Beyond the Words in Print: Identity Construction in Messages of Condolence

Death is part of human existence. When a person hears the news of someone’s death, it is very common for that person to express their feelings about it. This feeling is in the form of condolences which express the speaker’s sorrow, and condolences fall into the category of speech act. Semantically, condolences have a social meaning which refers to language use. Identities are created in relationships with others, and condolences are major platforms for the construction of identities, in that, existing relationships are, clearly, manifested in the messages that sympathizers expressed. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzed twenty condolence messages which were purposely sampled from condolence messages posted in the portals of International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), when one of its members passed away. The analysis of the data revealed two main identity types enacted for the deceased: role identity and Social Identity. The major Role identity enacted, metaphorically, was Father while the least role was Achiever. Second, identity as an International Figure was dominant with the Social roles, but Good Personality was used less frequently. The present study adds to studies in identity construction, in general, and studies in condolence messages, in specific.

Two Notes on the Theoretical Physics of ATP Synthase

ATP Synthase is an essential molecule in cell and molecular biology. It is responsible for the production of ATP during cellular respiration, a molecule that provides the energy required to drive a number of cellular processes. In this paper, I explore the rotational physics of ATP Synthase’s rotor, a part of the protein that spins during the production of ATP. Firstly, I discuss some elementary rotational kinematics of the rotor. I then derive two alternate formulations for the total linear acceleration of the rotor. Finally, I derive formulas for the moment of inertia, angular momentum, net torque, and kinetic energy of the rotor. Through this, I hope to provide a theoretical and mathematical insight into the mechanics of ATP Synthase during the production of ATP.

Two Notes on the Theoretical Physics of ATP Synthase

ATP Synthase is an essential molecule in cell and molecular biology. It is responsible for the production of ATP during cellular respiration, a molecule that provides the energy required to drive a number of cellular processes. In this paper, I explore the rotational physics of ATP Synthase’s rotor, a part of the protein that spins during the production of ATP. Firstly, I discuss some elementary rotational kinematics of the rotor. I then derive two alternate formulations for the total linear acceleration of the rotor. Finally, I derive formulas for the moment of inertia, angular momentum, net torque, and kinetic energy of the rotor. Through this, I hope to provide a theoretical and mathematical insight into the mechanics of ATP Synthase during the production of ATP.

Dynamical Symmetries of the 2D Newtonian Free Fall Problem Revisited

Among the few exactly solvable problems in theoretical physics, the 2D (two-dimensional) Newtonian free fall problem in Euclidean space is perhaps the least known as compared to the harmonic oscillator or the Kepler–Coulomb problems. The aim of this article is to revisit this problem at the classical level as well as the quantum level, with a focus on its dynamical symmetries. We show how these dynamical symmetries arise as a special limit of the dynamical symmetries of the Kepler–Coulomb problem, and how a connection to the quartic anharmonic oscillator problem, a long-standing unsolved problem in quantum mechanics, can be established. To this end, we construct the Hilbert space of states with free boundary conditions as a space of square integrable functions that have a special functional integral representation. In this functional space, the free fall dynamical symmetry algebra is shown to be isomorphic to the so-called Klink’s algebra of the quantum quartic anharmonic oscillator problem. Furthermore, this connection entails a remarkable integral identity for the quantum quartic anharmonic oscillator eigenfunctions, which implies that these eigenfunctions are in fact zonal functions of an underlying symmetry group representation. Thus, an appropriate representation theory for the 2D Newtonian free fall quantum symmetry group may potentially open the way to exactly solving the difficult quantization problem of the quartic anharmonic oscillator. Finally, the initial value problem of the acoustic Klein–Gordon equation for wave propagation in a sound duct with a varying circular section is solved as an illustration of the techniques developed here.

Notes on Higher-Spin Diffeomorphisms

Higher-spin diffeomorphisms are to higher-order differential operators what diffeomorphisms are to vector fields. Their rigorous definition is a challenging mathematical problem which might predate a better understanding of higher-spin symmetries and interactions. Several yes-go and no-go results on higher-spin diffeomorphisms are collected from the mathematical literature in order to propose a generalisation of the algebra of differential operators on which higher-spin diffeomorphisms are well-defined. This work is dedicated to the memory of Christiane Schomblond, who taught several generations of Belgian physicists the formative rigor and delicate beauty of theoretical physics.

