We argue that special and general theories of relativity implicitly assume spacetime events correspond to quantum measurement outcomes. This leads to a change in how one should view the equivalence of spacetime and gravity. We describe a Bell test using time-like measurements that indicates a non classical causal structure that does not violate no-signaling. From this perspective, the violation of the Bell inequalities are already evidence for the non classical structure of flat spacetime as seen by an agent embedded in it. We argue that spacetime geometry can be learned by an embedded agent with internal actuators and sensors making internal measurements.
O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a importância das relações sociais no contexto da categoria Ubuntu, bem como esclarecer sua origem e fundamentação filosófica. Ubuntu é compreendido como uma ontologia e epistemologia em fluxo, enraizada na ética dos povos Zulus, mas frequentemente associada a uma ética africana mais ampla. A concepção contemporânea de Ubuntu foi sistematizada pelo arcebispo sul-africano Desmond Tutu, no intuito de oferecer uma resposta ética às dinâmicas sociais no contexto pós-apartheid. Para que fosse reconhecido como representativo de uma ética africana, pesquisadores buscaram elementos comuns entre os povos de matriz linguística Bantu. No entanto, argumenta-se que o Ubuntu constitui, em grande medida, um procedimento formal – um ideal normativo – e não uma prática social amplamente efetivada. Essa observação é sustentada pela persistência de fenômenos como a xenofobia e a hostilidade étnica em diversas regiões do continente africano, em especial na própria África do Sul. Ainda assim, o Ubuntu permanece como um ideal ético relevante, fundamentado em seu princípio central: eu sou porque nós somos. Na concepção de Ubuntu formulada por Tutu, o “Eu” é compreendido como um sujeito inclusivo e fluido, que incorpora o “Nós” em sua própria constituição. Dessa forma, a junção linguística ubuntu não apenas expressa uma ética relacional, mas também evoca uma concepção existencial da vida em comunidade
Christian de Ronde, Raimundo Fernández Mouján, César Massri
In this work we argue against the interpretation that underlies the "Standard" account of Quantum Mechanics (SQM) that was established during the 1930s by Niels Bohr and Paul Dirac. Ever since, following this orthodox narrative, physicists have dogmatically proclaimed -- quite regardless of the deep contradictions and problems -- that the the theory of quanta describes a microscopic realm composed of elementary particles (such as electrons, protons and neutrons) which underly our macroscopic world composed of tables, chairs and dogs. After critically addressing this atomist dogma still present today in contemporary (quantum) physics and philosophy, we present a new understanding of quantum individuals defined as the minimum set of relations within a specific degree of complexity capable to account for all relations within that same degree. In this case, quantum individuality is not conceived in absolute terms but -- instead -- as an objectively relative concept which even though depends of the choice of bases and factorizations remain nonetheless part of the same invariant representation.
We take supersymmetry in the Seiberg-Witten theory as a case study of the uses of (super)symmetry arguments in studying the ontology of four-dimensional interacting quantum field theories. Together with a double expansion, supersymmetry is a via media that helps to bridge the gap between the ontologies of an exact quantum field theory and its semi-classical limit. We discuss a class of states that exist at any value of the coupling, and whose properties such as mass, electric and magnetic charges, and spin quantum numbers can be precisely characterised at low energies. The low-energy theory is best presented as a one-dimensional complex manifold, equipped with metric and other structures: namely, the space of low-energy vacua, covered by three open regions that are interpreted as macroscopic phases. We discuss two cases of emergence: the emergence of the low-energy regime and the emergence between models at low energies, thereby highlighting the significance of the topology of the space of vacua for such cases of emergence.
The paper discusses the possible implications of the relational framework of Pure Shape Dynamics for the metaphysics of time. The starting point of the analysis is an interpretation of shapes in ontic structural realist terms, which gives rise to the notion of self-subsisting structure. The relational version of a Newtonian-particle toy model is introduced and discussed as a concrete example.
