Alternative Theories Research Articles

PROBLEMS OF EPISTEMOLOGICAL FUNDAMENTALISM

The article attempts to identify the problems of epistemological fundamentalism. The author compares some types of fundamentalism and alternative epistemological theories — coherentism, pragmatism and infi nitism. The author argues that the main problems of epistemological fundamentalism should be considered the fundamen-tal inability to defend the declared infallibility and incorrigibility of basic beliefs, the existence of other minds and the inevitability of mistakes of a knowing agent. It is concluded that fundamentalism cannot be discarded, despite a large number of critical reservations.

Thermodynamic features of AdS black holes within the rastall gravity and perfect fluid matter framework

In this study, we analyzed the impact of a perfect fluid on the phase transition of Anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes within the Rastall gravitational background. Compared to similar studies in the literature, the findings of this work are highlighted by the determination of analytical expressions for critical points for charged and Kerr-Newman AdS black holes using approximated formulas for the horizon radius. An accurate analysis of these new analytical expressions allowed us to discover a new viable condition that relates the Rastall parameter κ λ to the equation of state parameter ω, expressed as: κλ=ω1+ω . Thanks to this new condition, we were able to reproduce all the analytical expressions of critical points calculated within the framework of Einsteinâs general relativity for two cases: a charged AdS black hole and a rotating AdS black hole. These findings suggest that Rastall gravity, considering this new condition, could serve as an alternative theory of gravitation to general relativity. The approximate expression of the horizon radius also enabled the exploration of the distinctiveness of fractional-order phase transitions in these AdS black holes. Furthermore, we calculated the critical exponents, offering insights into the behavior of crucial thermodynamic quantities near the inflection point. Examining how a perfect fluid influences phase transition reveals various critical behaviors, demonstrating that the variation in the phase transition depends on the intensity of the perfect fluid. Notably, this variation is portrayed by a linearly increasing trajectory with the escalation of this intensity.

Green-Kubo paralell tempering molecular dynamics determination of the thermal conductivity for the wurtzite ZnO: statistical problems of the method

The thermal conductivity for the wurtzite ZnO is determined in the temperature range from 300 to 1100 K by using parallel tempering molecular dynamics within the Green-Kubo approach and a classical Morse-Born-Mayer-Coulomb hybrid interaction potential. Compared to other previous calculations for the thermal conductivity of common crystals within the same Green-Kubo and molecular dynamics approach, the used parallel tempering scheme shows some appealing improvements in the calculation of the time self-correlation of the heat flux vector, although at the price of using a relatively large number of total computational steps. However, in spite of the found improvements for the calculation of the self-correlation of the heat flux vector, some statistical problems on this point remain on the particular application of the method. Finally, even with the presence of a clear statistical noise, the obtained values and temperature trend of the calculated thermal conductivity shows the classical 1/T decaying behavior reported in previous works for wurtzite ZnO and other related semiconductor systems using the alternative Boltzmann transport equation theory.

Preliminary sensitivity study for a gravitational redshift measurement with China’s Lunar exploration project

General relativity (GR) is a highly successful theory that describes gravity as a geometric phenomenon. The gravitational redshift, a classic test of GR, can potentially be violated in alternative gravity theories, and experimental tests on this effect are crucial for our understanding of gravity. In this paper, considering the space-ground clock comparisons with free-space links, we discuss a high-precision Doppler cancellation-based measurement model for testing gravitational redshift. This model can effectively reduce various sources of error and noise, reducing the influences of the first-order Doppler effect, atmospheric delay, Shapiro delay, etc. China’s Lunar Exploration Project (CLEP) is proposed to equip the deep-space H maser with a daily stability of 2×10−15 , which provides an approach for testing gravitational redshift. Based on the simulation, we analyze the space-ground clock comparison experiments of the CLEP experiment, and simulation analysis demonstrates that under ideal condition of high-precision measurement of the onboard H-maser frequency offset and drift, the CLEP experiment may reach the uncertainty of 3.7×10−6 after a measurement session of 60 days. Our results demonstrate that if the issue of frequency offset and drift is solved, CLEP missions have a potential of testing the gravitational redshift with high accuracy.

