L∞L_\infty-Algebra Models and Higher Chern-Simons Theories

We continue our study of zero-dimensional field theories in which the fields take values in a strong homotopy Lie algebra. In a first part, we review in detail how higher Chern-Simons theories arise in the AKSZ-formalism. These theories form a universal starting point for the construction of $L_\infty$-algebra models. We then show how to describe superconformal field theories and how to perform dimensional reductions in this context. In a second part, we demonstrate that Nambu-Poisson and multisymplectic manifolds are closely related via their Heisenberg algebras. As a byproduct of our discussion, we find central Lie $p$-algebra extensions of $\mathfrak{so}(p+2)$. Finally, we study a number of $L_\infty$-algebra models which are physically interesting and which exhibit quantized multisymplectic manifolds as vacuum solutions.Comment: 44 pages, minor corrections, published versio

Lie 2-algebra models

In this paper, we begin the study of zero-dimensional field theories with fields taking values in a semistrict Lie 2-algebra. These theories contain the IKKT matrix model and various M-brane related models as special cases. They feature solutions that can be interpreted as quantized 2-plectic manifolds. In particular, we find solutions corresponding to quantizations of R^3, S^3 and a five-dimensional Hpp-wave. Moreover, by expanding a certain class of Lie 2-algebra models around the solution corresponding to quantized R^3, we obtain higher BF-theory on this quantized space.Comment: 47 pages, presentation improved, version published in JHE

Strengthening the Governance of the International Monetary Fund: How a Dual Board Structure Could Raise the Effectiveness and Legitimacy of a Key Global Institution

After having been at the helm of the international monetary system for decades, the International Monetary Fund was sidelined in policy debates in the past few years. One reason for the IMF not having taken a more central role in addressing key global policy issues in recent years relates to its internal governance. This paper focuses specifically on the structure and functioning of the Executive Board. The paper argues that Executive Board, although uniquely placed to provide authoritative guidance to IMF member countries, exert peer pressure and give economic policy advice, is overwhelmed by its tasks and responsibilities and too large to be an effective forum for true international economic dialogue. The paper makes the point that the highly diverse tasks of the IMF require different governance structures in order to be implemented effectively. We believe that the optimal number of governing bodies for the ongoing IMF work is not one, but that it is two, duly distinguishing between multilateral matters from country-related matters. Specifically, we propose to split the tasks that are predominantly systemic in nature from those that are predominantly country-focused and technical and believe that this can be done. Two different Boards would be dealing with these issues: a Systemic Issues Board and a Country Issues Board. The paper also discusses how such a dual board structure could be implemented in practice.IMF; Governance

ImpuR: A Collection of Diagnostic Tools Developed in R in the Context of Peak Impurity Detection in HPLC-DAD but Potentially Useful with Other Types of Time-Intensity Matrices

HPLC-DAD systems generate time intensity (absorbance) matrices called spectrochromatograms. Under good experimental conditions, spectro-chromatograms of elution peaks of pure analytes are bilinear products of a time peak and an absorbance spectrum. Co-eluting impurities create deviations from this pure bilinear structure. Unfortunately, other imperfections, such as scan averaging, large optical windows, imperfect lamp alignment, mobile phase fluctuations, etc. also create departures from the pure bilinear structure. This makes it hard to distinguish low concentration impurities from artifacts and hampers safe detection of contaminants. There are two main ways to deal with such artifacts: removal and simulation, and ImpuR provides R functions to do both and to integrate both approaches. More specifically, ImpuR provides a set of tools to explore time-intensity matrices with respect to their bilinear structure and departures from it. It includes exploratory graphs for bilinear matrices (bilinear residual graphs and singular value decompositions), spectral dissimilarity curves via window-evolving factor analysis with heteroscedasticity correction and the sine method, methods for removal of artifacts, and a comprehensive simulation tool to assess the impact of potential artifacts and to allow for the construction of guide curves for use with the sine method.