Modeling and Stability Analysis for the Vibrating Motion of Three Degrees-of-Freedom Dynamical System Near Resonance

The focus of this article is on the investigation of a dynamical system consisting of a linear damped transverse tuned-absorber connected with a non-linear damped-spring-pendulum, in which its hanged point moves in an elliptic path. The regulating system of motion is derived using Lagrange’s equations, which is then solved analytically up to the third approximation employing the approach of multiple scales (AMS). The emerging cases of resonance are categorized according to the solvability requirements wherein the modulation equations (ME) have been found. The stability areas and the instability ones are examined utilizing the Routh–Hurwitz criteria (RHC) and analyzed in line with the solutions at the steady state. The obtained results, resonance responses, and stability regions are addressed and graphically depicted to explore the positive influence of the various inputs of the physical parameters on the rheological behavior of the inspected system. The significance of the present work stems from its numerous applications in theoretical physics and engineering.

The construction of Digital Reality: Intellectual Versus Social

The aim of this article is to compare two models of reality construction and their applicability to explain the various effects of the digitalization process. The evolution of the constructivist ideas about reality is reconstructed in the context of the dispute among realists and constructivists, which was one of the most significant events in the epistemology and philosophy of science of the 20th century. The author points out the differences between the intellectual and the social construction of reality, and carries out a comparative analysis of the philosophical theories and concepts describing the aforementioned alternatives. The intellectual construction of reality, which often takes place in theoretical physics at different stages of its development, is also analyzed. Particular consideration is given to the philosophic-scientific contexts generated by the sociology of knowledge, the theory of speech acts, and the actor-network theory. The article also shows a distinction between the construction and the constitution of reality. The constitution of reality within various types of non-theoretical (pre-theoretical, post-theoretical) thinking, fixed using the means and methods of phenomenological philosophy of science, allows identifying and describing the main contexts through which the word reality acquires significance and is endowed with meaning in the present-day intellectual and social practices. Special attention is paid to the concepts of virtual reality and digital reality. The features of the intellectual construction of virtual reality are described. The difference between the intellectual and the social construction of digital reality is substantiated as between two alternative practices, which determine the meaning, and the prospects of digitalization. This distinction may be of particular interest to those who design digital platforms and implement digitalization in various areas of human life and society, especially in as education, legal procedure, management, economics, and business. Today, when partly spontaneous, partly controlled digitalization is taking place in these spheres, the results of this study make it possible not only to understand the logic of the changes taking place but also to apply forecasting and planning methods actively, i.e., constructing the digital reality.

RUSSIAN THINKERS ABOUT THE BASES OF PHYSICAL REALITY

The article is devoted to the discussion of research in the field of fundamental theoretical physics in Russia. The role of fundamental physics and the attitude of a number of colleagues to it are shown. A close connection between the development of modern fundamental physics and the principles of metaphysics is indicated. Important considerations about the foundations of fundamental physics, expressed by well-known Russian scientists in the middle of the 20th century and at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, are presented.

The effect of topography on east African rainfall based on regional climate model

The effect of topography on June to August (JJA) rainfall over east Africa is investigated using the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) Regional Climate Model (RegCM4.0). Grell convection scheme with Fritsch-Chappell closure assumption is used. The control simulation is done with actual topography and sensitivity experiments are carried out with topography reduced to 75%, 25% and to zero. The model output was evaluated against Climate Research Unit (CRU) dataset, gridded at 0.5 degree resolution and ERA-interim datasets, gridded at 0.75 degree resolution. Results show that the mean JJA rainfall significantly reduces over the region when topography elevation is reduced. Based on the model, when the topography over the selected region (KTU) is reduced to 25%, the mean JJA rainfall over east Africa is reduced by roughly half. The maximum rainfall reduction is however observed around the region over which topography is reduced. The reduction in topography resulted into an anomalous moisture divergence over the region at low level (850 hPa). Divergence at low level results in vertical shrinking which suppresses convection due to subsidence. The strength of moisture transport and the zonal wind speed at 850hpa increased with decrease in topography, which may be responsible for the observed shift in moisture convergence zone from western Kenya to northern Uganda. The findings from this study would provide insight into the effect of topography on the east African climate and call for more detailed investigative research, particularly in the region. The results may motivate researchers and modeling centers to further improve on the performance of the model over the region.