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i² = -1 vs. i = sqrt{-1}

In list of numbers you very recently reverted an edit regarding a very short reference to the imaginary unit ${\displaystyle i}$. It used to say ${\displaystyle i={\sqrt {-1}}}$ and I corrected it to ${\displaystyle i^{2}=-1}$. You reverted it, but I do not understand why.

Both imaginary unit and square root define ${\displaystyle i^{2}=-1}$. The latter article uses that definition to define the complex square root. Not the other way around!

Please revert it back to the usual definition ${\displaystyle i^{2}=-1}$. Qevlarr 17:29, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

I disagree. ${\displaystyle x^{2}=-1}$ has solutions ${\displaystyle x=\pm i}$m so ${\displaystyle i^{2}=-1}$ does not uniquely identify i. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 22:31, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

Neither does ${\displaystyle i={\sqrt {-1}}}$.--80.136.182.36 22:45, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

It does if you take the convention that the principal value of the square root takes a postive imaginary part. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 22:58, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

Talking about a positive imaginary part already requires the choice you are trying to avoid. In any case you have to choose one solution of ${\displaystyle x^{2}=-1}$ and this chosen solution is called i. You can't choose −i.--80.136.182.36 23:10, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

That's what I thought Qevlarr 15:38, 14 January 2007 (UTC)

Thomas/Finney Calculus and Analytical Geometry defines i as ${\displaystyle i={\sqrt {-1}}}$ (see p.A-48 7th edition). However Kreyszig Advanced Engineering Mathematics has ${\displaystyle i^{2}=-1}$ (see p.721 6th edition). Swokowski Calculus with Analytic Geometry states Since ${\displaystyle i^{2}=-1}$, we sometimes use the symbol ${\displaystyle {\sqrt {-1}}}$ in place of i (see p.986 2nd edition). It would seem that either way is "correct" however in my engineering we always used ${\displaystyle i={\sqrt {-1}}}$. Perhaps other disciplines have different practises?? Shot info 10:00, 14 January 2007 (UTC)

Despotism or simple vandalism?

It's not that you act like some sort of higher authority, but you do that without any decent discussion, I'm not sure if these are the qualities of tyrant or vandal. Perhaps both? This article deals with only one topic? Who decides that this topic is conspiracy, do you have alternative (reputable!) hypothesis about collapse of building 7? Lovelight 22:10, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

What do you mean by "this article"? 9/11 conspiracy theories deals with conspiracy theories, credible or not. {{911ct}} refers to conspiracy theories, credible or not; it's just that the only single conspiracy theory which has a Misplaced Pages article is Controlled demolition hypothesis for the collapse of the World Trade Center. If you want to write an article about "death ray" or "hologram" theories, based on WP:RS, go ahead. And the reputable hypothesis about building 7 is that the core was damaged by debris from the twin towers, and, given that steel is a good conductor of heat, softened throughout its length simultaneously, leaving the shell without support. I don't have a reference for this, but any good structural engineer could confirm that it would work that way. If you want to do the experiment yourself, (a la Feynman and the Rogers Commission) construct a model building with a zinc core. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 22:29, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

I'm fed up with structural engineers, magna cum nada. We may only hope that final appendix will find some sort of reference for simultaneous core breach you've just described. Guess I'll need to pursue this a bit further…Lovelight 22:43, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

Arthur it's not about those prominent people or conspiracy theories. It's about the title and the content of the template. You cannot push that singular template/article into conspiracy theories; it's a hypothesis, there is nothing on the other side. You cannot have a coin, if it doesn’t have two faces. You cannot make the elephant-fly. We cannot just label such (serious) hypothesis, its POV. Do tell, why is this still up and running? If you won't to call it conspiracy theories (as in plural), I'd suggest you write "death rays" article and find some sources for it, or find some other alternative. Of course if you try to expand it with something that would be in line with derogatory and libelous connotations of the term "conspiracy", we are back at the point one. You were perfectly clear yesterday; let me remind you of your own words: "It appears I misunderstood you. Nuclear, gave a plausible explanation that you wanted to create a 9/11 controlled demolition template. That may be a worthy cause…"; The only theory with a Misplaced Pages article is the controlled demolition theory."; The template is perfectly fine… as reduced by removing other entries in the controlled demolition (hypothesis) form.". Why are you so persistent in pursuing that particular POV? Lovelight 00:52, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

