[en] The paper is concerned with supersymmetry, a mathematical theory with a high degree of symmetry, which describes all the elementary particles and all their interactions, including gravity. Fermions and bosons are discussed, as well as their link in the supersymmetry principle, consistent with the requirements of quantum field theory. The attraction of supersymmetry in suggesting ways of grouping particles together is mentioned, as well as the supersymmetry transformation. Connections with supergravity are discussed, and the supersymmetry particle gravitino described. Ways of linking supersymmetry theory with experimental particle physics is outlined. (U.K.)

[en] Phase transitions in the early universe from the Planck time (10/sup -44/sec) to the Grand Unification (GUT) time (10/sup -34/sec) are believed to have played an important role in the development of recent cosmological theories, most notably the inflationary models - old or new, primordial or GUT. Despite the large amount of work on cosmological phase transitions done and the many interesting implications drawn therefrom, the authors find the current level of understanding still somewhat unsatisfactory. This is because much of the existing work on GUT phase transitions from which the standard inflationary scenario evolved are based on results derived from flat-space finite temperature quantum field theory, e.g., the Coleman-Weinberg effective potential in the new inflationary universe. The authors find the theoretical foundation for these models not too well established, especially in the treatment of the gravitational and statistical aspects of these problems. In this note, the authors comment on a number of issues which call for more careful consideration and try to identify areas which need improvement or new development. To gain a more thorough understanding of these processes the authors find it necessary to carry out a more systematic and complete investigation into the effects of spacetime curvature, topology, dynamics and finite temperature under general cosmological conditions

[en] This article discusses some new consequences of grand unified theories (GUTs) that depend in an essential way on spacetime curvature. The authors find that at high curvature, such as existed in the early universe when particle energies were at the GUT scale, the effective values of certain gravitationally significant coupling constants are largely determined by the particle content of the GUT under consideration

[en] The vacuum stress-energy tensor of a quantized conformal scalar field is examined for several candidate vacuum states in a (two-dimensional) asymptotically de Sitter space around a collapsing star. The vacuum stress energy is shown to diverge on the future black-hole event horizon if the vacuum state is chosen so that the stress energy is regular on the cosmological horizons. It does not appear possible to find a quantum vacuum state whose stress energy is nondivergent on both the cosmological event horizons and the future black-hole event horizon

[en] Symmetry has always fascinated human beings; it is found in nature, art, and architecture. Physicists, like other scientists have often used symmetry as a basis of their understanding of nature. When the dynamics is unknown, symmetry is used to study structure. These two lectures review the theory and present understanding and status of two discrete space-time symmetries, namely parity (P) and time reversal (T). (author) 3 tabs., 2 figs., 38 refs

[en] The Theory of Particle Interactions introduces students and physicists to the chronological development, concepts, main methods, and results of modern quantum field theory -- the most fundamental, abstract, and mathematical branch of theoretical physics. Belokurov and Shirkov, two prominent Soviet theoretical physicists, carefully describe the many facets of modern quantum theory including: renormalization theory and renormalization group; gauge theories and spontaneous symmetry breaking; the electroweak interaction theory and quantum chromodynamics; the schemes of the unification of the fundamental interactions; and super-symmetry and super-strings. The authors use a minimum of mathematical concepts and equations in describing the historical development, the current status, and the role of quantum field theory in modern theoretical physics. Because readers will be able to comprehend the main concepts of modern quantum theory without having to master its rather difficult apparatus, The Theory of Particle Interactions is ideal for those who seek a conceptual understanding of the subject. Students, physicists, mathematicians, and theoreticians involved in astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear physics, as well as those interested in the philosophy and history of natural sciences will find The Theory of Particle Interactions invaluable and an important addition to their reading list

No abstract available

[en] This is a progress report on the fourth year of operation of the Theoretical Particle Physics group at the University of Florida. The group has been very productive over the last year publishing numerous research papers covering a broad range of topics in theoretical high energy physics. In addition, members of our group have traveled and given important talks at national and international physics conferences. The research we have accomplished in such subjects as quantum field theory, quantum chromodynamics, grand unified theories, and high energy phenomenology has increased mankind's understanding of elementary particle physics. Research activities are summarized, and publications are listed

[en] Equivalence of the Lagrangian formulation of Hsu and Sudarshan to the conventional Fujikawa, Lee and Sanda formulation of the Weinberg model is demonstrated. (U.S.)

[en] The paper on renormalisation group methods in curved space-time is a contribution to the book commemorating the sixtieth birthday of E.S. Fradkin. The subject is connected with how the behaviour of grand unified theories is modified when they are put on a curved gravitational background space-time. A brief description is given of how in QED it is really the non-local terms in the effective action that leads to the result for the running electric charge. This is followed by a discussion of the form of the non-local terms in the gravitational action. (U.K.)