A niche-based theory of island biogeography.

The equilibrium theory of island biogeography (ETIB) is a widely applied dynamic theory proposed in the 1960s to explain why islands have coherent differences in species richness. The development of the ETIB was temporarily challenged in the 1970s by the alternative static theory of ecological impoverishment (TEI). The TEI suggests that the number of species on an island is determined by its number of habitats or niches but, with no clear evidence relating species richness to the number of niches however, the TEI has been almost dismissed as a theory in favour of the original ETIB. Here, we show that the number of climatic niches on islands is an important predictor of the species richness of plants, herpetofauna and land birds. We therefore propose a model called the niche-based theory of island biogeography (NTIB), based on the MacroEcological Theory on the Arrangement of Life (METAL), which successfully integrates the number of niches sensu Hutchinson into ETIB. To account for greater species turnover at the beginning of colonisation, we include higher initial extinction rates. When we test our NTIB for resident land birds in the Krakatau Islands, it reveals a good correspondence with observed species richness, immigration and extinction rates. Provided the environmental regime remains unchanged, we estimate that the current species richness at equilibrium is ~45 species (range between 38.39 and 61.51). Our NTIB provides better prediction because it counts for changes in species richness with latitude, which is not considered in any theory of island biogeography.

Corruptio boni: An alternative to the privation theory of evil

AbstractThe classic ‘privation theory’ of evil defines evil as an absence (or ‘privation’) of a good that ought to obtain. Despite its historical importance, privation theory is faced with a number of serious difficulties. I outline two of these difficulties and argue that they continue to pose a threat. I then present ‘corruption theory’, an alternative theory of evil reconstructed from some of Augustine's writings on the subject. I argue that this theory shares the strengths of privation theory, while evading its problems.

A new pulsar timing model for scalar-tensor gravity with applications to PSR J2222-0137 and pulsar-black hole binaries

Context. Scalar-tensor gravity (STG) theories are well-motivated alternatives to general relativity (GR). One class of STG theories, Damour–Esposito–Farèse (DEF) gravity, has a massless scalar field with two arbitrary coupling parameters. We are interested in this theory because, despite its simplicity, it predicts a wealth of different phenomena, such as dipolar gravitational wave emission and spontaneous scalarisation of neutron stars (NSs). These phenomena of DEF gravity can be tested by timing binary radio pulsars. In the methods used so far, intermediate phenomenological post-Keplerian (PK) parameters are measured by fitting the corresponding timing model to the timing data whose values are then compared to the predictions from the alternative theory being tested. However, this approach loses information between intermediate steps and does not account for possible correlations between PK parameters. Aims. We aim to develop a new binary pulsar timing model ‘DDSTG’ (called after Damour, Deruelle and STG) to enable more precise tests of STG theories based on a minimal set of binary parameters. The expressions for PK parameters in DEF gravity are self-consistently incorporated into the model. PK parameters depend on two masses which are now directly fitted to the data without intermediate steps. The new technique takes into account all possible correlations between PK parameters naturally. Methods. Grids of physical parameters of NSs were calculated in the framework of DEF gravity for a set of 11 equations of state. Automatic differentiation (AutoDiff) technique was employed, which aids in the calculation of gravitational form factors of NSs with a higher precision than in previous works. The pulsar timing program TEMPO was selected as a framework for the realisation of the DDSTG model. The implemented model is applicable to any type of pulsar companions. We also simulated realistic future radio-timing datasets for a number of large radio observatories for the binary pulsar PSR J2222-0137 and three generic pulsar-black hole (PSR-BH) systems. Results. We applied the DDSTG model to the most recently published observational data for PSR J2222-0137. The obtained limits on DEF gravity parameters for this system confirm and improve previous results. New limits are also the most reliable because DEF gravity is directly fitted to the data. We argue that future observations of PSR J2222-0137 can significantly improve the limits and that PSR-BH systems have the potential to place the tightest limits in certain areas of the DEF gravity parameter space.