There are other conspiracy theories than controlled demolition, although we don't have articles on them, and there are theorists about whom we do have articles who believe in other theories. We probably should have the template in the inclusive form, as well as the controlled demolition template; however none of the drafts at {{911ct}} would be acceptable as a CD template, because they include theorists who do not accept controlled demolition.

In other words, I understand what you want in a template, but I'm asserting that the inclusive template makes perfectly good sense. I don't see why you want to damage the inclusive template in order to construct a CD template; why not construct your own template? — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 00:59, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

Again, there is no other hypothesis for fall of building 7, so I'm interested what is your basis to call it conspiracy? Because it's only one, and only plausible? This is encyclopedia, people read this stuff a lot these days, and we have no right whatsoever to form opinions. You are violating NPOV, and you are "distributing" template with only one subject calling it conspiracy theories (plural). As for your suggestion, I'm fine with your template, it matches mine perfectly, and title is far better than yours;). Would you be so kind and borrow? Then will stick all three identical templates, all of them with different labels and examine global reactions. Just lovely. Lovelight 01:20, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

There are still multiple hypotheses for WTC7, including our article, which states:

— Arthur Rubin | (talk) 01:56, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

If you include that and insist to call the template "conspiracy theories" I won't mind at all:). But seriously, that excerpt could hardly be called hypothesis, since its states… all sorts of things without explaining anything. Its really not about the structure at all, it's about the speed of collapse. But never mind that, if you would take a breath and took a calm look at all this you'd see the middle ground. Or NPOV, as we call it here. I've seen your suggestion, if you won't to pursue such strange "trinity" so be it. However, I would kindly ask once more, if you would simply rename current template, I'm sure you are the one who can easily trim it and form(ulate) it without causing more mess. You've repeatedly stated that it’s nothing but a good and valid tool. Not to point out, that you are still "distributing" it under name which is clearly disputed, even by yourself. So let's make clear what is clear and use this for what it is. Lovelight 02:45, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

Well, you feel that a template with only one theory should be named for that theory, even if supporters of other theories are listed. Fine. I found another theory for you. Have fun. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 17:50, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

Vaya Con Dios to your theory;)… we did have fun, haven’t we? Lovelight 09:29, 17 February 2007 (UTC)

Your changes to Hair Mineral Analysis

• I would be interested to know why you consider my mention of the principles of epistemology to be a sign of bias? I was merely pointing out that the articles that are quoted against hair tests are do not rule out that hair analysis may be clinically useful, but rather show that as they are done today, there are serious flaws. To point out that something is neither completely disproven nor completely proven is not bias to my mind, but rather to explain how the scientific process works, and what the controversies about it are. Why did you remove this?

• I would also like to know why you deem my mentioning that hair analysis could potentially obviate the necessity of a lumbar puncture to be "unsourced" or "biased." The Multiple Sclerosis page in wikipedia, to which I linked, mentions that lumbar punctures are sometimes necessary to diagnose MS. What is "unsourced" or "biased" about this suggestion?

• Why is my writing that there are not one but three debates swirling about hair analysis in alternative medicine "unsourced" or "biased?" It essentially is exactly what Barratt says!

• Why is writing that hair analysis has suffered from benign neglect a sign of "bias" or an "unsourced statement." If I source a 1978 article showing that there is clear data that it could be of use in diagnosing MS, and nothing has been done in the next 28 years, I cannot see how you take issue with this claim. Is it not evident from the article itself that these discoveries have been neglected for 28 years? Could you please explain me your reasoning?

I await your answers.

