The analytic torsion of a cone over an odd dimensional manifold

We study the analytic torsion of a cone over an orientable odd dimensional compact connected Riemannian manifold W. We prove that the logarithm of the analytic torsion of the cone decomposes as the sum of the logarithm of the root of the analytic torsion of the boundary of the cone, plus a topological term, plus a further term that is a rational linear combination of local Riemannian invariants of the boundary. We show that this last term coincides with the anomaly boundary term appearing in the Cheeger Muller theorem [3, 2] for a manifold with boundary, according to Bruning and Ma (2006) [5]. We also prove Poincare duality for the analytic torsion of a cone. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SU(3) mass-splittings of heavy-baryons in QCD

We extract directly (for the first time) the charmed (C = 1) and bottom (B = -1) heavy-baryons (spin 1/2 and 3/2) mass-splittings due to SU(3) breaking using double ratios of QCD spectral sum rules (QSSR) in full QCD, which are less sensitive to the exact value and definition of the heavy quark mass, to the perturbative radiative corrections and to the QCD continuum contributions than the simple ratios commonly used for determining the heavy baryon masses. Noticing that most of the mass-splittings are mainly controlled by the ratio kappa <(S) over bars >/<(d) over bard > of the condensate, we extract this ratio, by allowing 1 sigma deviation from the observed masses of the Xi(c.b) and of the Omega(c). We obtain: kappa = 0.74(3), which improves the existing estimates: kappa = 0.70(10) from light hadrons. Using this value, we deduce M(Omega b) = 6078.5(27.4) MeV which agrees with the recent CDF data but disagrees by 2.4 sigma with the one from D0. Predictions of the Xi(Q)` and of the spectra of spin 3/2 baryons containing one or two strange quark are given in Table 2. Predictions of the hyperfine splittings Omega(Q)* - Omega(Q) and Xi(Q)* - Xi(Q) are also given in Table 3. Starting for a general choice of the interpolating currents for the spin 1/2 baryons, our analysis favours the optimal value of the mixing angle b similar or equal to (-1/5-0) found from light and non-strange heavy baryons. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pulsating strings in Lunin-Maldacena backgrounds

We consider pulsating strings in Lunin-Maldacena backgrounds, specifically in deformed Minkowski spacetime and deformed AdS(5) x S(5). We find the relation between the energy and the oscillation number of the pulsating string when the deformation is small. Since the oscillation number is an adiabatic invariant it can be used to explore the regime of highly excited string states. We then quantize the string and look for such a sector. For the deformed Minkowski background we find a precise match with the classical results if the oscillation number is quantized as an even number. For the deformed AdS(5) x S(5) we find a contribution which depends on the deformation parameter.

Notes on beta-deformations of the pure spinor superstring in AdS(5) x S(5)

We study the properties of the vertex operator for the beta-deformation of the superstring in AdS(5) x S(5) in the pure spinor formalism. We discuss the action of supersymmetry on the infinitesimal beta-deformation, the application of the homological perturbation theory, and the relation between the worldsheet description and the spacetime supergravity description. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Equivalence between supersymmetric self-dual and Maxwell-Chern-Simons models coupled to a matter spinor superfield

We study the duality of the supersymmetric self-dual and Maxwell-Chern-Simons theories coupled to a fermionic matter superfield, using a master action. This approach evades the difficulties inherent to the quartic couplings that appear when matter is represented by a scalar superfield. The price is that the spinorial matter superfield represents a unusual supersymmetric multiplet, whose main physical properties we also discuss. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fermion perturbations in string theory black holes

In this paper we study fermion perturbations in four-dimensional black holes of string theory, obtained either from a non-extreme configuration of three intersecting five-branes with a boost along the common string or from a non-extreme intersecting system of two two-branes and two five-branes. The Dirac equation for the massless neutrino field, after conformal re-scaling of the metric, is written as a wave equation suitable to study the time evolution of the perturbation. We perform a numerical integration of the evolution equation, and with the aid of Prony fitting of the time-domain profile, we calculate the complex frequencies that dominate the quasinormal ringing stage, and also determine these quantities by the semi-analytical sixth-order WKB method. We also find numerically the decay factor of fermion fields at very late times, and show that the falloff is identical to those showing for massless fields in other four-dimensional black hole spacetimes.

Mass-splittings of doubly heavy baryons in QCD

We consider (for the first time) the ratios of doubly heavy baryon masses (spin 3/2 over spin 1/2 and SU(3) mass-splittings) using double ratios of sum rules (DRSR), which are more accurate than the usual simple ratios often used in the literature for getting the hadron masses. In general, our results agree and compete in precision with potential model predictions. In our approach, the alpha(s) corrections induced by the anomalous dimensions of the correlators are the main sources of the Xi(QQ)*-Xi(QQ) mass-splittings, which seem to indicate a 1/M(Q) behaviour and can only allow the electromagnetic decay Xi(QQ)* -> Xi(QQ) + gamma but not to Xi(QQ) + pi. Our results also show that the SU(3) mass-splittings are (almost) independent of the spin of the baryons and behave approximately like 1/M(Q), which could be understood from the QCD expressions of the corresponding two-point correlator. Our results can improved by including radiative corrections to the SU(3) breaking terms and can be tested, in the near future, at Tevatron and LHCb. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.

The concept of quasi-integrability: a concrete example

We use the deformed sine-Gordon models recently presented by Bazeia et al [1] to take the first steps towards defining the concept of quasi-integrability. We consider one such definition and use it to calculate an infinite number of quasi-conserved quantities through a modification of the usual techniques of integrable field theories. Performing an expansion around the sine-Gordon theory we are able to evaluate the charges and the anomalies of their conservation laws in a perturbative power series in a small parameter which describes the ""closeness"" to the integrable sine-Gordon model. We show that in the case of the two-soliton scattering the charges, up to first order of perturbation, are conserved asymptotically, i.e. their values are the same in the distant past and future, when the solitons are well separated. We indicate that this property may hold or not to higher orders depending on the behavior of the two-soliton solution under a special parity transformation. For closely bound systems, such as breather-like field configurations, the situation however is more complex and perhaps the anomalies have a different structure implying that the concept of quasi-integrability does not apply in the same way as in the scattering of solitons. We back up our results with the data of many numerical simulations which also demonstrate the existence of long lived breather-like and wobble-like states in these models.

The Bullough-Dodd model coupled to matter fields

The Bullough-Dodd model is an important two-dimensional integrable field theory which finds applications in physics and geometry. We consider a conformally invariant extension of it, and study its integrability properties using a zero curvature condition based on the twisted Kac-Moody algebra A(2)((2)). The one- and two-soliton solutions as well as the breathers are constructed explicitly. We also consider integrable extensions of the Bullough-Dodd model by the introduction of spinor (matter) fields. The resulting theories are conformally invariant and present local internal symmetries. All the one-soliton solutions, for two examples of those models, are constructed using a hybrid of the dressing and Hirota methods. One model is of particular interest because it presents a confinement mechanism for a given conserved charge inside the solitons. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exact vortex solutions in a CP(N) Skyrme-Faddeev type model

We consider a four dimensional field theory with target space being CP(N) which constitutes a generalization of the usual Skyrme-Faddeev model defined on CP(1). We show that it possesses an integrable sector presenting an infinite number of local conservation laws, which are associated to the hidden symmetries of the zero curvature representation of the theory in loop space. We construct an infinite class of exact solutions for that integrable submodel where the fields are meromorphic functions of the combinations (x(1) + i x(2)) and (x(3) + x(0)) of the Cartesian coordinates of four dimensional Minkowski space-time. Among those solutions we have static vortices and also vortices with waves traveling along them with the speed of light. The energy per unity of length of the vortices show an interesting and intricate interaction among the vortices and waves.

Global minimization using an Augmented Lagrangian method with variable lower-level constraints

A novel global optimization method based on an Augmented Lagrangian framework is introduced for continuous constrained nonlinear optimization problems. At each outer iteration k the method requires the epsilon(k)-global minimization of the Augmented Lagrangian with simple constraints, where epsilon(k) -> epsilon. Global convergence to an epsilon-global minimizer of the original problem is proved. The subproblems are solved using the alpha BB method. Numerical experiments are presented.

Biopolitik, civilsamfund og ’politisk eskatologi’ : Foucaults mistillid over for befolkningens indre kræfter

Biopolitics, Civil Society and Political Eschatology: Foucault’s distrust in the population’s inherent forces Michel Foucault’s scepticism toward discourses on the organic vitality of populations is not only explainable by his attention to the dark ‘underside of biopolitics – the risks of persecution of individuals, who threaten the population’s vitality from the inside. Moreover, it should be understood in light of Foucault’s acute sensitivity to the deep-seated, conflict-ridden nature of the population in terms of its inherent potential for cultural clashes, violent struggles, suspicions, hatred, or, in short, the perpetual conflicts of civil society. Foucault’s work led him to a position of ambiguous support for the state and to a more evident distrust in the forces of the population. He used the term “political eschatologies” about antipolitical visions that pronounce the end of politics in a final accord where social contradictions dissolve and the community will prevail over the state. Foucault played on the religious significations of the term, especially in regard to the religious, fanatic rejection of the duality between state and civil society, a rejection that rests on the belief in a completion of historical and political time and the final salvation of all in “the city of God”. The article demonstrates Foucault’s highly ambiguous view of civil society, it examines his discussion Ferguson’s work on civil society, and it considers Foucault’s use of the term “political eschatologies” to indicate the dangers of extreme, anti-state, political movements. It challenges the image of Foucault as an unequivocal proponent of grass roots and identity politics.  

HR-funktionens förändrade roll : En studie om linjechefers uppfattning av HR-funktionen i Falu och Avesta kommun

Traditionellt har HR-arbetet främst varit fokuserat på administrativa uppgifter och inte ansetts vara tillräckligt effektivt och värdeskapande. För att HR-arbetet ska bli mer strategiskt behöver funktionen organiseras så att den tillgodoser dessa behov (Boglind et al, 2013). Vi menar att HR-funktionens relation till ledare och linjechefer är avgörande för hur framgångsrikt deras arbete blir. Syftet med detta arbete är därför att undersöka hur chefer uppfattar HR-funktionens förändrade roll och vilken typ av stöd de förväntar sig av den. Vi vill också undersöka om uppfattningen av HR-funktionen skiljer sig åt beroende på hur den är organiserad. Undersökningen är baserad på en multipel fallstudie utförd på Falu och Avesta kommun. Totalt har tretton djupintervjuer genomförts, där fem personer representerar HR-avdelningarna och åtta personer representerar linjecheferna. Falu kommun började genomföra en HR-transformation vid årsskiftet 2013/2014, Avesta kommun har inte genomfört en HR-transformation utan har funktionen uppdelad i två team. Av empirin framkommer att linjecheferna i båda kommunerna har en ganska vag uppfattning om HR-funktionens organisation och trots de strukturella skillnaderna mellan kommunerna efterfrågar linjecheferna något mer. I Avesta är samtliga respondenter överens om att en samsyn kring HR-funktionens arbetsuppgifter inte finns på grund av att en tydlig strategi för HR-funktionen saknas. Cheferna i Avesta efterfrågar ett arbete med personalfrågor från grunden samt ett mer strategiskt arbete. I Falun visar empirin att linjechefer och HR-personer har olika åsikter kring huruvida det finns en samsyn. Även om flera linjechefer i Falun anser att HR-funktionen fungerar bättre efter transformationen efterfrågar samtliga en kontakt med en specifik HR-person istället för att kontakta ett HR-center. Trots att de organisationer vi studerat har HR-funktioner som skiljer sig åt i storlek och struktur kan vi konstatera många likheter. Vi drar därför slutsatsen att de problem som linjecheferna beskriver inte är relaterade till HR-avdelningens organisering, utan snarare kan kopplas till en obalans i HR-arbetets inneboende dualitet som uppstått i och med ett mer strategiskt fokus. Vi anser att båda kommunernas HR-funktioner bör ha en tydlig och kontinuerlig dialog med linjecheferna för att maximera värdeskapandet dem emellan. Sammanfattningsvis menar vi att kommunerna bör lägga fokus på att identifiera vilka aspekter av personalarbetet som är värdefulla och unika för just deras organisation samt arbeta strategiskt utifrån dessa.

A reestruturação patrimonial da Caixa Econômica Federal. Uma análise sob a otica dos mecanismos de controle e da gestão do estado

Este trabalho busca, mediante o estudo dos processos de intervenção do Estado, no domínio econômico, correlacionar, com maior abrangência, razões históricas que contribuíram, contribuem ou influenciam para a ocorrência de não conformidades nos negócios públicos. A partir desse entendimento, utiliza-se a CAIXA como objeto de estudo, estando ela inserida em um cenário sob forte influência de diversos fatores históricos, buscando, enquanto empresa pública bancária pertencente ao Estado Brasileiro e dele assumindo características e sujeição a riscos (do próprio Estado e do seu "modus operandi"), continuar, de forma sustentável e progressiva, a implementar políticas públicas e a garantir a sua sobrevivência como instituição bancária tradicional. A CAIXA sempre operou com a dualidade de ser um banco comercial e prover políticas publicas, assumindo riscos, principalmente se for verificado o modelo utilizado na concessão de créditos, notadamente, dos financiamentos habitacionais, fator preponderante ao requerimento de reestruturação patrimonial por parte da empresa. Sua reestruturação foi conseqüência, dentre outros fatores, dessa dualidade. A CAIXA, como agente distribuidor o fazia em detrimento da sua condição de solvência. É a partir da re-capitalização que o trabalho foca-se na verificação de características gerenciais da CAIXA, visando a alternativas que contribuam para a melhoria dos instrumentos de controle e gestão, de forma a garantir sua permanência de forma competitiva no mercado.

Organizações não governamentais (ONGs) e mercado: estudo de campo de um inevitável choque de racionalidades

Aquilo que passamos a entender como racional e lógico a partir da era moderna, provê um esquema mental para tomada de ações que carrega um arcabouço de premissas e valores consigo. Essas regras visam a maximização utilitária das consequências, esvaziadas de qualquer valor subjetivo. Weber (1994) classificou acessoriamente esse esquema como “racionalidade instrumental”, que se caracteriza por ser orientada pelos fins, meios e consequências da ação. Em contraposição, definiu ainda a “racionalidade substantiva”, postulada nos valores do sujeito, que não se orienta por quaisquer consequências da ação. Muitos autores partiram dessas racionalidades para representar a dualidade que acomete o mundo a partir da centralidade do mercado e sua lógica instrumental, mas foi Guerreiro Ramos (1989) quem deu contundente contribuição ao estudo das organizações separando diferentes enclaves sociais, nos quais as racionalidades seriam mais adequadas em um ou outro espaço. Nesse contexto, o mercado é um enclave importante e legítimo, mas apartado de outros, nos quais as relações sociais existem para servir o sujeito. Esse trabalho, fundamentado na Teoria Crítica, reconhece que as ONGs (Organizações Não Governamentais) devem pertencer a um campo distinto daquele das empresas econômicas, por se basearem em racionalidades diferentes das mesmas. Foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo junto a cinco organizações sem fins lucrativos, com fins declarados de ação social (Harmonicanto, Reviverde, ACAM, Observatório de Favelas e Bola pra Frente), buscando identificar as influências desviacionistas que a adoção da racionalidade instrumental impõe sobre a realização dos objetivos previstos para essas organizações. Observou-se que existem contingências que favorecem o uso da instrumentalidade nessas organizações, como: necessidade de autossustentação, área de atuação, tamanho da organização, influência do líder, etc. Conclui-se que tais organizações, apesar de não serem espaços dedicados à atualização do sujeito (como define a Isonomia de Guerreiro Ramos), delatam o seu fim público e orientam-se pelas consequências sempre que absorvem de forma crua a dinâmica organizacional de uma empresa econômica.