Exotic-singularity-driven dark energy

We discuss various types of exotic (non-standard) singularities in the Universe: a Big-Rip (BR or type I), a Sudden Future Singularity (SFS or type II), a Generalized Sudden Future Singularity, a Finite Scale Factor singularity (FSF or type III), a Big-Separation (BS or type IV) and a $w$-singularity. They are characterized by violation of all or some of the energy conditions which results in a blow-up of all or some of the physical quantities: the scale factor, the energy density, the pressure, and the barotropic index. We relate the emergence of these singularities with physical theories (superstring, brane, higher-order gravity, loop quantum cosmology). We show how the models involving exotic singularities may serve as dark energy by applying the observational data. In particular, we show that some of these exotic singularities (though being of a weak type according to relativistic definitions) may occur in the near future of the universe.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figures, contribution to "Invisible Universe", paris 29.06-3.07.09, to appear in AIP Conference Proceeding

Non-commutative connections of the second kind

A connection-like objects, termed {\em hom-connections} are defined in the realm of non-commutative geometry. The definition is based on the use of homomorphisms rather than tensor products. It is shown that hom-connections arise naturally from (strong) connections in non-commutative principal bundles. The induction procedure of hom-connections via a map of differential graded algebras or a differentiable bimodule is described. The curvature for a hom-connection is defined, and it is shown that flat hom-connections give rise to a chain complex.Comment: 13 pages, LaTe

A critical assessment of some inhomogeneous pressure Stephani models

We consider spherically symmetric inhomogeneous pressure Stephani universes, the center of symmetry being our location. The main feature of these models is that comoving observers do not follow geodesics. In particular, comoving perfect fluids have necessarily a radially dependent pressure. We consider a subclass of these models characterized by some inhomogeneity parameter $\beta$. We show that also the velocity of sound, like the (effective) equation of state parameter, of comoving perfect fluids acquire away from the origin a time and radial dependent change proportional to $\beta$. In order to produce a realistic universe accelerating at late times without dark energy component one must take $\beta < 0$. The redshift gets a modified dependence on the scale factor $a(t)$ with a relative modification of $-9\%$ peaking at $z\sim 4$ and vanishing at the big-bang and today on our past lightcone. The equation of state parameter and the speed of sound of dustlike matter (corresponding to a vanishing pressure at the center of symmetry $r=0$) behave in a similar way and away from the center of symmetry they become negative -- a property usually encountered for the dark energy component only. In order to mimic the observed late-time accelerated expansion, the matter component must significantly depart from standard dust, presumably ruling this subclass of Stephani models out as a realistic cosmology. The only way to accept these models is to keep all standard matter components of the universe including dark energy and take an inhomogeneity parameter $\beta$ small enough.Comment: REVTEX4-1, 12 pages, 6 figures, explanatory material added, version to appear in PRD, conclusions and results unchange

Sudden Future Singularity models as an alternative to Dark Energy?

Current observational evidence does not yet exclude the possibility that dark energy could be in the form of phantom energy. A universe consisting of a phantom constituent will be driven toward a drastic end known as the `Big Rip' singularity where all the matter in the universe will be destroyed. Motivated by this possibility, other evolutionary scenarios have been explored by Barrow, including the phenomena which he called Sudden Future Singularities (SFS). In such a model it is possible to have a blow up of the pressure occurring at sometime in the future evolution of the universe while the energy density would remain unaffected. The particular evolution of the scale factor of the universe in this model that results in a singular behaviour of the pressure also admits acceleration in the current era. In this paper we will present the results of our confrontation of one example class of SFS models with the available cosmological data from high redshift supernovae, baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) and the cosmic microwave background (CMB). We then discuss the viability of the model in question as an alternative to dark energy.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA

Cosmological tests of sudden future singularities

We discuss combined constraints, coming from the cosmic microwave background shift parameter $\mathcal{R}$, baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) distance parameter $\mathcal{A}$, and from the latest type Ia supernovae data, imposed on cosmological models which allow sudden future singularities of pressure. We show that due to their weakness such sudden singularities may happen in the very near future and that at present they can mimic standard dark energy models.Comment: 8 pages, 2 references adde

Active shooters — how close are they?

Recent terrorist attacks in the United States, Canada and Western Europe have shown an increase in the incidence of “Active Shooters” [1]. These ruthless and desperate assassins usually attack urban and poorly protected areas (lack of armed protection) that are densely populated [2]. Utilizing their strength, they realize that their plan is to maximize the number of casualties, without counting on the consequences of their actions. The basis of their action may be based on extremely radical views. Frequent outcomes for active shooters include suicide during an attack (90%) or the resolution of the threat by the authorities [3]. In response to the ever-increasing number of assassinations and the risk of such incidents in one’s immediate surroundings, comprehensive education should be widely spread. Thus, it is important to promote appropriate behaviour, rules of reaction during an attack by an armed assailant, as well as cooperation with incoming service personnel. Such actions will not only help one prevent, but also allow one to prepare for such incidences