Mirela Džehverović, Amela Pilav, Belma Jusić
et al.
Numerous archaeological sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina represent a historical heritage and testify to the rich cultural, social, and political life of medieval Bosnia. Bobovac, the capital of the Bosnian Kingdom after King Tvrtko I's coronation in 1377, featured a royal complex with a palace, church, and fortification. Recent molecular-genetic research on skeletal remains from Bobovac aims to uncover medieval ancestors' customs and genetic origins. Fifteen well-preserved teeth samples from Bobovac were processed. STR amplification employed PowerPlex® Fusion and Investigator® 24plex QS Kits, with Y-STR profiles generated using the PowerPlex® Y23 System. Fourteen partial autosomal STR profiles were obtained, enabling sex determination and kinship analysis. STR amplification success varied due to ancient DNA degradation, with larger loci showing lower amplification rates. Kinship analysis confirmed appropriate marker selection, demonstrating high reliability for determining close relationships. Integrating aDNA analysis with archaeological research enhances our understanding of historical populations, connecting archaeology and forensic genetics to contribute to the broader narrative of human history.
The remarkable technical contributions of Michael E. Fisher to statistical physics and the development of the renormalization group are widely known and deeply influential. But less well-known is his early and profound appreciation of the way in which renormalization group created a revolution in our understanding of how physics -- in fact, all science -- is practiced, and the concomitant adjustment that needs to be made to our conception of the purpose and philosophy of science. In this essay, I attempt to redress this imbalance, with examples from Fisher's writings and my own work. It is my hope that this tribute will help remove some of the confusion that surrounds the scientific usage of minimal models and renormalization group concepts, as well as their limitations, in the ongoing effort to understand emergence in complex systems. This paper will be published in "50 years of the renormalization group", dedicated to the memory of Michael E. Fisher, edited by Amnon Aharony, Ora Entin-Wohlman, David Huse and Leo Radzihovsky, World Scientific (in press).
We consider some of the epistemic benefits of exploring "theory space" in the context of modifications of general relativity with intended applications in cosmology. We show how studying modifications of general relativity can help in assessing the robustness of empirical inferences, particularly in inaccessible regimes. We also discuss challenges to sharply distinguishing apparently distinct directions in theory space.
We propose an interpretation of physics named potentiality realism. This view, which can be applied to classical as well as to quantum physics, regards potentialities (i.e. intrinsic, objective propensities for individual events to obtain) as elements of reality, thereby complementing the actual properties taken by physical variables. This allows one to naturally reconcile realism and fundamental indeterminism in any theoretical framework. We discuss our specific interpretation of propensities, that require them to depart from being probabilities at the formal level, though allowing for statistics and the law of large numbers. This view helps reconcile classical and quantum physics by showing that most of the conceptual problems that are customarily taken to be unique issues of the latter -- such as the measurement problem -- are actually in common to all indeterministic physical theories.
In Logik der Forschung and later works, Karl Popper proposed a set of methodological rules for scientists. Among these were requirements that theories evolve in the direction of increasing content, and that new theories should only be accepted if some of their novel predictions are experimentally confirmed. There are currently two, viable theories of cosmology: the standard cosmological model, and a theory due to Mordehai Milgrom called MOND. Both theories can point to successes and failures, but only MOND has repeatedly made novel predictions that were subsequently found to be correct. Standard-model cosmologists, by contrast, have almost always responded to new observations in a post-hoc manner, adjusting or augmenting their theory as needed to obtain correspondence with the facts. I argue that these methodological differences render a comparison of the two theories in terms of their "truthlikeness" or "verisimilitude" essentially impossible since the two groups of scientists achieve correspondence with the facts in often very different ways, and I suggest that a better guide to the theories' progress toward truth might be the methodologies themselves.
Chris Keyworth, Adnan Alzahrani, Adnan Alzahrani
et al.
