Different geometries for special relativity

This paper introduces a different time-measuring convention for special relativity (SR), where a time interval t can be measured by dc, the distance traveled from an origin by the spherical wave-front of a light pulse c. Adoption of this convention leads to a Euclidean geometry for SR, different from the Euclidean geometry already proposed by Montanus. The present geometry is governed by the functions of the circle, rather than the hyperbola, and the spherical wave-front of a light pulse provides both a fourth set t of frame-dependent coordinate points and a parameter w for measuring intervals that are invariant between reference frames. Since sine values under the circle range from 1 to 0, rather than 1 to ¥, the new model does not allow, for a reference frame velocity » c, any interval to have length » ¥. Furthermore, the form of the new model excludes any notion of “travel” with respect to time

Design against nature

The process of disinfecting pits technology against nature. This issue is considered through examination of the design and development of a microwave disinfecting system for contact lenses. Here, technology intervenes to remedy a naturally occurring deficiency in human sight and the design solution requires indiscriminate annihilation of ‘lesser’ forms of life. With the march of science transforming our ethical and theological visions, questions are raised about the justifications for this strategy and the senses in which it may be seen to be responsible. The competing discourses of responsibility reveal the attraction of seeking to develop such technologies through multidisciplinary teams

Alternative conventions and geometry for special relativity

This paper argues that Einstein’s conventionalist definition of time is sufficient for, but not necessary to the geometric modelling of Special Relativity. A different convention allows that any time interval t, can be measured by dc, the distance travelled from an origin by the spherical wave-front of a light pulse, c. This means that the relationships represented by the hyperbolic geometry of Minkowski can also be represented by circular function geometry (CFG), where the spherical surface of c provides both a fourth set t, of frame-dependent co-ordinate points and a parameter s, for measuring intervals that are invariant between reference frames. However, sine values under the circle range from 1-0, rather than 1-∞. This does not allow that for a reference frame velocity ≈ c, any interval length ≈ ∞. Furthermore, since CFG does not subdivide space-time into past and future zones, it excludes the possibility of backwards time travel for signal velocities > c

Expert systems and the emergence of teledesign

This paper considers the extent to which the amateur use of expert systems for home design challenges traditional views of the design process. The issues are examined in the context of competing definitions of design. The emergence of a design process characterised as ‘teledesign’ is then considered, wherein retailers provide a CAD/CAM service to consumers, allowing the latter to use expert systems to modify template designs and get products fabricated to their own specifications. Such a system may be seen to empower consumers as designers, rather than just selectors of products, and would differ considerably from established paradigms of design, manufacture and consumption, such as that given by Baudrillard

Effects of microwave irradiation on the parameters of hydrogel contact lenses

Ten brands of hydrogel contact lenses were selected from five of the six British Approved Name lens classification groups to test in vitro the effects of repeated heat disinfection by means of microwave irradiation. Each lens type was tested over a number of cycles corresponding to its scheduled number of wearing days. The total diameter and back vertex power of all 80 test and 12 control lenses were measured at the end of their relevant cycling period. The back optic zone radius, center thickness, and water content were measured for 40 test and 8 control lenses. No clinically significant change was found in any of the 10 brands tested. Statistically significant changes were found in the back optic zone radius of the Frequency 55 group and water content of the Precision UV group. Some discoloration was noted in Ciba Visitint lenses

Cross-cultural collaboration with China

ASPIRE – Access, Scholarship, Partnership, Innovation, Respect and Employability comprises a value system and a series of norms that underpin many aspects of cross-cultural teaching, learning and research. Cross-cultural sensitivity and exchange is at the core of a global system of higher education (HE), where we can understand, respect, and learn from the strengths of HE in each nation. Collaboration with leading institutions in China over a period of four years has necessitated respect of and sensitivity to cultural differences, innovation in ideas of communication, and growing partnership networks, of crucial importance in developing pedagogy and research, and all areas of learning, from the arts and the creative industries to science and technology. Exchange is of paramount importance, to enhance understanding and respect, and for us to become both culture- and task-oriented

Comparison of two reef sites on the north coast of Jamaica over a 15-year period

This paper compares two reef sites near Discovery Bay, Jamaica, Dairy Bull and Dancing Lady, from 2000 to 2015. At Dairy Bull reef, with low macroalgal cover (8% in 2002 falling to 1% in 2015) and significant number of Diadema antillarum urchins (c. 5 m−2), live coral cover increased from 13% ± 5% in 2006 after the bleaching event in 2005, to 31% ± 7% in 2008, while live Acropora cervicornis increased from 2% ± 2% in 2006 to 28% ± 5% in 2015. Coral cover levels were at least maintained until 2015, owing mostly to a slight increase in A. cervicornis. Dancing Lady reef however was dominated by macroalgae throughout this period (cover of c. 76% ± 7%), with no D. antillarum and showed little decrease in the already low (6% ± 1%) coral cover in 2005. Growth rates for Siderastrea siderea were similar for both sites (7 mm∙yr−1), while growth rates of A. cervicornis and A. palmata were 120.0 ± 30 mm∙yr−1 and 71.0 ± 29 mm∙yr−1 respectively at Dairy Bull in 2015. At Dancing Lady reef, A. cervicornis colonies which were present from 2003 to 2005 had disappeared in 2006, possibly as a result of the mass bleaching event. It appears that A. cervicornis was the most impacted species during the 2005 bleaching event, but was also the species that recovered fastest after its decline at Dairy Bull