Dimensional curvature identities on pseudo-Riemannian geometry

The curvature tensor of a pseudo-Riemannian metric, and its covariant derivatives, satisfy certain identities that hold on any manifold of dimension less or equal than $n$. In this paper, we re-elaborate recent results by Gilkey-Park-Sekigawa regarding $p$-covariant dimensional curvature identities, for $p=0,2$. To this end, we use the classical theory of natural operations, that allows us to simplify some arguments and to generalize the description of Gilkey-Park-Sekigawa. Thus, our main result describes the first space of $p$-covariant dimensional curvature identities, for any even $p$.Comment: Polished version. 15 page

Virasoro Orbits, AdS_3 Quantum Gravity and Entropy

We analyse the canonical structure of AdS_3 gravity in terms of the coadjoint orbits of the Virasoro group. There is one subset of orbits, associated to BTZ black hole solutions, that can be described by a pair of chiral free fields with a background charge. There is also a second subset of orbits, associated to point-particle solutions, that are described by two pairs of chiral free fields obeying a constraint. All these orbits admit K\"ahler quantization and generate a Hilbert space which, despite of having $\Delta_0(\bar{\Delta}_0)=0$, does not provide the right degeneracy to account for the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy due to the breakdown of modular invariance. Therefore, additional degrees of freedom, reestablishing modular invariance, are necessarily required to properly account for the black hole entropy.Comment: LaTex file, 12 pages. New references adde

B\"acklund transformations in 2D dilaton gravity

We give a B\"acklund transformation connecting a generic 2D dilaton gravity theory to a generally covariant free field theory. This transformation provides an explicit canonical transformation relating both theories.Comment: LaTeX file, 7 page

HIV/AIDS Knowledge & Perceptions On a College Campus

Our research project surveyed students at Pace University (both on the New York City and Pleasantville campuses) and looked into their understanding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) & Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The goal was to better understand students’ knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, and the ways in which they might be misinformed. Our research looked to see if there was any stigma surrounding student’s perceptions of the virus and its transmission. The study also asked students about their sexual practices. Specifically, we utilized an Institutional Review Board approved survey, to ask students about their sexual behavior to see if they were taking the necessary steps to protect themselves from contracting HIV and AIDS. The survey included questions on HIV general knowledge, transmission, and prevention methods. This included a section on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PeP). The survey was conducted online and students were sent a link to complete the survey on their own. In total 202 students participated in the study and 169 complete responses were recorded. The demographics of the respondents were representative of the Pace University community and the student body. The results of the research supporting the finding that although students are aware of the measures to prevent against HIV, this knowledge does not always translate over to student sexual behaviors. In relation to students and their perception of HIV, the research found that some of this stigma still exists, but students who are more educated on HIV are less likely to maintain this stigma. Based on the findings of this project a number of suggestions for Pace University and for the Pace Health Care Center have been outlined. Through an integration of these suggestions, Pace University can better support students in their understanding of HIV the different resources available to students while at Pace

Decorated Great Siege armours for the Hospitaller Knights at the Palace Armoury Museum, Valletta

The collection of arms and Armour at the Palace Armoury Museum in Valletta represents the Hospitallers' military adaptations during the path of warfare in history and their artistic tastes. Particularly interesting are the mid-sixteenth century Armours, frequently termed the "Great Siege Armours". The latter bear intricate designs of decorations that speak a Mannerist artistic language, inherited by the Italian Renaissance. This language, one may perhaps add, was international and spread from Northern Italy and Southern Germany throughout Europe, manifesting itself in the emergence of different schools of armourers and decorators. The present collection was first catalogued by Sir G. F. Laking in 1903. Laking categorised and attributed several pieces and harnesses, and he was to remain the only scholar to research these valuable items until 1969. In 1969 the UNESCO sent two Polish experts to study and inventory the arms and armours within the collection. Z. Zygulsky and A. Czerwinsky worked on an extensive and very important inventory between 25 January and 7 February 1969. Unfortunately, the work carried out by the Polish experts lost much ofits validity in 1975 when the armoury was moved to what were once the Palace's stables. The UNESCO experts had organised and catalogued each item, inventorizing portions, measurements and case numbers. Hence, the items had to be re-ordered. For a more academic study on the collection of arms and armour, and Hospitaller military organisation, the most recent study was that carried out by S. C. Spiteri in 2003. As for the decorations and methods of identification of Hospitaller Great Siege Armours, the most important work was recently carried out by K. Watts. The latter is the curator of Art and Armour at the Royal Armouries of Leeds.peer-reviewe