Phase Structure of Lattice QCD at Finite Density with Dynamical Fermions

We compare the chemical potential associated with the onset of non-zero baryon number density on $6^4$ and $8^4$ lattices at $\beta=5.1$ and ma=0.01. We provide evidence for $Z(3)$ tunnelling. We determine a critical chemical potential of $\mu a \simeq 0.1$ which is unexpectedly low. We also determine the dependence of the onset of the observed phase transition on the quark mass. The physically misleading result of the quenched theory is shown to persist despite the inclusion of the complex fermion determinant.Comment: 3 pages, Latex, 5 postscript figures, Talk presented at LATTICE96(finite temperature

Coupling a branching process to an infinite dimensional epidemic process

Branching process approximation to the initial stages of an epidemic process has been used since the 1950's as a technique for providing stochastic counterparts to deterministic epidemic threshold theorems. One way of describing the approximation is to construct both branching and epidemic processes on the same probability space, in such a way that their paths coincide for as long as possible. In this paper, it is shown, in the context of a Markovian model of parasitic infection, that coincidence can be achieved with asymptotically high probability until o(N^{2/3}) infections have occurred, where N denotes the total number of hosts.Comment: 16 page

Lattice Gauge Theory Simulations at Nonzero Chemical Potential in the Chiral Limit

We present a method of simulating lattice QCD at nonzero chemical potential in the chiral limit. By adding a weak four-fermi interaction to the standard staggered fermion SU(3) QCD action, we produce an algorithm in which the limit of massless fermions is well-behaved and physical. Using configurations at zero chemical potential, and an exact fugacity expansion of the fermion determinant, we can simulate QCD at nonzero chemical potential and evade the notorious problem of the complex action. Small lattice simulations give physical results: At strong gauge coupling the critical chemical potential \mu_c agrees with theoretical expectations and at weak gauge coupling \mu_c is nonzero in the low temperature confined phase of QCD and jumps to zero in the high temperature quark-gluon plasma phase. In all these simulations the quarks are exactly massless and there is a Goldstone pion.Comment: contains .tex file of text and three figures as .epsi file

Dynamics of Pure Shape, Relativity and the Problem of Time

A new approach to the dynamics of the universe based on work by O Murchadha, Foster, Anderson and the author is presented. The only kinematics presupposed is the spatial geometry needed to define configuration spaces in purely relational terms. A new formulation of the relativity principle based on Poincare's analysis of the problem of absolute and relative motion (Mach's principle) is given. The enire dynamics is based on shape and nothing else. It leads to much stronger predictions than standard Newtonian theory. For the dynamics of Riemannian 3-geometries on which matter fields also evolve, implementation of the new relativity principle establishes unexpected links between special relativity, general relativity and the gauge principle. They all emerge together as a self-consistent complex from a unified and completely relational approach to dynamics. A connection between time and scale invariance is established. In particular, the representation of general relativity as evolution of the shape of space leads to unique definition of simultaneity. This opens up the prospect of a solution of the problem of time in quantum gravity on the basis of a fundamental dynamical principle.Comment: 17 pages. To appear in Decoherence and Entropy in Complex Systems (Proceedings of the Conference DICE, Piombino 2002, ed. H. -T. Elze, Spring Lecture Notes in Physics 2003

Embodied engagement in arts research

The focus of this paper is to argue the case for embodied ways of knowing in arts research. Recognition of embodied ways of knowing and embodied research has been relatively recent. For too long, arts research had been marginalized in academia, particularly performing arts, due in part to the somatophobia of Western academic cultures. While grounded in dance research myself, I argue that embodied engagement is crucial for performing arts and arts research in general. It is through rigorous and reflective practice that theoretical knowledges and lived experiences can be embodied, made meaningful, and thus contribute to the generation of new understandings. I contend that such embodied knowledge is then available to artists and researchers for subsequent expression and aesthetic communication via a wide range of mediums and interdisciplinary practices. I discuss embodied ways of knowing and suggest some guidelines for undertaking embodied research. I conclude by emphasizing the continuing relevance of performing arts in expressing individual human embodied experience in an increasingly virtual, self-destructive and global world

Sustainable dance making: Dancers and choreographers in collaboration

In this paper I explore the notion of sustainability, drawing from environmental policy and activism, and apply this notion to the process of dance making. I begin by defining sustainability, and move to exploring both the professional and community contexts of dance making and the practices of collaboration. In many ways, the motivation for this paper comes from a deeply felt concern I have regarding the practices of dance making in the professional dance ‘industry’, particularly as I have observed in New Zealand; practices which I regard as not only unsustainable but sometimes even harmful to dancers and choreographers. I begin by sharing a brief story about my experiences as a dancer as background to my argument

Embodied ways of knowing.

In this article I present an argument for `embodied ways of knowing' as an alternative epistemological strategy, drawing on feminist research and embodied experience. To present my argument, I begin by considering a number of problematic dualisms that are central to Western knowledge, such as the separation between mind and body and between knowledge and experience. In critique of mind/body dualism, feminists and phenomenologists claimed that Western understandings were based on a profound ignorance about and fear of the body. Mind/body dualism needed to be challenged and articulated differently, potentially through valuing and understanding `embodiment'. In critique of the knowledge/experience dualism, feminists and phenomenologists have suggested that `knowing' could be based on lived experience. From lived experience, knowledge could be constructed by individuals and communities, rather than being universal and resulting strictly from rational argument. Research on women's ways of knowing and on movement experience provided valuable insights into alternative ways of knowing. Just as lived experience and movement experience could be ways of knowing, I argue that `embodied ways of knowing' could also contribute specifically to knowledge. The relevance of understanding `embodied ways of knowing' for those involved in education and movement studies may be the further appreciation, development and advocacy for the role of movement experience in education