Survey of roughness by stochastic oscillations

In this paper, connections between surface roughness and directed polymers in random medium are studied, when the surface is considered as a directed line undergoing stochastic oscillations. This is performed by studying the influence of a stochastic elastic forcing term $-\kappa y+\eta(s)$, on a particle moving along a rough surface. Two models are proposed and analysed in this way: the random-walk process (RW) in its discrete and continuous form, and a Markovian process via the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (O-U) process. It is shown that the continuous RW leads to an oscillator equation, via an effective action obeying a KPZ equation which is solved analytically. The O-U process allows to obtain information on the profile of surface for a long size substrate. The analogy with the roughness is achieved by introducing a quantity suited to directed line formalism: the height velocity variation $\partial h/\partial s$.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Constraining extra-fermion(s) from the Higgs boson data

First, we study the fit of the Higgs boson rates, based on all the latest collider data, in the effective framework for any Extra-Fermion(s) [EF]. The best-fit results are presented in a generic formalism allowing to apply those for the test of any EF scenario. The variations of the fit with each one of the five fundamental parameters are described, and, the obtained fits can be better than in the Standard Model (SM). We show how the determination of the EF loop-contributions to the Higgs couplings with photons and gluons is relying on the knowledge of the top and bottom Yukawa couplings (affected by EF mixings); for determining the latter coupling, the relevance of the investigation of the Higgs production in association with bottom quarks is emphasized. In the instructive approximation of a single EF, we find that the constraints from the fit already turn out to be quite predictive, in both cases of an EF mixed or not with SM fermions, and especially when combined with the extra-quark (-lepton) mass bounds from direct EF searches at the LHC (LEP) collider. In the case of an unmixed extra-quark, non-trivial fit constraints are pointed out on the Yukawa couplings for masses up to ~200 TeV. In particular, we define the extra-dysfermiophilia, which is predicted at 68.27% C.L. for any single extra-quark (independently of its electric charge). Another result is that, among any components of SM multiplet extensions, the extra-quark with a -7/3 electric charge is the one preferred by the present Higgs fit.Comment: 27 pages, 10 figures. Subsection structure added and Higgs boson rates updated (in a separate Appendix) after the Moriond 2013 conferenc

Clarifying the Concept of Salvation: A Philosophical Approach to the Power of Faith in Christ's Resurrection

In this paper, I develop a philosophical clarification of the statement "faith in the resurrection of Christ saves men from sin", using some of the main arguments and hypotheses of my recent book, ’The Ways of Salvation (Les Voies du salut’, Paris 2010). I begin with some remarks on the theme of salvation in contemporary language and philosophy. I then sketch a conceptual analysis of the concept of salvation, first in its general sense, then in its specifically Christian one. Finally, I offer a hypothesis on the ’modus operandi’ of salvation, or at least of one aspect of salvation as understood by Christianit

Single chargino production at linear colliders

We study the single chargino production $e^+ e^- \to \tilde \chi^{\pm} \mu^{\mp}$ at linear colliders which occurs through the \l_{121} R-parity violating coupling constant. We focus on the final state containing 4 leptons and some missing energy. The largest background is \susyq and can be reduced using the initial beam polarization and some cuts based on the specific kinematics of the single chargino production. Assuming the highest allowed supersymmetric background, a center of mass energy of $\sqrt s=500GeV$ and a luminosity of ${\cal L}=500fb^{-1}$, the sensitivities on the \l_{121} coupling constant obtained from the single chargino production study improve the low-energy experimental limit over a range of $\Delta m_{\tilde \nu} \approx 500GeV$ around the sneutrino resonance, and reach values of $\sim 10^{-4}$ at the $\tilde \nu$ pole. The single chargino production also allows to reconstruct the $\tilde \chi_1^{\pm}$, $\tilde \chi_2^{\pm}$ and $\tilde \nu$ masses. The initial state radiation plays a fundamental role in this study.Comment: 24 pages, Latex file. Linear Collider note LC-TH-2000-04

Regulatory versus Informational Value of Bond Ratings: Hints from History ...

A multivariate analysis can be used in order to investigate the relationship between bond yields, ratings and standard control variables. Replicating such a test on a number of cross-sections may evidence a possible impact of financial regulations relying on ratings. Datasets for American corporate bond issues allow a focus on two key events of the development of rating driven regulations: the valuation of bank and life insurance portfolios introduced in the 1930’s and the net capital requirements for broker dealers introduced in the 1970’s. The “value” of bond ratings does show some improvement once these regulations have been passed.Bond ratings, bond yields, financial regulation.