Closed time-like curves in [formula omitted] modified gravity theory

In this manuscript, we investigate solutions that allow closed time-like curves (CTCs) in general relativity (GR) within the framework of a modified gravity theory. We consider here an alternative theory recently proposed in gravity theories known as f(R,A)=(R+αA) gravity or Ricci-inverse (RI) gravity, α is the coupling constant. This theory incorporates modifications into the Einstein-Hilbert action through a coupling with an anti-curvature scalar derived from the anti-curvature tensor. We investigate a family of Petrov type-N solutions that are non-vacuum solutions of the field equations, characterized by a negative cosmological constant. The matter-energy content is Vaidya radiation, and its energy density may either remain constant or vary with axial distance. One distinctive feature of the considered solutions is the formation of CTCs, which violate the causality condition. Another observation is that the determinant of the Ricci tensor, Rμν, differs from zero, confirming the existence of an anti-curvature tensor, Aμν, the inverse of the Ricci tensor, defined as Aμν=Rμν−1, and hence, the anti-curvature scalar A=gμνAμν. We demonstrate that the family of cosmological models serves as valid solutions within the framework of Ricci-inverse gravity model, with Vaidya radiation as the matter-energy content whose energy density is modified by the coupling parameter. Thus, our results affirm that the Ricci-inverse gravity theory allows for the existence of CTCs, similar to the case in general relativity.

Conformal theory of central surface density for galactic dark halos

Numerous dark matter studies of galactic halo gravitation depend on models with core radius r0 and central density ρ0. Central surface density product ρ0r0 is found to be nearly a universal constant for a large range of galaxies. Standard variational field theory with Weyl conformal symmetry postulated for gravitation and the Higgs scalar field, without dark matter, implies nonclassical centripetal acceleration ∆a, for a = aN +∆a, where Newtonian acceleration aN is due to observable baryonic matter. Neglecting a halo cutoff at very large galactic radius, conformal ∆a is constant over the entire halo and a = aN + ∆a is a universal function, consistent with a recent study of galaxies, with independently measured mass, that constrains acceleration due to dark matter or to alternative theory. An equivalent dark matter source would be a pure cusp distribution with cutoff parameter determined by a halo boundary radius. This is shown to imply universal central surface density for any dark matter core model.

Does Panpsychism Explain Mental Causation?

AbstractIn the contemporary literature on panpsychism, one often finds the claim that a Russellian-monist version of panpsychism, i.e., Russellian panpsychism, is a superior view compared to alternative non-physicalist theories. The argument for this claim is that while Russellian panpsychism can integrate consciousness in the causal order and explain mental causation, alternative theories fail to do so. If this is correct, panpsychism deserves its place as a main contender in solving the mind-body problem. In this paper, I argue that Russellian panpsychism’s superiority in explaining mental causation over competing accounts is illusory. On one reading, the proposed explanation is not an explanation of the phenomenon that is at stake in the mental causation debate. On an alternative reading, it is an explanation of the right phenomenon, but analogous explanations are available to competing accounts with less counterintuitive commitments. While there may be other considerations supporting panpsychism, explaining mental causation is not one.

Mind-enlightenment and observation: Analysis of ancient and modern weird pulse diagrams in " Guidelines for Disease Detection "

