Renormalization group approach to a pp-wave superconducting model

We present in this work an exact renormalization group (RG) treatment of a one-dimensional $p$-wave superconductor. The model proposed by Kitaev consists of a chain of spinless fermions with a $p$-wave gap. It is a paradigmatic model of great actual interest since it presents a weak pairing superconducting phase that has Majorana fermions at the ends of the chain. Those are predicted to be useful for quantum computation. The RG allows to obtain the phase diagram of the model and to study the quantum phase transition from the weak to the strong pairing phase. It yields the attractors of these phases and the critical exponents of the weak to strong pairing transition. We show that the weak pairing phase of the model is governed by a chaotic attractor being non-trivial from both its topological and RG properties. In the strong pairing phase the RG flow is towards a conventional strong coupling fixed point. Finally, we propose an alternative way for obtaining $p$-wave superconductivity in a one-dimensional system without spin-orbit interaction.Comment: 14 pages and 4 figures, to appear in Physics Letters

Forecasting DoD Mid-Acquisition Space Program Final Costs Using WBS Level 2 and 3 Data

Predicting Estimates at Complete (EAC) for Department of Defense (DoD) space programs has proven to be a daunting task. Although the use of Earned Value Management (EVM) formulations have been around for several decades, research has validated the need to conduct specific investigations based on commodity type and contract completion percentage. A recent Air Force Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA) study improved space program EAC accuracy using a Budgeted Cost of Work Performed (BCWP) model. This research was conducted based exclusively on program level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) data. The DoD requires contractors to report lower level WBS data, and current guidance supports the notion that lower level data are useful for program analysis. This study assesses the BCWP model using lower level WBS data. In addition, the second phase of this research investigates whether or not knowledge concerning lower level WBS activities can improve the analytical ability to predict EAC cost growth. The results indicate that lower level WBS data does not improve space program EAC accuracy in combination with the BCWP model. This research also finds that space programs contain a great deal of variability at lower level WBS activities making it difficult to draw comparisons across contracts

Exploring the Differences Between Domestic Homicide and Homicide-Suicide: Implications for Risk Assessment and Safety Planning

Domestic homicide, the killing of an individual by their current or former intimate partner, is a tragic and pervasive event. Research supports the finding that a history of domestic violence within a relationship acts as a strong predictor of domestic homicide (DH) and domestic homicide-suicide (DHS). At present, there is limited research that examines patterns in risk factors used to distinguish perpetrators of domestic homicide from domestic homicide-suicide. The present study aims to differentiate perpetrators of domestic homicide and domestic homicide-suicide according to prevalent risk factors and case characteristics. In this paper, case reports were examined from the Domestic Homicide Death Review Committee database that has been developed in collaboration with the Coroner’s Office in Ontario. A multivariate analysis using demographic information and identified risk factors within the cases was conducted in order to explore key differences between the perpetrators. The study supports the development of more refined risk assessment and risk management strategies in order to prevent deaths in similar circumstances from occurring in the future

A Christian Oasis: The Role of Christianity and Custom in the Laws of Ethiopia

Part I of this Note will analyze the history of Ethiopia’s legal system. Part II of this Note focuses on modern Ethiopia and seeks to scrutinize Ethiopia’s Civil Code, Constitution, and other legislation. Written into the new constitution of Ethiopia is a declaration of secularism, similar to the United States and South Africa. Yet, in a nation that has existed as a Christian state for at least a millennium, it is nigh on impossible for Ethiopia to fully divest itself of its cultural mores with mere constitutional edict. The question is, therefore, what is to be made of traditional beliefs that are religious in nature but enter the governmental realm? This Note hopes to shed light on the fact that religion and customs are embedded in the cultural mindset of people. Simply wishing to create a secular legal system with the aim of inclusion, while a noble endeavor, shall not result in the changes a legal system needs to divest itself of centuries of cultural and religious domination. By contrasting the religious influence on past and present legislation, there is hope that certain peculiarities will become apparent. The effect of a lengthy adherence to Christianity versus the effect of de jure secularization on a people holds promise of interesting revelations

A Christian Oasis: The Role of Christianity and Custom in the Laws of Ethiopia

Part I of this Note will analyze the history of Ethiopia’s legal system. Part II of this Note focuses on modern Ethiopia and seeks to scrutinize Ethiopia’s Civil Code, Constitution, and other legislation. Written into the new constitution of Ethiopia is a declaration of secularism, similar to the United States and South Africa. Yet, in a nation that has existed as a Christian state for at least a millennium, it is nigh on impossible for Ethiopia to fully divest itself of its cultural mores with mere constitutional edict. The question is, therefore, what is to be made of traditional beliefs that are religious in nature but enter the governmental realm? This Note hopes to shed light on the fact that religion and customs are embedded in the cultural mindset of people. Simply wishing to create a secular legal system with the aim of inclusion, while a noble endeavor, shall not result in the changes a legal system needs to divest itself of centuries of cultural and religious domination. By contrasting the religious influence on past and present legislation, there is hope that certain peculiarities will become apparent. The effect of a lengthy adherence to Christianity versus the effect of de jure secularization on a people holds promise of interesting revelations