Can the Two-Time Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics Solve the Measurement Problem?

Over many years, Aharonov and co-authors have proposed a new interpretation of quantum mechanics: the two-time interpretation. This interpretation assigns two wavefunctions to a system, one of which propagates forwards in time and the other backwards. In this paper, I argue that this interpretation does not solve the measurement problem. In addition, I argue that it is neither necessary nor sufficient to attribute causal power to the backwards-evolving wavefunction ⟨Φ| and thus its existence should be denied, contra the two-time interpretation. Finally, I follow Vaidman in giving an epistemological reading of ⟨Φ|

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Introduction to Special Issue on the Material Cultures of Financialisation

This paper offers a wide-ranging introduction to the symposium on the material culture of financialisation. It begins by addressing the nature of financialisation itself, drawing on a tight definition in order to distinguish the phenomenon of financialisation from its effects and from the looser associations prevalent within much of the literature such as the presence of credit or even simply (more extensive) monetary relations. In order to locate financialisation within economic and social reproduction, of which material culture is a part, close attention is paid to the distinctive forms of financialisation arising from commodification, commodity form and commodity calculation. The differences in the extent to which, and how, these prevail are addressed through the system of provision approach and its framing of material culture through its use of 10 distinctive attributes of such cultures, known as the 10Cs (Constructed, Construed, Conforming, Commodified, Contextual, Contradictory, Closed, Contested, Collective and Chaotic). The analysis is then illustrated by reference to the papers that follow in this volume which demonstrate the diverse ways in which shifting cultures have served to embed financialisation in our daily lives. The first is on the material culture of financialisation itself and this is followed by a number of case studies that include the promotion of financial literacy and financial inclusion, well-being, the media and finally two sector examples are provided on housing and water

Prevalence of cervical disease at age 20 after immunisation with bivalent HPV vaccine at age 12-13 in Scotland: retrospective population study

The manuscript was reviewed by Jo’s Trust, which supports the conclusions. It made the following statement: We think (it has) massive implications for the screening programme, vaccine and also impact on diagnoses in the future. It gives weight for activity to increase vaccine uptake, has implications on screening intervals. The clinically relevant herd protection is very interesting too. It also feeds into our policy calls for a new IT infrastructure (for the screening programme in England) to record and enable invitations based on whether someone has at the vaccine if intervals can be extended. Funding: This study has been undertaken as part of the programme of surveillance of immunisation against human papillomavirus in Scotland, included within the routine work of Health Protection Scotland, a part of the Scottish National Health Service. No funding has been received from industry.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: Where are we now in South Africa?

South Africa continues to face unacceptably high rates of rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), despite readily available and inexpensive preventive measures. However, in the past several years, key players in South Africa’s healthcare and political realms in addition to key players from many African nations have come together to acknowledge the persistent health burden attributable to RF/RHD and have agreed to a pledge of action to reduce it. The plan of action is a comprehensive RF/RHD prevention and treatment programme known as ASAP. The ASAP programme targets efforts to raise Awareness, establish Surveillance systems, Advocate for increased resources for treatment, and to promote Prevention strategies. South Africa currently has a demonstration site where activities in all of these key areas are currently underway. Efforts in the area of surveillance include a RHD prevalence study that aims to screen 4 000 school-aged children through the use of a mobile echo-surveillance unit. In addition to local efforts, South Africa will join an international initiative to create a global RHD registry that will aid in all aspects of prevention and treatment to further reduce the burden of disease attributable to RF/RHD