Statistical Mechanics of 2+1 Gravity From Riemann Zeta Function and Alexander Polynomial:Exact Results

In the recent publication (Journal of Geometry and Physics,33(2000)23-102) we demonstrated that dynamics of 2+1 gravity can be described in terms of train tracks. Train tracks were introduced by Thurston in connection with description of dynamics of surface automorphisms. In this work we provide an example of utilization of general formalism developed earlier. The complete exact solution of the model problem describing equilibrium dynamics of train tracks on the punctured torus is obtained. Being guided by similarities between the dynamics of 2d liquid crystals and 2+1 gravity the partition function for gravity is mapped into that for the Farey spin chain. The Farey spin chain partition function, fortunately, is known exactly and has been thoroughly investigated recently. Accordingly, the transition between the pseudo-Anosov and the periodic dynamic regime (in Thurston's terminology) in the case of gravity is being reinterpreted in terms of phase transitions in the Farey spin chain whose partition function is just a ratio of two Riemann zeta functions. The mapping into the spin chain is facilitated by recognition of a special role of the Alexander polynomial for knots/links in study of dynamics of self homeomorphisms of surfaces. At the end of paper, using some facts from the theory of arithmetic hyperbolic 3-manifolds (initiated by Bianchi in 1892), we develop systematic extension of the obtained results to noncompact Riemannian surfaces of higher genus. Some of the obtained results are also useful for 3+1 gravity. In particular, using the theorem of Margulis, we provide new reasons for the black hole existence in the Universe: black holes make our Universe arithmetic. That is the discrete Lie groups of motion are arithmetic.Comment: 69 pages,11 figures. Journal of Geometry and Physics (in press

What are we being told about how to teach games? a three-dimensional analysis of comparative research into different instructional studies in Physical Education and School Sports

Determining what pedagogical approach could be most effective in delivering the desired learning outcomes in teaching games has been one of the more relevant concerns for physical education teachers, coaches and researches in the last few decades. Nevertheless, until recently, the research carried out in this field has been little profuse, has met with several difficulties and has been made from different perspectives, which has complicated its analysis altogether. The present study follows three main objectives: a) to analyse the nature of the interventions used in the comparative investigation directed to teaching sports, b) to determine the effects of the levels of treatment and, c) to outline some didactic consequences. Twenty comparative studies were selected for a systematic review

Planting the Spaces in Between: New York Restoration Project’s Tree Giveaway Program

Through the tree giveaway program, NYRP provides organizations between 100 and 300 trees and staff to support the distribution of trees to NYC residents for planting on private property. The giveaway events take place throughout NYC’s five boroughs every weekend during the spring and fall planting seasons. Tree giveaways set the stage for discussions about urban soil conditions, precautions to take when planting, and ecological issues confronting the city. From Allegheny Serviceberry to Little Leaf Linden and everything in between, these trees provide a beneficial contrast to the gray infrastructure of the city. These benefits include providing shade, wildlife habitat, ecological biodiversity, storm water retention, food production, and natural beauty

Sports Fantasy Camps: Opportunities for AMTP Members

Sports Tourism is one of the fastest growing areas of the global travel and tourism industry. More organizations are providing more immersive experiences for a growing (and increasingly diverse) fan base by developing Sports Fantasy Camps. This manuscript provides an overview of such Camps and broader Sports Experience Tourism in the area around the Coastal South Carolina (i.e., North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida)

Price Bundling Opportunities for the Savannah, GA Market

The Savannah area offers an eclectic mix of attractions for visitors. Broadly speaking, the tourism portfolio can be divided into four clusters: Museums, Bus/Trolley Tours, Water Tours, and Ghost Tours. This manuscript examines the possibility of combining the Savannah attractions into a price bundle to offer a lower price to consumers. Doing so may help stimulate demand during off-peak seasons. And, it may further promote greater awareness (and attendance) at attractions during the peak season

The secret life of water systems: least cost planning beyond demand management

The water industry in Australia and international is involved in a period of significant change. The conventional roles of water and wastewater utilities are being redefined with the objectives of resource conservation and sustainable development added to existing responsibilities. Least cost planning (LCP) has emerged as the way forward for water utilities in regions where water conservation has become an objective or where ongoing supply expansion is constrained. It involves techniques for the design and evaluation of demand management programs and aims to compare demand- and supply-side options on an equivalent basis. The approach is based on the key ideas that: demand is for the services water provides rather than the actual volume supplied; and that a drop of water saved is equal to a drop supplied. This paper contends that LCP has much to offer the water sector beyond demand management. It is an approach that has potential for options assessment across the water cycle and can aid planning towards more sustainable outcomes within the sector. The paper concludes that LCP concepts and techniques will have worth in addressing the challenges of sustainable development for both urban water systems and catchment managemen

Labor Market Uncertainty and Pension System Performance

The financial market crisis has prompted policymakers to devote substantial attention to ways in which capital market risks shape pension performance, but few analysts have asked how shocks to human capital shape retirement wellbeing. Yet human capital risks due to fluctuations in labor earnings, employment volatility, and survival, can have a profound influence on pension accumulations and payouts. This paper reviews existing studies and offers a framework to think about how human capital risk can influence pension outcomes. We conclude with thoughts on how future analysts can better assess sensitivity of pension plan outcomes to a labor income uncertainty

Comparative chemistry of diffuse clouds III: sulfur-bearing molecules

Using data from IRAM's Plateau de Bure Interferometer and 30 m Telescope, we discuss the mm-wave absorption lines of CS, SO, H2S and HCS+ which arise in diffuse clouds occulting several extragalactic continuum sources. Typical relative abundances are X(CS)/X(HCO+) ~ 2, X(CS)/X(SO) ~ 2, X(CS)/X(H2S) ~ 6 and X(CS)/X(HCS+) ~ 13.Comment: Accepted by A&A 2002-Jan-1

The effects of Energised Greens™ upon blood acid-base balance during resting conditions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The consumption of fresh fruit & vegetable in concentrate form (FVC) have recently become an alternative approach to combating excessive renal acid loads often associated with <it>Western Diets</it>. Additionally, these FVC's have been purported to induce metabolic alkalosis, which perhaps may enhance the blood buffering capacity of an individual. Therefore, the aim of this preliminary study was to profile the acid-base response after ingestion of an acute dose of fruit and vegetable extract (Energised Greens™ (EG), Nottingham, UK) and compare it to a standard, low dose (0.1 g·kg^-1) of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃).</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>As part of a randomized, cross over design participants consumed 750 mL of water with either 9 g of EG (manufacturer recommendations), 0.1 g·kg^-1of NaHCO₃or a placebo (plain flour) in opaque encapsulated pills following an overnight fast. Capillary samples were obtained and analyzed every 15 min for a period of 120 min following ingestion. Significant interactions (p < 0.01), main effects for condition (p < 0.001) and time (p < 0.001) were evident for all acid-base variables (pH, HCO_3^-, BE). Interactions indicated significant elevation in blood alkalosis for only the NaHCO₃condition when compared to both placebo and EG from 15 to 120 minutes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Despite previous findings of elevated blood pH following acute mineral supplementation, manufacturer recommended doses of EG do not induce any significant changes in acid-base regulation in resting males.</p