Unveiling the unspoken in life story interviews

Basé sur une enquête ethnographique dans la congrégation luthérienne germanophone à Belfast, cet article explore comment les membres de cette communauté ont connu l’entretien autobiographique. Malgré un besoin permanent de soutien émotionnel pour les victimes des conflits passés, l’utilisation de la méthode de recherche autobiographique dans les sociétés post-conflit n’a pas été suffisamment prise en compte dans la littérature sur le sensible travail de terrain ethnographique. Dans cet article, je cherche à comprendre le rôle de l’entretien autobiographique pendant mon travail sur le terrain en Irlande du Nord. L’étude de cette communauté religieuse a mis en lumière un tabou social dans le cercle luthérien. Le passé intimidant de la congrégation de Belfast a été à peine mentionné dans les réunions suivant le service de l’Eglise. Des moments de silence se produisaient fréquemment pendant les séances d’entretien lorsque des questions portaient sur la vie de la congrégation dans le passé. Comme l’entretien autobiographique était basé sur des questions ouvertes, le risque de bouleverser des interrogés traumatisés pouvait être atténué par une conduite sensible de la séance d’entretien, c’est-à-dire en donnant la possibilité aux interrogés d’interrompre l’enregistrement à n’importe quel moment. De plus, l’étude qualitative a dévoilé que la méthode autobiographique initiait la narration et le travail biographique, qui est largement considéré comme une première étape cruciale vers la guérison des personnes traumatisées.Based on an ethnographic investigation into the German-speaking Lutheran congregation in Belfast, this paper explores how members of this community experienced the life story interview. Despite an ongoing need for emotional support for victims of past conflicts, the use of the autobiographical research method in post-conflict societies has not been sufficiently addressed in the literature on sensitive ethnographic fieldwork. In this paper, I seek to understand the role of the life story interview during my fieldwork in Northern Ireland. The study of the faith-based community brought to light a social taboo in the Lutheran circle. The daunting past of the Belfast congregation was barely mentioned in the get-togethers following the church service. Moments of silence frequently occurred during the interview sessions when questions about the past congregational life were raised. Since the life story interview was based on an open-ended questioning style, the risk of upsetting traumatised interviewees could be mitigated by a sensitive conduct of the interview session, i.e. giving interviewees the opportunity to interrupt the recording at any time. Furthermore, the qualitative study unveiled that the autobiographical method initiated storytelling and biographical work, which are widely considered crucial first steps towards the healing of traumatised persons

Occupational Stress and Depression among Vietnam Veterans

An exploratory analysis was conducted to assess the effect of exposure to a distal source of extreme trauma on current levels of depression. The purpose of this study was to assess the nature of the relationships among: (1) exposure to the extreme stressor of combat in Vietnam; (2) persistently difficult life conditions; and (3) psychological distress. The impact of various stressors on current psychological distress is evaluated in light of the mediating influence of personal coping resources. Findings suggest that exposure to combat has neither a direct nor an indirect effect on current levels of depression. Exposure to combat was found to affect depression only as it interacts with work-related sources of chronic strain

GIPP: Geophysical Instrument Pool Potsdam

The Geophysical Instrument Pool Potsdam (GIPP) consists of field instruments, sensors and equipment for temporary seismological studies (both controlled source and earthquake seismology) as well as for magnetotelluric (electromagnetic) experiments. These instruments are mainly mobile digital recorders, broadband seis­mometers and short period sensors, and they are used to reveal the subsurface structure and to investigate earth­quakes. Sensors for magnetotellurics include induction coil and fluxgate magnetometers and non-polarizing silver / silver-chloride electrodes. It is operated by the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. The instru­ment facility is open to all academic applicants, both national and international. Instrument applications are evalu­ated and ranked by an external steering board. Currently, for seismological applications >850 geophysical recorders, >170 broadband seis­mo­meters and >1300 short period geophones are available (among others). Available for magnetotelluric experiments are > 50 real-time data-loggers, >150 induction coils, and >500 electrodes. User guidelines and data policy are in force and data archives are provided (standard exchange formats)