The Ising spin glass in finite dimensions: a perturbative study of the free energy

Replica field theory is used to study the n-dependent free energy of the Ising spin glass in a first order perturbative treatment. Large sample-to-sample deviations of the free energy from its quenched average prove to be Gaussian, independently of the special structure of the order parameter. The free energy difference between the replica symmetric and (infinite level) replica symmetry broken phases is studied in details: the line n(T) where it is zero coincides with the Almeida-Thouless line for d>8. The dimensional domain 6<d<8 is more complicated, and several scenarios are possible.Comment: 23 page

Replica and Glasses

In these two lectures I review our theoretical understanding of spin glasses paying a particular attention to the basic physical ideas. We introduce the replica method and we describe its probabilistic consequences (we stress the recently discovered importance of stochastic stability). We show that the replica method is not restricted to systems with quenched disorder. We present the consequences on the dynamics of the system when it slows approaches equilibrium are presented: they are confirmed by large scale simulations, while we are still awaiting for a direct experimentalComment: Contribution to the NATO-ASI school on Liquid State Theory (Patti 1998). 25 pages and 6 figure

A User\u27s Guide to Bringing a Private Nuisance Action

The first element of private nuisance is an “interference substantial in nature.” This leads to the question: what is substantial? Whether interference is substantial depends largely on the facts and circumstances of each individual case. The determination of substantiality is generally a question of fact for a jury as opposed to a question of law for the judge to decide. Substantiality, involves a review of the totality of the circumstances based on a balancing of the rights of the Respondent to use his or her property against the rights of the Petitioner to enjoy their property. The balancing basically amounts to a risk-utility analysis weighing the social value of the conduct involved against the harm to the private interest. Therefore, in order to be successful in your private nuisance action you must prove that the social value of the nuisance is outweighed the harm to you

Spin Glass Theory: numerical and experimental results in three-dimensional systems

Here I will review the theoretical results that have been obtained for spin glasses. I will concentrate my attention on the predictions of the mean field approach in three dimensional systems and on its numerical and experimental verifications.Comment: Proceedings of the Mar del Plata School (2006) 23 pages 10 figure

The Problem of Worker Misclassification

Employee misclassification is a significant problem that continues to plague the labor market. Unscrupulous and unknowing employers alike are costing individual workers and society tremendously. Not only are workers missing out on legal protections, but society is losing contributions from employers that should be paid into different employment systems (payroll taxes, unemployment benefits, workers compensation benefits, etc.)

Statistical mechanics of optimization problems

Here I will present an introduction to the results that have been recently obtained in constraint optimization of random problems using statistical mechanics techniques. After presenting the general results, in order to simplify the presentation I will describe in details the problems related to the coloring of a random graph.Comment: proceedings of the conference SigmaPhi di Crete 2005, 10 pages, one figur