Consistent Evolution with Different Time-Slicings in Quantum Gravity

Rovelli's `` quantum mechanics without time'' motivates an intrinsically time-slicing independent picture of reduced phase space quantum gravity, which may be described as ``quantization after evolution''. Sufficient criteria for carrying out quantization after evolution are developed in terms of a general concept of the classical limit of quantum mechanics. If these criteria are satisfied then it is possible to have consistent unitary evolution of operators, with respect to an infinite parameter family of time-slicings (and probably all time-slicings), with the correct classical limit. The criteria are particularly amenable to study in (2+1)-dimensional gravity, where the reduced phase space is finite dimensional.Comment: Figures added (LaTeX source code), one reference updated, to appear in Class. Quant. Grav., no other change

Simone Weil\u27s Spiritual Critique of Modern Science: An Historical-Critical Assessment

This paper evaluates Simone Weil\u27s philosophy and theology of science from the perspective of an historical phenomenology of science

Cartesian Certainty and the Infinity of the Will

This paper interprets Descartes\u27 conception of certainty as most fundamentally a function of the human will, controlling the cognitive encounter with the world

Damned to the Inferno? A New Vision of Lawyers at the Dawning of the Millennium

This Article seeks to explain the negative perception the legal profession and lawyers have in the eyes of the American public. Disregarding common answers such as the disproportionate amount of influence lawyers have or high salaries and extravagant lifestyles, this Article argues that a cultural shift has led many Americans to see the law as an arbitrary device. Consequently, this belief is reinforced by lawyers and and perpetuated by law schools, leading to the negative perception of the legal profession. In the process, the Article addresses five main issues: the definition and purpose of the law, the republican theory of lawyering, the realities and effectiveness of modern day law school, whether a republican theory of lawyering is in line with American realities, and prescriptions for the future

Autism research : An objective quantitative review of progress and focus between 1994 and 2015

The nosology and epidemiology of Autism has undergone transformation following consolidation of once disparate disorders under the umbrella diagnostic, autism spectrum disorders. Despite this re-conceptualization, research initiatives, including the NIMH's Research Domain Criteria and Precision Medicine, highlight the need to bridge psychiatric and psychological classification methodologies with biomedical techniques. Combining traditional bibliometric co-word techniques, with tenets of graph theory and network analysis, this article provides an objective thematic review of research between 1994 and 2015 to consider evolution and focus. Results illustrate growth in Autism research since 2006, with nascent focus on physiology. However, modularity and citation analytics demonstrate dominance of subjective psychological or psychiatric constructs, which may impede progress in the identification and stratification of biomarkers as endorsed by new research initiatives.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Gravitropism in plants: Hydraulics and wall growth properties of responding cells

Gravitropism is the asymmetrical alteration of plant growth in response to a change in the gravity vector, with the typical result that stems grow up and roots grow down. The gravity response is important for plants because it enables them to grow their aerial parts in a mechanically stable (upright) position and to develop their roots and leaves to make efficient use of soil nutrients and sunlight. The elucidation of gravitropic responses will tell much about how gravity exerts its morphogenetic effects on plants and how plants regulate their growth at the cellular and molecular levels

The landscape of Cultural Geography: ideologies lost

This piece reflects on the contemporary resonances, value and legacy of Cosgrove and Jackson's (1987) Area paper entitled ‘New directions in cultural geography’ (Area, 19, 95–101). It argues that much scholarship in today's cultural geography (its innovations and interventions), were inspired by Cosgrove and Jackson's call. These myriad collaborations and experimentation in formats include research outputs engaged in forms of poetry, art, theatre, dance, music performances, exhibitions, curating and film-making (to name just a few) to be included as tools for the production and dissemination of geographical knowledge. There has been an exponential expansion in cultural geography's vocabularies, dimensions of ‘fields of vision’ and the grammars through which these are narrated. Often, however, the values that underpin these new trajectories are also borne out of an academy ideologically tethered to neo-liberal values. The university thus risks becoming a space where a moral commitment to principles that challenge injustice and uneven geographies within and outside the academy are thwarted; and thus becomes the absolute antithesis of Cosgrove and Jackson's vision for truly good scholarship

Shaping the future for primary care education and training project. Best practise in education and training strategies for integrated health and social care: development of a benchmarking tool

Collaboration and partnership working between Higher Education and the NHS is an essential requirement for effective delivery of care (Universities UK 2003). The North West Universities Association (NWUA) and the North West Development Agency (NWDA) are two organisations at the forefront of creating such alliances. The research project, Shaping the Future for Primary Care Education and Training Project is a collaborative partnership between both these organisations and seven North West Higher Education Institutions. In addition, the project brings together for the first time all the key partners in the health, social care and education sectors who are involved in supporting the delivery of integrated health and social care in the North West Region