Minisuperspace results for causal dynamical triangulations

Detailed applications of minisuperspace methods are presented and compared with results obtained in recent years by means of causal dynamical triangulations (CDTs), mainly in the form of effective actions. The analysis sheds light on conceptual questions such as the treatment of time or the role and scaling behavior of statistical and quantum fluctuations. In the case of fluctuations, several analytical and numerical results show agreement between the two approaches and offer possible explanations of effects that have been seen in causal dynamical triangulations but whose origin remained unclear. The new approach followed here suggests `CDT experiments' in the form of new simulations or evaluations motivated by theoretical predictions, testing CDTs as well as the minisuperspace approximation.Comment: 51 pages, 16 figure

An examination of the contrasting interpretations of the cleansing of the temple in (a) the writings of the early church fathers and (b) more recent historicalcritical scholarship in light of first-century monetary practice

The Cleaning of the Temple as described in Mark 11:15-19 has traditionally been interpreted as an event of great magnitude. “By the blows of one scourge”, Jerome (347-420) wrote, Jesus “was able … to cast out so great a multitude”.1 More recently the scale of Jesus’ actions has been questioned on historical grounds as has also the charge which Jesus made that the Temple had become a “den of robbers” (Mk 11:17). It will be proposed in this study that when Jesus’ actions are examined in light of first-century monetary practice, particularly noting the role of the money-changers in the Temple, there are justifiable reasons in accepting the historicity of this event as traditionally understood. The theft that Jesus was referring to was not so much from the pilgrim Jew by way of inflated animal prices or dishonest trade, as recent scholarship has pointed out, but rather from the Treasury into which the pilgrims deposited their offerings. The revenue that God was to receive there from the annual half-shekel tax payment (and from other mandatory and voluntary payments) was greatly, if not totally, depleted on account of the introduction of the money-changers’ services and the precise form of coinage they were offering in exchange. The nearly universal assumption that their services were necessary in the Holy Place will be challenged. It was, I will argue, these novel monetary practices that had been introduced in his “Father’s house” (Jn 2:16)/“My house” (Mk 11:17) which prompted Jesus’ actions

Making ends meet : A conceptual and ethical analysis of efficiency

Peer reviewe

Medical device design for adolescent adherence and developmental goals: a case study of a cystic fibrosis physiotherapy device

Purpose: This study investigates the psychosocial aspects of adolescent medical device use and the impact on adolescent adherence and goals for the transitional years between child and adulthood. Patients and methods: Interviews were carried out with 20 adolescents with cystic fibrosis, investigating adolescent medical device use and experiences in relation to their personal and social lives and development through the adolescent years. The qualitative dataset was thematically examined using a content analysis method. Results: The results show that adolescent users of medical technologies want their independence and capabilities to be respected. Adolescent adherence to medical device use was associated with short- and long-term motivations, where older adolescents were able to comprehend the longer-term benefits of use against short-term inconvenience more acutely than younger adolescents. It was suggested that medical devices could provide a tool for communication with families and clinicians and could support adolescents as they take responsibility for managing their condition. Themes of “fitting into teenage life” and “use in the community” were associated with adolescents' needs to form their own identity and have autonomy. Conclusion: This study shows that adolescent needs regarding medical device use are complex. It provides evidence to suggest that devices designed inclusively for adolescents may lead to improved adherence and also facilitate transition through the adolescent years and achievement of adolescent goals