Dressed coordinates: the path-integrals approach

The recent introduced \textit{dressed coordinates} are studied in the path-integral approach. These coordinates are defined in the context of a harmonic oscillator linearly coupled to massless scalar field and, it is shown that in this model the dressed coordinates appear as a coordinate transformation preserving the path-integral functional measure. The analysis also generalizes the \textit{sum rules} established in a previous work.Comment: 9 pages, Latex2

On tree decomposability of Henneberg graphs

In this work we describe an algorithm that generates well constrained geometric constraint graphs which are solvable by the tree-decomposition constructive technique. The algorithm is based on Henneberg constructions and would be of help in transforming underconstrained problems into well constrained problems as well as in exploring alternative constructions over a given set of geometric elements.Postprint (published version

A supersymmetric exotic field theory in (1+1) dimensions. One loop soliton quantum mass corrections

We consider one loop quantum corrections to soliton mass for the ${\cal N}=1$ supersymmetric extension of the (1+1)-dimensional scalar field theory with the potential $U(\phi) = \phi^2 \cos^2\left(\ln \phi^2\right)$. First, we compute the one loop quantum soliton mass correction of the bosonic sector. To do that, we regularize implicitly such quantity by subtracting and adding its corresponding tadpole graph contribution, and use the renormalization prescription that the added term vanishes with the corresponding counterterms. As a result we get a finite unambiguous formula for the soliton quantum mass corrections up to one loop order. Afterwards, the computation for the supersymmetric case is extended straightforwardly and we obtain for the one loop quantum correction of the SUSY kink mass the expected value previously derived for the SUSY sine-Gordon and $\phi^4$ models. However, we also have found that for a particular value of the parameters, contrary to what was expected, the introduction of supersymmetry in this model worsens ultraviolet divergences rather than improving them.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures; Major modifications included to match version published in JHE

A Henneberg-based algorithm for generating tree-decomposable minimally rigid graphs

In this work we describe an algorithm to generate tree-decomposable minimally rigid graphs on a given set of vertices V . The main idea is based on the well-known fact that all minimally rigid graphs, also known as Laman graphs, can be generated via Henneberg sequences. Given that not each minimally rigid graph is tree-decomposable, we identify a set of conditions on the way Henneberg steps are applied so that the resulting graph is tree-decomposable. We show that the worst case running time of the algorithm is O(|V|3).Postprint (author's final draft

Slip avalanches in a fiber bundle model

We study slip avalanches in disordered materials under an increasing external load in the framework of a fiber bundle model. Over-stressed fibers of the model do not break, instead they relax in a stick-slip event which may trigger an entire slip avalanche. Slip avalanches are characterized by the number slipping fibers, by the slip length, and by the load increment, which triggers the avalanche. Our calculations revealed that all three quantities are characterized by power law distributions with universal exponents. We show by analytical calculations and computer simulations that varying the amount of disorder of slip thresholds and the number of allowed slips of fibers, the system exhibits a disorder induced phase transition from a phase where only small avalanches are formed to another one where a macroscopic slip appears.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

Implications for New Physics from Fine-Tuning Arguments: II. Little Higgs Models

We examine the fine-tuning associated to electroweak breaking in Little Higgs scenarios and find it to be always substantial and, generically, much higher than suggested by the rough estimates usually made. This is due to implicit tunings between parameters that can be overlooked at first glance but show up in a more systematic analysis. Focusing on four popular and representative Little Higgs scenarios, we find that the fine-tuning is essentially comparable to that of the Little Hierarchy problem of the Standard Model (which these scenarios attempt to solve) and higher than in supersymmetric models. This does not demonstrate that all Little Higgs models are fine-tuned, but stresses the need of a careful analysis of this issue in model-building before claiming that a particular model is not fine-tuned. In this respect we identify the main sources of potential fine-tuning that should be watched out for, in order to construct a successful Little Higgs model, which seems to be a non-trivial goal.Comment: 39 pages, 26 ps figures, JHEP forma

Landslide Risk: Economic Valuation in the North-Eastern Zone of Medellin City

Natural disasters of a geodynamic nature can cause enormous economic and human losses. The economic costs of a landslide disaster include relocation of communities and physical repair of urban infrastructure. However, when performing a quantitative risk analysis, generally, the indirect economic consequences of such an event are not taken into account. A probabilistic approach methodology that considers several scenarios of hazard and vulnerability to measure the magnitude of the landslide and to quantify the economic costs is proposed. With this approach, it is possible to carry out a quantitative evaluation of the risk by landslides, allowing the calculation of the economic losses before a potential disaster in an objective, standardized and reproducible way, taking into account the uncertainty of the building costs in the study zone. The possibility of comparing different scenarios facilitates the urban planning process, the optimization of interventions to reduce risk to acceptable levels and an assessment of economic losses according to the magnitude of the damage. For the development and explanation of the proposed methodology, a simple case study is presented, located in north-eastern zone of the city of Medellín. This area has particular geomorphological characteristics, and it is also characterized by the presence of several buildings in bad structural conditions. The proposed methodology permits to obtain an estimative of the probable economic losses by earthquake-induced landslides, taking into account the uncertainty of the building costs in the study zone. The obtained estimative shows that the structural intervention of the buildings produces a reduction the order of 21 % in the total landslide risk. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Sum rules in the oscillator radiation processes

We consider the problem of an harmonic oscillator coupled to a scalar field in the framework of recently introduced dressed coordinates. We compute all the probabilities associated with the decay process of an excited level of the oscillator. Instead of doing direct quantum mechanical calculations we establish some sum rules from which we infer the probabilities associated to the different decay processes of the oscillator. Thus, the sum rules allows to show that the transition probabilities between excited levels follow a binomial distribution.Comment: comments and references added, LaTe