  Scalar fields play a crucial role in the Standard model. On the other hand,
in the weak-coupling regime there is an unsolved problem of the quadratic
divergence of scalar masses. Thus, it is natural to turn to composite, or
effective scalar fields in the strong-coupling regime. Lattice simulations
provide information on the "actually existing" scalar fields in Yang-Mills
theories. On the continuum-theory side, dual models predict existence of
various low-dimension vacuum defects, including probably scalar particles. We
are looking for correspondence between the two frameworks, of lattice
phenomenology and dual models, and discuss possible applications to the theory
of the Yang-Mills plasma in the deconfining phase. It is not ruled out that the
effective scalars play important role in the plasma dynamics.
