A Decrumpling Model of the Universe

Assuming a cellular structure for the space-time, we propose a model in which the expansion of the universe is understood as a decrumpling process, much like the one we know from polymeric surfaces. The dimension of space is then a dynamical real variable. The generalized Friedmann equation, derived from a Lagrangian, and the generalized equation of continuity for the matter content of the universe, give the dynamics of our model universe. This leads to an oscillatory non-singular model with two turning points for the dimension of space.Comment: 4 pages, Latex file, contribution to Journees Relativistes 9

Decision support for build-to-order supply chain management through multiobjective optimization

This paper aims to identify the gaps in decision-making support based on multiobjective optimization for build-to-order supply chain management (BTOSCM). To this end, it reviews the literature available on modelling build-to-order supply chains (BTO-SC) with the focus on adopting multiobjective optimization (MOO) techniques as a decision support tool. The literature has been classified based on the nature of the decisions in different part of the supply chain, and the key decision areas across a typical BTO-SC are discussed in detail. Available software packages suitable for supporting decision making in BTO supply chains are also identified and their related solutions are outlined. The gap between the modelling and optimization techniques developed in the literature and the decision support needed in practice are highlighted and future research directions to better exploit the decision support capabilities of MOO are proposed

A model universe with variable dimension: Expansion as decrumpling

We propose a model universe, in which the dimension of the space is a continuous variable, which can take any real positive number. The dynamics leads to a model in which the universe has no singularity. The difference between our model and the standard Friedman-Robertson-Walker models become effective for times much before the presently accepted age of the universe.Comment: 12 pages, emTeX version 3.0, no figure

Holographic Thermodynamic on the Brane in Topological Reissner-Nordstr\"om de Sitter Space

We consider the brane universe in the bulk background of the topological Reissner-Nordstr\"om de Sitter black holes. We show that the thermodynamic quantities (including entropy) of the dual CFT take usual special forms expressed in terms of Hubble parameter and its time derivative at the moment, when the brane crosses the black hole horizon or the cosmological horizon. We obtain the generalized Cardy-Verlinde formula for the CFT with an charge and cosmological constant, for any values of the curvature parameter $k$ in the Friedmann equations.Comment: 8 page

Equivalence of Darmois-Israel and Distributional-Methods for Thin Shells in General Relativity

A distributional method to solve the Einstein's field equations for thin shells is formulated. The familiar field equations and jump conditions of Darmois-Israel formalism are derived. A carefull analysis of the Bianchi identities shows that, for cases under consideration, they make sense as distributions and lead to jump conditions of Darmois-Israel formalism.Comment: 17 pages Latex, no figures, to be published in Journ. Math. Phy

Quantum Tests of the Foundations of General Relativity

The role of the equivalence principle in the context of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and matter wave interferometry, especially atom beam interferometry, will be discussed. A generalised form of the weak equivalence principle which is capable of covering quantum phenomena too, will be proposed. It is shown that this generalised equivalence principle is valid for matter wave interferometry and for the dynamics of expectation values. In addition, the use of this equivalence principle makes it possible to determine the structure of the interaction of quantum systems with gravitational and inertial fields. It is also shown that the path of the mean value of the position operator in the case of gravitational interaction does fulfill this generalised equivalence principle.Comment: Classical and Quantum Gravity 15, 13 (1998