Can Symmetry non-restoration solve the Monopole Problem?

We reexamine a recently proposed non-inflationary solution to the monopole problem, based on the possibility that spontaneously broken Grand-Unified symmetries do not get restored at high temperature. We go beyond leading order by studying the self-consistent one-loop equations of the model. We find large next-to-leading corrections that reverse the lowest order results and cause symmetry restoration at high temperature.Comment: 17 pages plus three coded and compressed postscript files for figure

Rayleigh-Ritz Variational Approximation and Symmetry Nonrestoration

The investigation of symmetry nonrestoration scenarios has led to a controversy, with certain nonperturbative approximation schemes giving indications in sharp disagreement with those found within conventional perturbation theory. A Rayleigh-Ritz variational approach to the problem, which might be useful in bridging the gap between perturbative and nonperturbative viewpoints, is here proposed. As a first application, this approach is used in the investigation of a $Z_2 \times Z_2$-invariant thermal field theory with two scalar fields, placing particular emphasis on the region of parameter space that has been claimed to support symmetry nonrestoration.Comment: 9 pages, LaTex. To be published in Physics Letters

Modeling, Simulation and Emulation of Intelligent Domotic Environments

Intelligent Domotic Environments are a promising approach, based on semantic models and commercially off-the-shelf domotic technologies, to realize new intelligent buildings, but such complexity requires innovative design methodologies and tools for ensuring correctness. Suitable simulation and emulation approaches and tools must be adopted to allow designers to experiment with their ideas and to incrementally verify designed policies in a scenario where the environment is partly emulated and partly composed of real devices. This paper describes a framework, which exploits UML2.0 state diagrams for automatic generation of device simulators from ontology-based descriptions of domotic environments. The DogSim simulator may simulate a complete building automation system in software, or may be integrated in the Dog Gateway, allowing partial simulation of virtual devices alongside with real devices. Experiments on a real home show that the approach is feasible and can easily address both simulation and emulation requirement

Inverse Symmetry Breaking on the lattice: an accurate MC study

We present here a new MC study of ISB at finite temperature in a $Z_2\times Z_2$ $\lambda\phi^4$ model in four dimensions. The results of our simulations, even if not conclusive, are favourable to ISB. Detection of the effect required measuring some critical couplings with six-digits precision, a level of accuracy that could be achieved only by a careful use of FSS techniques. The gap equations for the Debye masses, resulting from the resummation of the ring diagrams, seem to provide a qualitatively correct description of the data, while the simple one-loop formulae appear to be inadequate.Comment: 23 pages, 7 figures, Section 6 revised, in press on Nucl. Phys.

Digital Games in Primary Education

Digital educational games create a new perspective in learning culture, which go hand in hand with the interests of the pupils. Digital educational games are an innovation in primary education that can enhance children learning and acquiring skills. The integration of digital educational games in the school environment of primary education could effectively contribute to reforming the educational system. Early childhood education and primary education teachers can play a crucial role in supporting children’s digital game-based learning (DGBL). Teachers’ beliefs about using DGBL are important and often limit their efforts to integrate new technologies into the classroom. Positive views can help teachers embody DGBL in their teaching methods more easily. Thus, without the knowledge of teachers’ views and intentions about using DGBL in primary education settings, any potential innovations in this area may lack utility. The scope of this chapter is to investigate the pedagogical dimension of digital educational games as far as the primary education concerns, examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of games in the learning procedure, give valuable information in the designers of digital educational games, and finally examine primary school teachers’ beliefs about DGBL, as well as their confidence in integrating digital educational games in the classroom

Inverse Symmetry Breaking and the Exact Renormalization Group

We discuss the question of inverse symmetry breaking at non-zero temperature using the exact renormalization group. We study a two-scalar theory and concentrate on the nature of the phase transition during which the symmetry is broken. We also examine the persistence of symmetry breaking at temperatures higher than the critical one.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

On the CJT Formalism in Multi-Field Theories

The issues that arise when using the Cornwall-Jackiw-Tomboulis formalism in multi-field theories are investigated. Particular attention is devoted to the interplay between temperature effects, ultraviolet structure, and the interdependence of the gap equations. Results are presented explicitly in the case of the evaluation of the finite temperature effective potential of a theory with two scalar fields which has attracted interest as a toy model for symmetry nonrestoration at high temperatures. The lowest nontrivial order of approximation of the Cornwall-Jackiw-Tomboulis effective potential is shown to lead to consistent results, which are relevant for recent studies of symmetry nonrestoration by Bimonte and Lozano.Comment: 17 pages, LaTe

Teacheras Role in Educational Changes: Executor or Collaborator? The case of Greece

Nowadays a demand is strongly expressed concerning education s modernization Schools are required to change and adapt to contemporary demands Greek State promotes many changes such as institutional changes in the curriculum s content and structure and other innovations Teachers are the persons asked to implement those changes One aspect of educational changes concerns the methods used mostly by teachers in the implementation of educational changes The main aim of the present study was to investigate the causes that according to teachers opinion many educational changes are annulled A questionnaire was given to teachers who work in State Primary Schools in the city of Patras in the South West of Greec

Symmetry Non Restoration and Inverse Symmetry Breaking on the lattice

We study the finite temperature symmetry behaviour of O(N_1) \times O(N_2) scalar models on the lattice and we prove that at sufficiently high temperatures and in arbitrary dimensions their full symmetry is always restored or, equivalently, that the phenomenon of Symmetry Non Restoration which, according to lowest order perturbation theory, takes place in the continuum version of these models, does not occur on the lattice.Comment: 13 pages, latex, no figure

THE ROLE OF EDUCATORS IN ENHANCING STUDENTS’ MENTAL RESILIENCE: PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Mental resilience is crucial for effective school functioning. It is a prerequisite for ensuring high academic achievements, while high-quality education enhances students' levels of mental resilience. School is considered a protective mechanism for the development of students' mental resilience, acting as a shield against problematic family environments and adverse behaviors and conditions that students generally experience. The role of the educator is crucial in absorbing all these challenges, as well as in strengthening and mobilizing students. Qualitative research was conducted with semi-structured interviews with a sample of 12 primary school teachers. Findings indicate that educators perceive their role's challenges and strive to create a supportive school environment to develop students' skills. They highlight inadequate support structures, their insufficient initial training, and the need for theoretical and practical training. They seek collaboration with specialists and parents to enhance students' mental resilience.  Article visualizations