--Alterrabe 14:05, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

• Your use of the "principles of epistemology" involves original research. The principles, themselves, could probably be quoted in the article, but their relevance would need to be establed. In other words, unless you can find a WP:RS that hair analysis could be useful (which, as you note in one of the sections I deleted, doesn't actually exist at the moment), the use is inappropriate.

• Your mentioned that "mentioning that hair analysis could potentially obviate the necessity of a lumbar puncture" is your synthesis of the information in the article. Leave the facts in immediate proximity (hair analysis may be used for diagnosis, and that "conventional" diagnosis requires surgery (with source)), and let the readers decide for themselves.

• I may have been wrong about the "three debates". It's calling it a "summary" that I find questionable. If it can be rewritten to remove that word without changing the meaning of the paragraph, go ahead.

• That "hair analysis has suffered from benign neglect" is a conclusion. Unless you can provide a WP:RS to that effect, it shouldn't be in the article. My initial reasoning (calling it bias) was based on the lack of supporting information in the article, but, even if it were, there, it would still be WP:OR.

The edits I reverted had the tone of an academic paper. We're trying to write an encyclopedia. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 14:36, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

In detail, I'm no longer sure why I completely removed

While there are studies that suggest that hair analysis could be useful in clinical practice as a diagnostic tool,, to this day there are no medical consensus about the wisdom and prudence of using hair mineral tests in clinical practice.

"strong, if not compelling" needs to be removed; "unaniomous beliefs" should be replaced by "medical concesnsus", and the last sentence is yet another conclusion. Never mind, I found why I removed it. I said it shouldn't be in the "background" section. Looking closely, it just introduces the two clincal studies mentioned below. Perhaps a sentence following those studies adding a summary might be appropriate, but if you cannot find a source for that, it may not be approriate, either. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 14:36, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

To answer some of your points:

• I strenuously disagree with your assertion that including the principles of epistemology in the article is "original research." Epistemology is the logical theory or taxonomy of knowledge, and every bit as rigorously logical as math. The non-mainstream use of hair tests is an area in which there is as yet, no clarity on their use; thus it is entirely relevant and appropriate to explain to the reader the principles of epistemology so that he or she can better understand the issues at hand.

• The basic rules of epistemology are clearly defined, and logically consistent. To explain the epistemology of our knowledge on the use hair tests in alternative medicine and medical research is no more to conduct original research than is to rewrite 10^0.5 as SQRT(10), or to compare two birthdates, and write that one person was born before the other. To assert that this is a conclusion or original research would be as far-fetched as to claim that my writing that the Ryan study is now 28 years old is a "conclusion" or "original research," because the Ryan study doesn't explicitly say that it is 28 years old.

• To explain the epistemology of hair test use is simply to perform a logical operation on the data. Your assertion that the onus is on me to supply a WP:RS that hair analysis could be useful, is to insist that the absence of proof is proof of absence. This is either faulty logic, or the expression of a (false) POV. Not even Barratt argues that there is proof of absence, but rather points to an absence of proof. To take logic to its extreme: until it is conclusively proven that there can be no further uses for hair analysis as a diagnostic aid, we have to assume that it is possible that there are some. I am intent on reentering this line of thought into the HA article. Are you going to want to ask for arbitration on this?

• Benign neglect is a strong, but, I think accurate description of the state of affairs. Would you agree that writing "That even though there are research findings of significant discrepancies between the hair of those with some ailments and healthy individuals, that suggest that hair analysis could have further diagnostic uses, little if any progress was made in a twenty-three year span in further elucidating their significance and introducing them into clinical practice?" This is not original research, but rather comparing Barratt and Seidel, who write that it is useless in clinical practice, to Ryan and Holmes, who proved otherwise. Could our POVs be affecting our judgments?

