Renormalization of the vacuum angle in quantum mechanics, Berry phase and continuous measurements

The vacuum angle $\theta$ renormalization is studied for a toy model of a quantum particle moving around a ring, threaded by a magnetic flux $\theta$. Different renormalization group (RG) procedures lead to the same generic RG flow diagram, similar to that of the quantum Hall effect. We argue that the renormalized value of the vacuum angle may be observed if the particle's position is measured with finite accuracy or coupled to additional slow variable, which can be viewed as a coordinate of a second (heavy) particle on the ring. In this case the renormalized $\theta$ appears as a magnetic flux this heavy particle sees, or the Berry phase, associated with its slow rotation.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Specifics of Transformation Projects in Universities and the Work of the Project Team

The article deals with the practices and specifics of the implementation of transformation projects in Russian universities. Particular attention is focused on the direct performers – members of project teams. The specifics of their formation are considered, the criteria necessary for employees to be included in a project team, as well as the peculiarities of such team functioning and development for more effective and productive activities are studied. The peculiarities of exclusion and withdrawal of employees from the project team – what are the reasons for it and what actions are taken by the head of the team to replace the withdrawn participant (selection of a new or redistribution of functions of the withdrawn to the remaining employees or another option) are considered separately.The conclusions presented in the article are based on the materials of an empirical sociological study conducted during the year (in the period from December 2021 to December 2022) by the method of indepth semi-formalized interviews with 78 representatives of administrative and managerial staff, scientific and pedagogical workers, heads of departments and deans of universities in three regional classical universities (in Siberian and Volga Federal Districts of the Russian Federation).Based on the results of the empirical study, the authors come to several conclusions. The transformation projects implemented in universities are associated with many diverse problems, key among which were: the destruction of agreements due to geopolitical risks; lack or complete absence of funding; varying financial success of projects; disunity of the team and lack of understanding of common goals and objectives of the project; lack of practical implementation of the project, etc.The success of the transformation project is signaled by both classical criteria called in the theory and practice of project management, for example, compliance with project deadlines, project execution within the allocated resources, and criteria less frequently mentioned in research, for example, the development of the project team, the formation of project values and norms of project culture, satisfaction of stakeholders and others. Transformation project teams are often formed spontaneously, the basis is often the potential candidate’s belonging to the required position or function, the competencies of candidates are rarely assessed, and their future competence and role statuses are planned

On the possibility to supercool molecular hydrogen down to superfluid transition

Recent calculations by Vorobev and Malyshenko (JETP Letters, 71, 39, 2000) show that molecular hydrogen may stay liquid and superfluid in strong electric fields of the order of $4\times 10^7 V/cm$. I demonstrate that strong local electric fields of similar magnitude exist beneath a two-dimensional layer of electrons localized in the image potential above the surface of solid hydrogen. Even stronger local fields exist around charged particles (ions or electrons) if surface or bulk of a solid hydrogen crystal is statically charged. Measurements of the frequency shift of the $1 \to 2$ photoresonance transition in the spectrum of two-dimensional layer of electrons above positively or negatively charged solid hydrogen surface performed in the temperature range 7 - 13.8 K support the prediction of electric field induced surface melting. The range of surface charge density necessary to stabilize the liquid phase of molecular hydrogen at the temperature of superfluid transition is estimated.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure

Anomaly in the stability limit of liquid helium 3

We propose that the liquid-gas spinodal line of helium 3 reaches a minimum at 0.4 K. This feature is supported by our cavitation measurements. We also show that it is consistent with extrapolations of sound velocity measurements. Speedy [J. Phys. Chem. 86, 3002 (1982)] previously proposed this peculiar behavior for the spinodal of water and related it to a change in sign of the expansion coefficient alpha, i. e. a line of density maxima. Helium 3 exhibits such a line at positive pressure. We consider its extrapolation to negative pressure. Our discussion raises fundamental questions about the sign of alpha in a Fermi liquid along its spinodal.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure