Fixing All Moduli in a Simple F-Theory Compactification

We discuss a simple example of an F-theory compactification on a Calabi-Yau fourfold where background fluxes, together with nonperturbative effects from Euclidean D3 instantons and gauge dynamics on D7 branes, allow us to fix all closed and open string moduli. We explicitly check that the known higher order corrections to the potential, which we neglect in our leading approximation, only shift the results by a small amount. In our exploration of the model, we encounter interesting new phenomena, including examples of transitions where D7 branes absorb O3 planes, while changing topology to preserve the net D3 charge.Comment: 68 pages, 19 figures; v2: references adde

Conformality and Gauge Coupling Unification

It has been recently proposed to embed the standard model in a conformal gauge theory to resolve the hierarchy problem, and to avoid assuming either grand unification or low-energy supersymmetry. By model building based on string-field duality we show how to maintain the successful prediction of an electroweak mixing angle with $sin^2\theta \simeq 0.231$ in conformal gauge theories with three chiral families.Comment: 8 pages LaTe

DBI in the Sky

We analyze the spectrum of density perturbations generated in models of the recently discovered "D-cceleration" mechanism of inflation. In this scenario, strong coupling quantum field theoretic effects sum to provide a DBI-like action for the inflaton. We show that the model has a strict lower bound on the non-Gaussianity of the CMBR power spectrum at an observable level, and is thus falsifiable. This in particular observationally distinguishes this mechanism from traditional slow roll inflation generated by weakly interacting scalar fields. The model also favors a large observable tensor component to the CMBR spectrum.Comment: 30 pages latex. v2: references added. v3: correction in three point function. v4: sign of non-Gaussianity corrected; fNL is negativ

Topological twisted sigma model with H-flux revisited

In this paper we revisit the topological twisted sigma model with H-flux. We explicitly expand and then twist the worldsheet Lagrangian for bi-Hermitian geometry. we show that the resulting action consists of a BRST exact term and pullback terms, which only depend on one of the two generalized complex structures and the B-field. We then discuss the topological feature of the model.Comment: 16 pages. Appendix adde

Slow roll in simple non-canonical inflation

We consider inflation using a class of non-canonical Lagrangians for which the modification to the kinetic term depends on the field, but not its derivatives. We generalize the standard Hubble slow roll expansion to the non-canonical case and derive expressions for observables in terms of the generalized slow roll parameters. We apply the general results to the illustrative case of ``Slinky'' inflation, which has a simple, exactly solvable, non-canonical representation. However, when transformed into a canonical basis, Slinky inflation consists of a field oscillating on a multi-valued potential. We calculate the power spectrum of curvature perturbations for Slinky inflation directly in the non-canonical basis, and show that the spectrum is approximately a power law on large scales, with a ``blue'' power spectrum. On small scales, the power spectrum exhibits strong oscillatory behavior. This is an example of a model in which the widely used solution of Garriga and Mukhanov gives the wrong answer for the power spectrum.Comment: 9 pages, LaTeX, four figures. (V2: minor changes to text. Version submitted to JCAP.

4d-Flat Compactifications With Brane Vorticities

We present solutions in six-dimensional gravity coupled to a sigma model, in the presence of three-brane sources. The space transverse to the branes is a compact non-singular manifold. The example of O(3) sigma model in the presence of two three-branes is worked out in detail. We show that the four-dimensional flatness is obtained with a single condition involving the brane tensions, which are in general different and may be both positive, and another characteristic of the branes, vorticity. We speculate that the adjustment of the effective four-dimensional cosmological constant may occur through the exchange of vorticity between the branes. We then give exact instanton type solutions for sigma models targeted on a general K\"ahler manifold, and elaborate in this framework on multi-instantons of the O(3) sigma model. The latter have branes, possibly with vorticities, at the instanton positions, thus generalizing our two-brane solution.Comment: 8 pages. New references added and minor typos are correcte

NS-NS fluxes in Hitchin's generalized geometry

The standard notion of NS-NS 3-form flux is lifted to Hitchin's generalized geometry. This generalized flux is given in terms of an integral of a modified Nijenhuis operator over a generalized 3-cycle. Explicitly evaluating the generalized flux in a number of familiar examples, we show that it can compute three-form flux, geometric flux and non-geometric Q-flux. Finally, a generalized connection that acts on generalized vectors is described and we show how the flux arises from it.Comment: 21 pages, 1 figure; v3: minor change

From D3-Branes to Lifshitz Space-Times

We present a simple embedding of a z=2 Lifshitz space-time into type IIB supergravity. This is obtained by considering a stack of D3-branes in type IIB supergravity and deforming the world-volume by a plane wave. The plane wave is sourced by the type IIB axion. The superposition of the plane wave and the D3-branes is 1/4 BPS. The near horizon geometry of this configuration is a 5-dimensional z=0 Schroedinger space-time times a 5-sphere. This geometry is also 1/4 BPS. Upon compactification along the direction in which the wave is traveling the 5-dimensional z=0 Schroedinger space-time reduces to a 4-dimensional z=2 Lifshitz space-time. The compactification is such that the circle is small for weakly coupled type IIB string theory. This reduction breaks the supersymmetries. Further, we propose a general method to construct analytic z=2 Lifshitz black brane solutions. The method is based on deforming 5-dimensional AdS black strings by an axion wave and reducing to 4-dimensions. We illustrate this method with an example.Comment: version 3: version published in Classical and Quantum Gravit

How do supply chain management and information systems practices influence operational performance?:Evidence from emerging country SMEs

This study first provides a comparative analysis of the impact of supply chain management (SCM) and information systems (IS) practices on operational performance (OPER) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in two neighbouring emerging country markets of Turkey and Bulgaria. Then, we investigate moderating effects of both SCM–IS-linked enablers and inhibitors on the links between SCM and IS practices and OPER of SMEs. To this end, we first empirically identify the underlying dimensions of SCM and IS practices, and SCM–IS-related enabling and inhibiting factors. Second, a series of regression analyses are undertaken to estimate the impact of the study's constructs on OPER of SMEs. The results are discussed comparatively within the contexts of both Turkish and Bulgarian SMEs and beyond. The study makes a significant contribution to the extant literature through obtaining and analysing cross-national survey data of SCM and IS practices in emerging country markets

Restrictions on dilatonic brane-world models

We consider dilatonic brane-world models with a non-minimal coupling between a dilaton and usual matter on a brane. We demonstrate that variation of the fundamental constants on the brane due to such interaction leads to strong restrictions on parameters of models. In particular, the experimental bounds on variation of the fine structure constant rule out non-minimal dilatonic models with a Liouville-type coupling potential f(varphi) = exp (b varphi) where b is order of 1.Comment: MiKTeX2-LaTeX2e, 10 pages, minor changes, improved references, to appear in IJMP