• I do not agree with your assertion that my "synthesis" of the facts is uncalled for. We know that that MS is an illness. We know that illnesses are determined by diagnosis, and we know that illnesses are diagnosed by finding clinical markers that differentiate them from healthy states. Obviously, this means that this clinical marker could play a role. Now we don't know whether this definitely can be used to diagnose MS, but we do know darn well that it could possibly be used to diagnose MS, and, by definition, this article is precisely about what is not already well-established and universally accepted in regards to hair tests. As such, my "synthesis" is legitimate, even the best way to underscore the uncertainties that surround the use of hair test in alternative medicine. Do you have any comments?--Alterrabe 22:47, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

I need to revise and extend my remarks. I meant mediation, and wrote arbitration. My profuse apologies.--Alterrabe 16:49, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

I'd accept mediation, if we can't reach an equitable agreement, provided we can agree on the scope. (The mediation in re Barrett v. Rosenthal, which, as you can earlier in my talk page, went to arbitrartion, failed because the participants couldn't agree on the scope.) I feel that your version of the article (just before my trim) provides undue weight toward hair mineral analysis being an acceptable medical practice, even if the WP:OR concerns are unjustified. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 19:12, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

I do not claim that hair mineral analysis is an accepted medical technique. I believe however, that it is conceivable that it will some day be an accepted medical technique. Although I don't address this in the article, I personally believe that it is very likely that medicine will eventually adopt hair mineral analysis for further diagnostic work. Before we start discussing the scope of mediation and all that, I'd ask that you read the page as I just left it; you'll see where I am coming from. If you want to make improvements feel free.--Alterrabe 21:37, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

References

1. ^ "Interim Report on WTC7" (PDF). National Institute of Standards and Technology. June 2004.
2. Holmes AS, et al. Reduced levels of mercury in first baby haircuts of autistic children. Int J Toxicol. 2003 |Jul-Aug;22(4):277-85.
3. Ryan DE, et al. Trace elements in scalp-hair of persons with multiple sclerosis and of normal individuals Clin Chem. 1978 Nov;24(11):1996-2000.

BvR template

Arthur, I saw you edited the template on BvR. Don't you think the bottom template should also say that Barrett edits here, too? --Dematt 01:02, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

Done, I think. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 01:20, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

You're good! Thanks! --Dematt 01:23, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

Slipped disc

When will this get settled? - Fyslee 10:50, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

Please be patient. WP:AfDs normally last 5-7 days. Although I don't fully agree with the logic, Misplaced Pages concensus seems to be that it would only be deleted before replacing the redirect if it contains clearly incorrect information, and that the redirect would only be protected if its reverted after the AfD finds that the redirect should be there. If the result of the AfD is "redirect", I'll watch it, and protect if necessary. (As a participating admin, I may not close the AfD, but I feel that I can enforce protection if agreed to by the AfD.) — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 14:36, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

Fair enough. As I have written, I am not insistant that the history be deleted, as long as the redirect is restored and respected. BTW, the entire talk pages from both articles that were replaced by the new one are archived there. -- Fyslee 19:54, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

Gabriel graph

I have created that article today. I do not know if article on similar topic already exist but I am not able to find such an article. Can you please take a quick look at it. best! --- ALM 19:19, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

(Warning: I'm not Arthur, but I expect you don't mind my answering first.) This might be the same as Delaunay triangulation. Where did you find the name "Gabriel graph"? Cheers, Jitse Niesen (talk) 01:55, 5 February 2007 (UTC)

I'm afraid that's not the same concept; the Delaunay triangulation involves circumcircles of triangles, and this concept involves "circumcircles" of segments of the graph. However, I, too, would like to know where the name came from, and what paper or web site it may have appeared in. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 02:01, 5 February 2007 (UTC)

Yes indeed Delaunay triangulation are totally different. Check Google search and some website are , and (last two help in drawing them too). I have not read any paper as yet but there are many papers written on them. The reason I got interested in them are because they have some applications in Wireless Sensor Networks. One can use them to find paths which are more energy efficient (consume lesser energy). I have to read more about them today and might update the article later. However, it will be great if you guys can also improve it. regards, --- ALM 11:02, 5 February 2007 (UTC)

About Paul Erds, yet...