BackgroundInternational efforts have been made to develop appropriate interventions to support the mental health needs of healthcare professionals in response to COVID-19. However, fewer staff have accessed these than expected, despite experiencing elevated levels of mental distress since the onset of the pandemic. Consequently, we aimed to examine the barriers and enablers for healthcare professionals in accessing interventions offered by a Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.MethodsTwenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare, social care and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector staff. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour key themes were identified: (1) Environment and Atmosphere in the Workplace; (2) The Impacts of COVID-19; (3) Confidentiality; and (4) Awareness and Communication of Resources. Organisational environments were perceived as an important enabler of accessing the hub services for mental health and wellbeing support. This included the importance of recognising and responding to the ongoing pressures of COVID-19- specific challenges. Ensuring and communicating aspects of confidentiality, and ensuring clear and consistent communication of the benefits of the Hub may encourage help-seeking for mental health challenges among healthcare professionals.DiscussionOur findings highlight important considerations to increase uptake and engagement with services to support the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals and associated staff and volunteers. Organisations aiming to increase employee uptake of these services should regularly circulate consistent and clear emails about what these services offer, provide training and information for managers so they can support staff to access these services and ensure access is confidential.
Bryan W. Roberts, Henrique Gomes, Jeremy Butterfield
Why is gauge symmetry so important in modern physics, given that one must eliminate it when interpreting what the theory represents? In this paper we discuss the sense in which gauge symmetry can be fruitfully applied to constrain the space of possible dynamical models in such a way that forces and charges are appropriately coupled. We review the most well-known application of this kind, known as the 'gauge argument' or 'gauge principle', discuss its difficulties, and then reconstruct the gauge argument as a valid theorem in quantum theory. We then present what we take to be a better and more general gauge argument, based on Noether's second theorem in classical Lagrangian field theory, and argue that this provides a more appropriate framework for understanding how gauge symmetry helps to constrain the dynamics of physical theories.
Resilience encourages individuals to face, overcome, and become stronger in difficult situations, especially for wives of domestic violence victims to face their issues. This study aims to observe the effectiveness of istighfar dzikr therapy in increasing the resilience of the wives. This study used a mixed-method with sequential explanatory design. The first stage was a quantitative approach involving 12 wives as victims of domestic violence in Yogyakarta. The second stage was a qualitative approach to deepen the quantitative data. The participants were divided into the control group (n=6) and the treatment group (n=6). They were selected using a purposive sampling technique, and the data were collected by CD-RISC (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale). This study applied a nonrandomized control group with a pre-test-post-test design. The data analysis technique quantitatively used the SPSS software version 25. Then, Anava Mixed Design was used to analyze. The results showed an increase in resilience scores in the treatment group, and the treatment group had higher resilience scores than the control group. Participants in the treatment group were able to maintain the therapeutic effect two weeks after the istighfar dzikr therapy.
Nathan C. Higgins, Ambar G. Monjaras, Breanne D. Yerkes
et al.
In the presence of a continually changing sensory environment, maintaining stable but flexible awareness is paramount, and requires continual organization of information. Determining which stimulus features belong together, and which are separate is therefore one of the primary tasks of the sensory systems. Unknown is whether there is a global or sensory-specific mechanism that regulates the final perceptual outcome of this streaming process. To test the extent of modality independence in perceptual control, an auditory streaming experiment, and a visual moving-plaid experiment were performed. Both were designed to evoke alternating perception of an integrated or segregated percept. In both experiments, transient auditory and visual distractor stimuli were presented in separate blocks, such that the distractors did not overlap in frequency or space with the streaming or plaid stimuli, respectively, thus preventing peripheral interference. When a distractor was presented in the opposite modality as the bistable stimulus (visual distractors during auditory streaming or auditory distractors during visual streaming), the probability of percept switching was not significantly different than when no distractor was presented. Conversely, significant differences in switch probability were observed following within-modality distractors, but only when the pre-distractor percept was segregated. Due to the modality-specificity of the distractor-induced resetting, the results suggest that conscious perception is at least partially controlled by modality-specific processing. The fact that the distractors did not have peripheral overlap with the bistable stimuli indicates that the perceptual reset is due to interference at a locus in which stimuli of different frequencies and spatial locations are integrated.
