Non-reciprocity and heat transfer in far from equilibrium processes

A non-reciprocal phonon model for microwave or optical isolators is considered. It gives a simpler framework to further investigate the formerly argued possibility for a heat transfer between black bodies at common temperatures. While the non-dissipative device retains the Detailed Balance property, the presence of dissipation breaks it. This property allows a net transfer of heat between the two black bodies at common temperatures, whenever the absorptive elements are at lower temperatures than the one being common to the bodies.Comment: 6 pages,3 figures, contribution sent to the I International Conference on Quantum Limits of the Second Law (29-31 July, 2002), University of San Diego, San Diego, C

Exploring effects of strong interactions in enhancing masses of dynamical origin

A previous study of the dynamical generation of masses in massless QCD is considered from another viewpoint. The quark mass is assumed to have a dynamical origin and is substituted by a scalar field without self-interaction. The potential for the new field background is evaluated up to two loops. Expressing the running coupling in terms of the scale parameter $\mu$, the potential minimum is chosen to fix $m_{top}=175$ $GeV$ when $\mu_0=498$ $MeV$. The second derivative of the potential predicts a scalar field mass of 126.76 $GeV$. This number is close to the value 114 $GeV$ which, preliminary data taken at CERN, suggested to be associated with the Higgs particle. However, the simplifying assumptions limit the validity of the calculations done, as indicated by the large value of $\alpha=\frac {g^2}{4\pi}=1.077$ obtained. However, supporting statements about the possibility of improving the scheme come from the necessary inclusion of weak and scalar field couplings and mass counterterms in the renormalization procedure, in common with the seemingly needed consideration of the massive W and Z fields, if the real conditions of the SM model are intended to be approached.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, a numerical error was corrected as well as the values of the estimated parameters which it determined. The discussion and arguments were also improve

Network Expansion Decision-making in the Twin Cities

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of the decision-rules used by jurisdictions in Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan area. Interviews were conducted with staff at the city, county, metropolitan, and state levels to determine how decisions about road investment, expansion and new construction were made. Flowcharts were developed to provide a more systematic way of presenting that information. Most jurisdictions do not have extensive public participation processes, though several, notably the Metropolitan Council, Hennepin and Ramsey Counties and the City of Minneapolis do. Jurisdictions with public participation have the most formal and extensive documentation of their investment decision process. The decision factors vary by jurisdiction, though safety, capacity, and pavement quality were important throughout.