specifically, how (ir)relevant are African feminisms?In trying to answer these questions, the paper presents a critical review of the afore-mentioned theories of African feminisms with the goal of providing readers an understanding of what is new in each model, and what is similar or different between the various strands of African feminisms. The paper concludes with the authorās analysis of the model that holds the best promise or possibilities for African feminism to achieve its seemingly elusive goal of gender equality
Quantum Gravity and Causal Structures: Second Quantization of Conformal Dirac Algebras
It is postulated that quantum gravity is a sum over causal structures coupled
to matter via scale evolution. Quantized causal structures can be described by
studying simple matrix models where matrices are replaced by an algebra of
quantum mechanical observables. In particular, previous studies constructed
quantum gravity models by quantizing the moduli of Laplace, weight and
defining-function operators on Fefferman-Graham ambient spaces. The algebra of
these operators underlies conformal geometries. We extend those results to
include fermions by taking an osp(1|2) "Dirac square root" of these algebras.
The theory is a simple, Grassmann, two-matrix model. Its quantum action is a
Chern-Simons theory whose differential is a first-quantized, quantum mechanical
BRST operator. The theory is a basic ingredient for building fundamental
theories of physical observables.Comment: 4 pages, LaTe
An Algebra of Hierarchical Graphs
We define an algebraic theory of hierarchical graphs, whose axioms characterise graph isomorphism: two terms are equated exactly when they represent the same graph. Our algebra can be understood as a high-level language for describing graphs with a node-sharing, embedding structure, and it is then well suited for defining graphical representations of software models where nesting and linking are key aspects
A formal support to business and architectural design for service-oriented systems
Architectural Design Rewriting (ADR) is an approach for the design of software architectures developed within Sensoria by reconciling graph transformation and process calculi techniques. The key feature that makes ADR a suitable and expressive framework is the algebraic handling of structured graphs, which improves the support for specification, analysis and verification of service-oriented architectures and applications. We show how ADR is used as a formal ground for high-level modelling languages and approaches developed within Sensoria
Graphical Encoding of a Spatial Logic for the pi-Calculus
This paper extends our graph-based approach to the verification of spatial properties of Ļ-calculus specifications. The mechanism is based on an encoding for mobile calculi where each process is mapped into a graph (with interfaces) such that the denotation is fully abstract with respect to the usual structural congruence, i.e., two processes are equivalent exactly when the corresponding encodings yield isomorphic graphs. Behavioral and structural properties of Ļ-calculus processes expressed in a spatial logic can then be verified on the graphical encoding of a process rather than on its textual representation. In this paper we introduce a modal logic for graphs and define a translation of spatial formulae such that a process verifies a spatial formula exactly when its graphical representation verifies the translated modal graph formula
Robustness of a bisimulation-type faster-than preorder
TACS is an extension of CCS where upper time bounds for delays can be
specified. Luettgen and Vogler defined three variants of bismulation-type
faster-than relations and showed that they all three lead to the same preorder,
demonstrating the robustness of their approach. In the present paper, the
operational semantics of TACS is extended; it is shown that two of the variants
still give the same preorder as before, underlining robustness. An explanation
is given why this result fails for the third variant. It is also shown that
another variant, which mixes old and new operational semantics, can lead to
smaller relations that prove the same preorder.Comment: Express Worksho
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