<p>脈診，是中醫重要的診斷方法。醫者手觸脈動引發主觀的判讀，因抽象體會難以言說，故歷來做了許多努力。早期以文字譬喻為主描述脈象，至宋代施發《察病指南》增見具象的脈象圖示。文章以七怪脈為主，比對古脈圖與現代脈儀圖，尋其特點與限制，或能為新世代的診斷尋找更合宜的時代範式。研究發現，古脈圖是傳統脈診心象運思的表徵，有輔助文字的重要作用。科技脈儀圖，則以心臟或血液動力學為基礎，如實記錄脈搏的波動訊號，從時域到高低頻譜以揭露生理病理的訊息。比較兩者，可各見特點與限制：古圖提供他人藉以揣摩，難以盡言的脈覺體會，其譬喻文圖的運用所載意義更為豐富固是優勢所在；然也因非邏輯性的傳訊而形成多樣的表達，這非客觀化的限制，正是當代醫家的修正努力與科診儀器強調的優處。另一方面，儀器診察雖有客觀、標準化的特點，但其測值是否能涵蓋生命的整體現象亦有質疑聲音。故兩者該並行析究：在傳統理論與現代儀器之間，嘗試建構一套能銜接古今的替代理論，或許能為新世代的脈診量測，提供一個較為周全的診斷依據。而中醫的脈圖分析能進入當代，參與W.J.T.Mitchell圖像轉向中，生物圖像研究的子題是無疑的。</p> <p> </p><p>This article mainly focuses on the seven weird pulses, compares ancient pulse diagrams and modern pulse diagrams, and seeks out their characteristics and limitations, hoping to find a more suitable paradigm for the diagnosis of the new generation. Research has found that ancient pulse diagrams are representations of mental images and thoughts in traditional pulse diagnosis, and play an important role in supporting text. The technological pulse chart is based on heart or hemodynamics and faithfully records pulse fluctuation signals from time domain to high and low frequency spectrum to reveal physiological and pathological information. Comparing the two, we can see the characteristics and limitations of each: the ancient pictures provide others with an indescribable pulse-sensing experience, and the use of metaphors and pictures contains richer meanings, which is an advantage; however, it is also illogical Forming diverse expressions through communication, this non-objectification limitation is exactly the advantage emphasized by the revision efforts of contemporary doctors and medical diagnostic equipment. On the other hand, although instrumental diagnosis has the characteristics of being objective and standardized, there are also doubts about whether its measured values can cover the overall phenomenon of life. Therefore, the two should be analyzed in parallel: between traditional theory and modern instruments, trying to construct an alternative theory that can connect ancient and modern times may provide a more comprehensive diagnostic basis for pulse diagnosis and measurement in the new generation. The pulse diagram analysis of TCM can enter the contemporary era and participate in W.J.T. Mitchell’s pictorial turn. There is no doubt that it is a sub-topic of biological image research.</p> <p> </p>

Equilibrium and Stability of the Solar System Rely on a Human-Like Program of Substance and Information Transfer

This study bridges the realms of astronomy and life science, illuminating the intricate interplay between celestial phenomena and terrestrial biology. While humans may perceive the palpable effects of seasons, climate, geographical location, and the movements of the Sun and moon, other phenomena such as changes in Earth's magnetic field and seismic activity are often sensed by animals but elude human perception. However, with disciplined and sustained training, humans possess the potential to harness the rich array of sensors and sensory systems within the body, thereby unlocking the ability to discern and validate the cosmic influences documented by ancient civilizations. In instances where traditional astronomical inquiries, such as the maintenance of galactic equilibrium, present enigmatic puzzles, insights from cutting-edge life science research may offer promising leads. Newly unveiled mechanisms such as the "Function Enhancement Program of Five-Organs through Umbilical Access" and the rhythmic orchestration of the "Rotating Presidency of Twelve-Organs" elucidate the intricate operations of visceral organs within the human body. Indirect evidence suggests a correlation between these biological processes and the transfer of gaseous substances among celestial bodies, including Mercury, Venus, the Sun, and Jupiter, hinting at a temporal synchronicity that may contribute to the equilibrium and stability of the solar system. Confirmation of substance and information transfer processes could unlock new avenues of inquiry in astronomy, shedding light on vexing conundrums such as dark energy and matter, binary pulsars, gravitational waves, inflation fields, and alternative theories to Einstein's General Relativity. Thus, by bridging the disciplines of astronomy and life science, this study offers fresh perspectives and potential breakthroughs in our understanding of the cosmos.

