A physical model for state transitions in black hole X-ray binaries

We present an accretion cycle which can explain state transitions and other observed phenomena in black hole X-ray binaries. This model is based on the process of disc tearing, where individual rings of gas break off the disc and precess effectively independently. This occurs when the Lense-Thirring effect is stronger than the local disc viscosity. We discuss implications of this model for quasi-periodic oscillations and the disc-jet-corona coupling. We also speculate on applying this model to active galactic nuclei and other accreting systems.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures. Accepted to MNRA

A history of the bible: the book and its faiths

John Barton, A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths. Allen Lane, London, 2019. xvii, 613pp, £25.00. ISBN 978 0 24100 391 6

Initiating the PREPARED project : a digital dietary intervention for preconception young adults – protocol development, validation of dietary methods, and DOHaD knowledge-diet quality insights

Background The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory suggests that environmental exposures during critical developmental periods can profoundly affect long-term health and disease risk of both the individual and subsequent generations. Within the theory of DOHaD, maintaining a healthy diet offers a triple dividend in health, encompassing short- and long-term health of the individual and potential benefits for future generations. An individual’s diet and nutrition before conceiving a child is commonly referred to as preconception nutrition. Adopting a public health perspective on preconception nutrition is essential for promoting a healthier future, as it sets the foundation for long-term health and lifestyle behaviours that can significantly influence the prospect of future offspring health. Aims and objectives The current thesis aimed to plan and establish the basis for the PREPARED project, with a specific emphasis on validating dietary assessment methods to be utilized throughout the entire project, while also conducting a specific analysis of DOHaD knowledge and diet quality on the baseline data. This was to be accomplished through four specific objectives: (a) develop a study protocol outlining the research process for the PREPARED project, (b) develop digital food item image-series to aid portion size estimation accuracy in a 24-hour dietary recall system to be used in PREPARED project, and validate their accuracy by comparing them with pre-weighed food portions, (c) validate a dietary screener against a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for rapid dietary assessment in the PREPARED project, and (d) assess preconception young adults’ DOHaD knowledge and diet quality, and the association between the two, using the baseline data from the PREPARED study.publishedVersio

Reconciliation without violence

Is it possible to solve conflicts without using violence, or is the use of violent retribution necessary to solve problems and restore peace after serious crimes and offences? This is a classical question in the philosophy of law and in all the disciplines dealing with conflict resolution. It is also an important question in theology. The material for this article comes from interviews with sons who have grown up with violent fathers, and from philosophical and theological texts dealing with the theme of conflict resolution. In contemporary theology it is necessary to confront images of God as a violent patriarch and punisher, but still it is important to develop a theology of God as the fair and good judge. The God of reconciliation is not only the forgiver, but also the one who confronts Evil with wrath and resentment