Propagation of extended objects across singularity of time dependent orbifold

In this paper we argue that the compactified Milne space is a promising model of the cosmological singularity. It is shown that extended objects like strings propagate in a well-defined manner across the singularity of the embedding space. Then a proposal for quantization of extended objects in the case of a membrane is given.Comment: 4 pages, prepared for the proceedings of the Grassmannian Conference in Fundamental Cosmology (Grasscosmofun'09), 14-19 September 2009, Szczecin, Polan

Evolutionary Tracks of Individual Quasars in the Mass-Luminosity Plane

Previous work on the quasar mass-luminosity plane indicates the possibility that quasars of the same central black hole mass might follow a common evolutionary track, independent of the properties of the host galaxy. We consider two simple models for the evolution of individual quasars. Requiring these tracks to lie within the observed quasar locus at all redshifts strongly constrains the model parameters, but does allow some solutions. These solutions include a family of tracks with similar shape but different initial masses that might match the observed quasar distributions at all redshifts z < 2.0. This family of solutions is characterized by short (1-2 Gyr) lifetimes, a duty cycle in which the quasar is on at least 25% of the time, and a rapid decline in Eddington ratio, perhaps with L/L_Edd ~ t^-6 or steeper.Comment: Accepted by MNRA

'I Only Looked Away for a Split Second...': The Role of Distraction in Driver and Rider Crashes in Rural and Remote North Queensland

The overall program goal is to reduce the incidence and economic, medical and social costs of road crashes in rural and remote Queensland. Why rural road safety? 21% of the population of Queensland live in rural areas. 39% of serious road crash injuries occur there. Study aims: - Understand behavioural and social factors contributing to crashes - Develop, identify and trial targeted interventions. Study area: - North and west of Bowen excluding urban areas of Townsville and Cairns - 40% of Queensland's land area