Subtleties in the beta function calculation of N=1 supersymmetric gauge theories

We investigate some peculiarities in the calculation of the two-loop beta-function of $N=1$ supersymmetric models which are intimately related to the so-called "Anomaly Puzzle". There is an apparent paradox when the computation is performed in the framework of the covariant derivative background field method. In this formalism, it is obtained a finite two-loop effective action, although a non-null coefficient for the beta-function is achieved by means of the renormalized two-point function in the background field. We show that if the standard background field method is used, this two-point function has a divergent part which allows for the calculation of the beta-function via the renormalization constants, as usual. Therefore, we conjecture that this paradox has its origin in the covariant supergraph formalism itself, possibly being an artifact of the rescaling anomaly.Comment: Few misprintings corrected and comments added. To meet the version to be published at European Physical Journal

La boîte à outils géotechnique de demain: conception des structures géotechniques selon EN 1997: 202x

This paper shows how three new concepts – ‘Design Cases’ (introduced in prEN 1990), the ‘Geotechnical Design Model’ (prEN 1997-1), and the ‘Ground Model’ (prEN 1997-2) – are combined (in prEN 1997-3) to provide a comprehensive and flexible set of tools for the design of specific geotechnical structures. The paper presents flow charts divided between: a) reliability management, b) ground modelling, c) verification of the design, and d) structure execution, which provide guidelines for navigating prEN 1990 and prEN 1997.Postprint (published version

Dual embedding of extended models with a Lorentz-breaking mass term

In this paper, we investigate a CPT-even model with a Lorentz-violating mass term. Such kind of models may present very interesting features like superluminal modes of propagation or even instantaneous long-range interactions. The mass term we investigate can be induced at classical or quantum level in a scenario with spontaneous gauge symmetry breaking in a gauge-Higgs model without Lorentz symmetry. We analyze the physical consistency of the model by studying the poles of the propagator. By using the Noether Dualization Method (NDM), we obtain a gauge invariant dual theory for this model. The physical equivalence between the two models is investigated and a general relation between the two propagators is obtained.Comment: 16 pages. Improved version accepted by Physical Review

On the relation between the propagators of dual theories

In this paper, we show that the propagator of the dual of a general Proca-like theory, derived from the gauging iterative Noether Dualization Method, can be written by means of a simple relation between known propagators. This result is also a demonstration that the Lagrangian obtained by dualization describes the same physical particles as the ones present in the original theory at the expense of introducing new non-physical (ghosts) excitations.Comment: latex, 4 page

Multiloop calculations with Implicit Regularization in massless theories

We establish a systematic way to calculate multiloop amplitudes of infrared safe massless models with Implicit Regularization (IR), with a direct cancelation of the fictitious mass introduced by the procedure. The ultraviolet content of such amplitudes have a simple structure and its separation permits the identification of all the potential symmetry violating terms, the surface terms. Moreover, we develop a technique for the calculation of an important kind of finite multiloop integral which seems particularly convenient to use Feynman parametrization. Finally, we discuss the Implicit Regularization of infrared divergent amplitudes, showing with an example how it can be dealt with an analogous procedure in the coordinate space.Comment: 10 pages, 1 figure, journal reference: Braz.J.Phys.40:228-234,201