Inga Simm, Ursula Winklhofer, Thorsten Naab
et al.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, children and adolescents confronted a completely new learning situation. Instead of learning in class, they had to cope with home learning to achieve academically. This mixed-method study examines how children and adolescents in Germany perceive their coping success with home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and how personal, school, family, and peer context factors relate to this self-perceived coping success. Quantitative data from an online survey of n=141 children (mage=10,8y) and n=266 adolescents (mage=15,2y; study 1) were used to analyze the questions with multiple regression analysis. With the qualitative data from 10 interviews with parents and their children (study 2), we examined the process of how school, family, and peer groups interact with students’ way of coping with home learning. Quantitative data show that most children and adolescents perceived their coping with home learning as successful and that school joy before COVID-19, parental support, and available equipment during home learning are still relevant for children, and family climate, calm place to learn, and equipment during home learning are important for adolescents learning at home. Qualitative data show that students apply individual ways of coping with home learning, where family and peers have a vital role, especially when contact with teachers is limited. Quantitative data confirm the importance of family context for students’ self-perceived coping success.
Children do not know how to solve problems with their friends in a constructive manner. They may resort to violence or act passively to avoid conflict. Therefore, violence in communication between children is quite common. Conflict resolution programs are widely used in schools around the world to prevent violence. This study examines the effectiveness of the “We Can Resolve Our Conflicts” conflict resolution training program in a sample of Western Thrace Minority elementary school students. It aims to enhance student conflict resolution skills by teaching constructive ways, to increase emotional regulation, social behavior skills, and reduce conduct problems. We used a pre-test post-test control group design. Our training group consisted of 103 students and our control group consisted of 74 students. Conflict resolution skills were assessed by conflict scenarios. Emotion regulation skills were measured using Emotion Regulation Checklist. Pro-social behavior skills and conduct problems assessed using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We Can Resolve Our Conflicts” program is a school-based prevention program consisting of 21 sessions with materials like caricatures, posters, and cartoons. We trained students to recognize emotions, empathy, control anger, and resolve conflicts constructively. Different techniques were employed, such as classroom discussions, role-playing, and penciland-paper activities to ensure active student participation. Control group students did not receive this training. We tested the “We Can Resolve Our Conflicts” program in a different location with similar cultural characteristics, and its effectiveness was approved. Findings showed that the training program raised students’ constructive conflict resolution skills, emotion regulation skills, and pro-social behavior skills. It reduced the level of conduct problems. The control group exhibited no changes in their conflict resolution and pro-social behavior skill scores from the pre to post-test. However, their emotion regulation and conduct problems scores changed negatively. In general, the findings of this study revealed that conflict resolution education is effective in resolving conflicts in elementary school students.
In his book `Physics and Philosophy', Heisenberg suggested that the quantum world is one of ``potentialities or possibilities'' and that the classical realm is one of ``things or facts''. After ascertaining that his categories most naturally have the structure of ontological equivalence classes, we show that they cannot be seriously introduced into the quantum formalism without rendering it incoherent, as under some circumstances the formalism permits an equality between members of distinct equivalence classes. This is labeled the `equality of inequivalents problem'. Three possible reactions are discussed: First, one could deny the problem by challenging some of the assumptions that underlie its formulation; second, one could accept the problem and take it to be grounds for dismissing Heisenberg's or similar distinctions altogether; third, one could accept the problem but take its source to be not Heisenberg's distinction but the quantum formalism. A plausibility argument in support of the third reaction is given by analogy: it is shown that axiomatic probability suffers from a similar problem if one wishes to seriously distinguish between things which are possibilities and things which are not. An enriched axiomatization of probability is proposed which captures the concept of probability as a measure over possibilities and thereby overcomes the equality of inequivalents problem in axiomatic probability.