Dear Mr. Arthur Rubin,

First, I thank you for your attempt reply.

After, my honourable wikipedian, the same questions I have posted to Mr. Marcika, I do direct to you (as you have seen there..., so not rewritten here):

• Please, if desired, return to it there...

You have written on 14:44, 5 February 2007 (UTC) as (summary...) follows:

" Not havinging seen "ő" in his name before Misplaced Pages, I was skeptical, at first. But I now believe it is correct in the original Hungarian. Also note that changing the alternative language links is QUITE INAPPROPRIATE — there, we need to reflect what actually appears in that langauge's Misplaced Pages, rather than what we may believe to be correct. (Bold, lower- and upper-case and sic our).

Honourable wikipedian, for the sake of... equal treatment, I ask to you "Why the correct and original form BRASIL is not presented in English texts? And so more, and much more?!...

Best wiki-productions!

EgídioCampos, 2007.02.05, 15:45 UTC

Gadomskispam

The external links I removed were all the same link, to his website. I also removed content from the body of articles, which was to his own obscure personal theory, and I removed quotes from him, and I removed links to google searches which he posted which were designed so that his website would come up high on the list of hits. Neither he nor his website are reliable sources, so his quotes and his website don't belong anywhere on wikipedia other than on his user page. I had some difficulty at times knowing how much of what he posted to cut, though, because he often posts one or two paragraphs of what to me is incomprehensible babble. It is possible that some of it makes sense or could belong in the articles, I can't be entirely sure as I'm not an expert on any of the topics these articles relate to. Of course, none of it is sourced, so removing it is always a reasonable choice. If you think any portion of his written content does fit in its article and adds to it, feel free to put it back. And, note that this isn't the first time I have done this; back around October I removed these same spam links from him from dozens of articles, but he waited until I had forgotten about him, made a new account, and reposted a bunch of it. --Xyzzyplugh 02:01, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

I removed a couple dozen, myself, but left about 3 which seemed plausible. I think it might have been in July, and it is another new account (which then makes at least the third mass addition.) OK, there's little harm in a few grains of wheat being thrown away with the chaff. Perhaps if there are fewer left each time he spams, he might get the idea.... — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 02:07, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

Sorry, but the number of references is not my problem. I did not seen " obviously inappropriate links", some of them are from my user page, not from the articles(?)

-By the way, there is an observable not neglected correlation between your comments and actions of an anonymous "universal expert" | contribs)(?) Xyzzyplugh (with enormous activity) (for example only, reply is after 6 min - during the night). -I have no time to correct/revert his/her last "modifications", may be could you do it?

Thank you in advance.

Best wiki-salutations!

--Adam M. Gadomski 13:29, 9 February 2007 (UTC)-

General reflection

From the socio-cognitive perspective, for the psychological equilibrium, every person needs to have a minimal space/domain under own control. It can be related to sc.research, sport, art, and internet navigation. The most important factor is that "its state depends on him/her".

Unfortunately, in the physical and social competitive world with complex rules, there is difficult to conquest and maintain such space. Therefore many people search domains where is possible to govern and win with simple rules adequate to their, frequently, specific capacities. For example, such domain can be Misplaced Pages editing especially if the "play" is against selected persons. In order to be the winner, sufficient necessary attribute is to have more time.

Of course, any discussion which such personalities is more than difficult.

--Adam M. Gadomski 17:28, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

Take it up with Xyzzyplugh; I wouldn't have deleted all of the links he/she deleted, but I'm not going to help you restore them. Most of them are clearly inappropriate as WP:OR, as it seems to be your theory, published only on your web site. If some of the theory is published in respectible journals, that might be relevant. (And if you think Xyzzyplugh and I are working together, take it up with the Checkuser squad. All our communication has been through Misplaced Pages, on his and my user pages. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 19:01, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

Paul Erdős: alphabetization criteria et cœtera...