The dynamics of matter bounce cosmology in Weyl-type [formula omitted] gravity

In this work, we investigate the dynamics of bouncing cosmologies within the framework of Weyl-type f(Q,T) gravity. Here, Q represents the non-metricity of the space–time, is determined by the vector field wμ, while T represents the trace of the matter energy–momentum tensor. Our objective is to explore the feasibility of avoiding the Big Bang singularity by implementing a matter-bounce cosmology. To achieve this, we consider a specific model with the functional form f(Q,T)=αQ+β6κ2T, where α and β are model parameters. We analyze the dynamical parameters associated with this model and examine the influence of the Weyl-type f(Q,T) theory on these parameters. Moreover, we assess the stability of the proposed model to ensure its viability as a cosmological scenario. Through our analysis, we aim to gain insights into the potential implications and consequences of Weyl-type f(Q,T) gravity for bouncing scenarios, contributing to our understanding of alternative gravitational theories in the context of cosmology.

Exploring the intersection of neuroscience and the soul: Understanding the mysteries of the mind

Over the past five decades, scientific progress has underscored the imperative of integrating diverse fields of human inquiry, highlighting their interdependence. Thus, the segregation of humanities from neuroscience appears ludicrous, akin to a jest played upon rational thinkers. With the imminent advent of the human genome project, biotechnology is forging ahead, offering prospects for significant advancements in organ regeneration. While macro evolution may have concluded, micro-evolution persists within the realm of the brain. Neural Darwinism evolves continuously as long as consciousness and memory endure. Amidst diverse internal physiological mechanisms and external stimuli, an alternative theory to preprogrammed directionalism emerges, positing three mechanisms: developmental variation and selection, experiential selections, and reentrant signaling. Reentrant signaling reorients and correlates external inputs, preceding the development of consciousness and psychic evolution. Cholinergic and aminergic neuro-modelling systems emerge as fitting value systems. The primary function of consciousness lies in unifying the myriad categorizations inherent in perception into a cohesive SCENE. Evolution further entails the capacity of reentrant signaling to be guided by a value system, presenting abundant choices. With trillions of neurons and connections, freedom of choice may yield either enlightenment or tyranny. Intriguingly, the evolutionary progression toward worship has shifted from external environments to internal contemplation. Neuroscience stands poised as the next frontier in unraveling the mysteries of the mind and soul, representing the next stage in human understanding and evolution.

Dark energy and dark matter as a kinematic-electromagnetic Abelian gauge effect

In this paper, we will discuss an alternative theory for the origin of dark matter and dark energy based on the new concept of tetrad gauge states of spacetime. The new tetrads already introduced new physics since it has been proved that local electromagnetic gauge transformations can boost the local tetrad fields in a four-dimensional curved Lorentz spacetime. It is within this context that we will present a different qualitative explanation for the so-called dark matter and dark energy and new possible topological solutions of a galactic nature for Einstein–Maxwell spacetimes in its relation to dark matter and new possible topological solutions of a cosmological nature for Einstein–Maxwell spacetimes in its relation to dark energy.

Stability of composite plates integrated with graphene-reinforced piezoelectric layers

Graphene enhances piezoelectric matrix properties due to its exceptional conductivity and physical characteristics. However, existing models encounter significant challenges in analyzing buckling behavior of graphene-reinforced composite piezoelectric (GRCP) actuators. Inaccuracy in describing transverse shear deformations impact plate stability, particularly due to the disparities in material properties at the interfaces. A new plate model is proposed, featuring a refined interlaminar shear stress field for accurate modeling. Validity is confirmed via 3D elasticity solutions and alternative theories. Compared to existing models, the proposed theory shows superior precision. Additionally, a parametric study explores key factors influencing buckling behaviors of piezoelectric composite plates.

Main Biological Models of Resilience.

Resilience is a complex process of adaptation to new conditions that would permit a positive outcome after adversities, traumas or other sources of stress. However, despite the growing interest in this topic, there is no universally accepted definition and no comprehensive bio-behavioural model. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the main biological models that have been theorized to date, with a focus on new alternative theories to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and strengthening of resilience, with potential implications for the prevention of some psychopathological disorders. This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and includes 185 studies published in English in PubMed and Embase up to December 2023. Most studies use the stress-related model, which conceptualizes resilience as the absence of symptoms after the stressful event and mainly deal with the differences between stress-prone and resilient phenotypes in animals exposed to stress. However, the results of this search seem to suggest that resilience might be an independent construct with biological bases rooted in the stress system and the social brain, and widely sculptured by individual and environmental factors, especially early life events and affiliation. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to understand the intricate mechanisms of resilience, while highlighting the potential of improving social relationships since our birth to promote coping strategies towards stress and traumas, and even a peaceful world.

