1,842 research outputs found
Quantum tunneling of superconducting string currents
We investigate the decay of current on a superconducting cosmic string
through quantum tunneling. We construct the instanton describing tunneling in a
simple bosonic string model, and estimate the decay rate. The tunneling rate
vanishes in the limit of a chiral current. This conclusion, which is supported
by a symmetry argument, is expected to apply in general. It has important
implications for the stability of chiral vortons.Comment: 16 pages, 2 figure
Sexual violence and free speech in popular music
The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version.This article re-examines the use of arguments in favour of free speech when faced with
difficult subjects in music, such as sexual violence against women. We present a new
perspective on the 1985 US Senate Hearing on Record Labeling and challenge the orthodoxy
that the Hearing was only a matter of free speech. Using critical discourse analysis we argue
that the sexist environment of the Hearing, the misogyny of the musicians, plus homosocial
bonding resulted in the PMRC’s arguments being unaddressed as attention turned to
censorship. Subsequent academic work has continued to focus on censorship, neglecting to
investigate how music can propagate dangerous representations. This article indicates the
need for a shift in popular music studies towards careful consideration of those aspects
which are difficult and dangerous for women. It therefore opens up popular music to
important new areas for critical examination and feminist analysis
- …