Mr. RUBIN,

Respectable Wiki-Editor,

Of your user page...:

1. This user is a relatively famous Wikipedian: Arthur Rubin;
2. Note: I didn't write that, but I don't feel comfortable taking it out. — Arthur Rubin | (talk).

• My note about this: I dont know you, but that words seemed to express a sincere feeling. I hope his/her maybe quite correct!

Let us go to the goal...

Honourable Mr. Rubin,

I think I have understood why you have reverted the alphabetization I have proposed for two or three times at Paul Erdős article.

In fact — last time — , you have commented the revertions as follows:

1. 01:19 7 february 2007 (Revert failed alphabetization AGAIN)

1. 01:21 7 february 2007 (Let's try this sort, if yoy want to alphabetize)

If you appreciate form (Nothing against it. I do appreciate this too!...), then, accordingly, at "COLABORATIONS" TOPIC, it must appear, for example:

1. * Alavi, Yousef;
2. * Bollobas, Bela;
3. * (and so the following..., until Wrinkler, Peter, naturally, the last)

And, so, this "in fact"-alphabetized set would make sense: to provide quick and easy seeking, don't you agree?

On the other side — but under the same theme — why revertion done at "EXTERNAL LINKS" TOPIC? I really do not understand it. If Misplaced Pages Policies & Rules prescribe it in such manner, please, can you report it to me?

As you have seen — I think so — I am not an "anglo-culture native user", but a foreign ("alien" or "stranger"...) one, from Brasil. But I, naturally, want to obey or conform to the "Anglophone-Misplaced Pages home rules", not conform to mine.

So, my zealous wiki-editor... Can you answer me these questions, and solve these doubts?

Finally, can you post your answer to these questions on my discussion page?

Best wiki-salutations!

EgídioCampos, 2007.02.07, 14:20 UTC.

Ok! And thanks...

Mr. Rubin,

I understood your entire explanation. And, naturally, I thank you for all.

Some of the pointed themes — as adopted by Anglophone-Misplaced Pages — receive my full disagreement. I am sorry for them. But, as you have so promptly and prudently said, it seems there is nothing (perhaps, almost nothing...) to do about for now...!

About et cœtera as I have written, take this only as a precious latinism from me. But — here and again — I wish to thank you for this too: I really suspected, but did not know, that et cetera is the preferred or unique form in this vernacular.

Wiki-Thanks!

EgídioCampos, 2007.02.08, 20:55 UTC.

Beyond Mathematics (but inside it!)

Hi, Mr. Rubin!

The subject of this does not refer to reply anyway. (...)

►►►From your user page Misplaced Pages Babel₃:

• I am not a native speaker of English, but I do appreciate its elegance;

• Salutations from Rondônia to California!

• My current user's time zone is UTC-4: but we are on perfect syncronicity...

• I use to observe Nature offers saving Life.

• I am only a dilettante mathematician, while you are a in fact one: my respects!

1. About this, I must say that both Mathematics and I/me have adopted one another (is this correct, vernacular English?);
2. You are a Erdős number 1 class! This certainly is merit to both you and Paul Erdős, of course!
3. For anyone: "No matter if your Erdős number is quite near infinity. What matter is how near you are of yourself number!".

• I have seen that Misplaced Pages has gained a lot of good things from your wiki-trouble, as at WikiProject Mathematics as at other themes;

• I am a very interested student on Informatics, including — not only — logics and programming.

• I have seen you are so much dilligent and vigilant about your vernacular. (its & it's are different things, no doubt!...) And other zealous observances more you have declined at your customized Misplaced Pages Babel₃... Despite of no exclusion to every tribal human culture expression — however, so do I!

• No matter if anyone is skeptic (what is this?)... if that one believe in it!

• I do not believe in God: I know God by means of Jesus Christ in this elegant and ingenuous manner...

34. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35. By this shall all know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:zIkERb-rugQJ:www.humanticsfoundation%C2%AD.com/wikipedia.htm+ronz+humantics&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us

An extract of the fair use article: