The asymptotics of an amplitude for the 4-simplex

An expression for the oscillatory part of an asymptotic formula for the relativistic spin network amplitude for a 4-simplex is given. The amplitude depends on specified areas for each two-dimensional face in the 4-simplex. The asymptotic formula has a contribution from each flat Euclidean metric on the 4-simplex which agrees with the given areas. The oscillatory part of each contribution is determined by the Regge calculus Einstein action for that geometry.Comment: 5 pages amstex, typos correcte

Tullio Regge's legacy: Regge calculus and discrete gravity

The review paper "Discrete Structures in Physics", written in 2000, describes how Regge's discretization of Einstein's theory has been applied in classical relativity and quantum gravity. Here, developments since 2000 are reviewed briefly, with particular emphasis on progress in quantum gravity through spin foam models and group field theories.Comment: 15 pages; a contribution to the forthcoming volume "Tullio Regge: an eclectic genius, from quantum gravity to computer play", Eds. L Castellani, A. Ceresole, R. D'Auria and P. Fr\`e (World Scientific); v2: added references to more relevant work, minor changes to the tex

Florida hurricanes and tropical storms: 1871-1993, an historical review

In recent times, from 1871-1993, nearly 1,0OO tropical cyclones of tropical storm or hurricane intensity have s cur red in the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Of this total, about 180 have reached Florida, with 75 of these known to have hurricane force winds (wind speed 2 74 mph) and 105 with tropical storm force winds (39 mph - 73 mph). While early records are fragmentary and incomplete, the following is a discussion of the more formidable Florida hurricanes. For convenience and to provide readable hurricane tracks, the discussion examines hurricanes occurring within 30-year periods, divided into 10-year sections. When possible the SaffirISirnpson Scale (Table 1) describes the hurricane category for both past hurricanes (before the scale was developed), and recent hurricanes. (157pp.

A note on area variables in Regge calculus

We consider the possibility of setting up a new version of Regge calculus in four dimensions with areas of triangles as the basic variables rather than the edge-lengths. The difficulties and restrictions of this approach are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, amstex. Revision has minor changes and more precise conclusion

CoRe: A way to build pedagogical content knowledge for beginning teachers

Research has shown that one of the factors which enables teachers to be effective is their rich pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). Beginning teachers need support to develop this PCK and recent research in the field has proposed a conceptual tool known as “content representations”, or CoRes, as a model for doing this. The study reported here brought together science and technology experts in content and pedagogy, early career secondary teachers, and researchers to design a CoRe to assist development of teacher PCK. The study then researched the early career teachers’ use of the CoRe in their planning and delivery of a unit in their classrooms to examine the effect of the CoRe on teaching and learning, and on the development of the teachers’ PCK

Discovery and the Privacy Act: Exemption (b)(11) to the Conditions of Disclosure: What Qualifies as an Order of the Court ?

On December 31, 1974, President Gerald Ford signed the landmark Privacy Act of 1974 into law. One of the key concepts of the Act is the principle of disclosure limitation, which limits the ability of the federal government to disclose the contents of per- sonal records in its possession. In the words of the Senate Governmental Operations Committee, this principle is designed to pre- vent.., the wrongful disclosure and use of personal files held by Federal agencies

The Unwelcome Involuntary Guest

The facts of the case are as spare and clean cut as though invented to raise its issue. Joyce Akins, sixteen, was invited by Robbie Hemphill to ride with him in his car; it was not until they had proceeded some way on their journey that she discovered he was intoxicated and driving in an incressingly reckless manner. Frightened, she demanded repeatedly to be let out; he heard, refused, increased his speed, and presently collided with the rear of another car to Joyce\u27s severe and permanent injury. A general demurrer to her complaint was sustained and upon her refusal to plead further judgment was entered dismissing her action. This judgment was affirmed en banc on appeal. It is a clear guest statute problem, uncontaminated by any suggestion of contributory negligence or assumption of risk, and, since on demurrer, without the usual controversy over the facts. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for an analysis of the host-guest relationship, a thoughtful probing into the background and purposes of the statute itself. Instead, the majority opinion is content to rest upon authority we are committed (to the rule) that when she became a guest of the respondent driver, she became one for the entire journey, and did not terminate the host-guest relationship by her demands. This is a neat and economical solution, but to make it also an acceptable one it is necessary to inquire into the matter of whether the court is in fact committed to the rule it cites, and secondly, even if it is so committed, whether that rule is a sensible one

The asymptotics of an amplitude for the 4-simplex

An expression for the oscillatory part of an asymptotic formula for the relativistic spin network amplitude for a 4-simplex is given. The amplitude depends on specified areas for each two-dimensional face in the 4-simplex. The asymptotic formula has a contribution from each flat Euclidean metric on the 4-simplex which agrees with the given areas. The oscillatory part of each contribution is determined by the Regge calculus Einstein action for that geometry