Luck, fate, and fortune: the tychic properties

ABSTRACT The paper offers an account of luck, fate, and fortune. It begins by showing that extant accounts of luck are deficient because they do not identify the genus of which luck is a species. That genus of properties, the tychic, alert an agent to occasions on which the external world cooperates with or frustrates their goal-achievement. An agent’s sphere of competence is the set of goals that it is possible for them to reliably achieve. Luck concerns occasions on which there is a mismatch between attempt and result; in bad luck the external world thwarts goal-achievement within the agent’s sphere of competence, in good luck the external world assists goal-achievement beyond the agent’s sphere of competence. Fateful events are those where, more passively, the agent finds the external world achieving or frustrating their goals. Fortune concerns the contraction and expansion of the agent’s sphere of competence. Eight reasons are given for accepting the account; its theoretical virtues and various things it explains. Lastly, three objections are answered; that the tychic properties relate to well-being rather than agency, that there are alternative theories of fortune available in the contemporary literature, that the account draws arbitrary distinctions between synonyms.

Measuring the Lense–Thirring Orbital Precession and the Neutron Star Moment of Inertia with Pulsars

Neutron stars (NSs) are compact objects that host the densest forms of matter in the observable universe, providing unique opportunities to study the behaviour of matter at extreme densities. While precision measurements of NS masses through pulsar timing have imposed effective constraints on the equation of state (EoS) of dense matter, accurately determining the radius or moment of inertia (MoI) of an NS remains a major challenge. This article presents a detailed review on measuring the Lense–Thirring (LT) precession effect in the orbit of binary pulsars, which would give access to the MoI of NSs and offer further constraints on the EoS. We discuss the suitability of certain classes of binary pulsars for measuring the LT precession from the perspective of binary star evolution and highlight five pulsars that exhibit properties promising to realise these goals in the near future. Finally, discoveries of compact binaries with shorter orbital periods hold the potential to greatly enhance measurements of the MoI of NSs. The MoI measurements of binary pulsars are pivotal to advancing our understanding of matter at supranuclear densities, as well as improving the precision of gravity tests, such as the orbital decay due to gravitational wave emission, and of tests of alternative gravity theories.

Plasticity-led and mutation-led evolutions are different modes of the same developmental gene regulatory network.

The standard theory of evolution proposes that mutations cause heritable variations, which are naturally selected, leading to evolution. However, this mutation-led evolution (MLE) is being questioned by an alternative theory called plasticity-led evolution (PLE). PLE suggests that an environmental change induces adaptive phenotypes, which are later genetically accommodated. According to PLE, developmental systems should be able to respond to environmental changes adaptively. However, developmental systems are known to be robust against environmental and mutational perturbations. Thus, we expect a transition from a robust state to a plastic one. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a gene regulatory network (GRN) model that integrates developmental processes, hierarchical regulation, and environmental cues. We then simulated its evolution over different magnitudes of environmental changes. Our findings indicate that this GRN model exhibits PLE under large environmental changes and MLE under small environmental changes. Furthermore, we observed that the GRN model is susceptible to environmental or genetic fluctuations under large environmental changes but is robust under small environmental changes. This indicates a breakdown of robustness due to large environmental changes. Before the breakdown of robustness, the distribution of phenotypes is biased and aligned to the environmental changes, which would facilitate rapid adaptation should a large environmental change occur. These observations suggest that the evolutionary transition from mutation-led to plasticity-led evolution is due to a developmental transition from robust to susceptible regimes over increasing magnitudes of environmental change. Thus, the GRN model can reconcile these conflicting theories of evolution.