Models of Supersymmetry for Dark Matter

A brief review of supersymmetric models and their candidates for dark matter is carried out. The neutralino is a WIMP candidate in the MSSM where $R$-parity is conserved, but this model has the $\mu$ problem. There are natural solutions to this problem that necessarily introduce new structure beyond the MSSM, including new candidates for dark matter. In particular, in an extension of the NMSSM, the right-handed sneutrino can be used for this job. In $R$-parity violating models such as the $\mu\nu$SSM, the gravitino can be the dark matter, and could be detected by its decay products in gamma-ray experiments.Comment: Proceedings of RICAP 2016, 6 pages, 1 figur

More about soft terms and FCNC in realistic string constructions

In realistic four-dimensional string constructions the presence of anomalous U(1)'s is generic. In addition, the associated Fayet-Iliopoulos contribution to the D-term can break the extra gauge symmetries. As a consequence, physical particles can appear combined with other states. We show that even if a three-generation standard-like model has originally flavour-independent soft scalar masses, the particle mixing contribution may generate non-universality among them. Thus FCNC effects which were apparently absent reappear. We also discuss the size of these contributions in an explicit model, and how they can be suppressed.Comment: 14 pages, latex. Misprints correcte

The μν\mu\nuSSM and gravitino dark matter

We consider the phenomenological implications of gravitino dark matter in the context of the $\mu\nu$SSM. The latter is an R-parity breaking model which provides a solution to the $\mu$-problem of the MSSM and explains the origin of neutrino masses by simply using right-handed neutrino superfields. In particular, we analyze the prospects for detecting gamma rays from decaying gravitinos. Gravitino masses larger than 20 GeV are disfavored by the isotropic diffuse photon background measurements, but a gravitino with a mass range between $0.1 - 20$ GeV gives rise to a signal that might easily be observed by the FERMI satellite. Through this kind of analysis important regions of the parameter space of the $\mu\nu$SSM can be checked.Comment: Proceedings of DSU09 "The Dark Side of the Universe", 1-5 June 2009, Melbourne, 7 pages, 2 figure

Orbifolds with continuous Wilson lines and soft terms

Orbifold compactifications with continuous Wilson lines have very interesting characteristics and as a consequence they are candidates to obtain realistic models. We perform an analysis of the soft supersymmetry-breaking terms arising in this type of compactifications. We also compare these results with those of orbifolds without including continuous Wilson lines. Their phenomenological properties turn out to be similar.Comment: 7 pages, LaTe

SUSY Soft Breaking Terms from String Scenarios

The general SUSY soft breaking terms for a large class of phenomenologically relevant string scenarios (symmetric orbifolds) are given. They show a certain lack of universality, but not dangerous for flavor changing neutral currents. To get more quantitative results a specific SUSY breaking mechanism has to be considered, namely gaugino condensation in the hidden sector. Then, it turns out that squark and slepton masses tend to be much larger than scalar masses ($m_{\phi} > 10 M_a$), which probably is a quite general fact. Experimental bounds and the requirement of a successful electroweak breaking without fine tuning impose further restrictions on the soft breaking terms. As a consequence the gluino and chargino masses should be quite close to their present experimental limits, whereas squark and slepton masses should be much higher (> 1 TeV).Comment: (Talk presented at the SUSY-93 Conference, Boston, March 29 - April 2, 1993), 11 pages, CERN--TH.6922/9

Tangential projections and secant defective varieties

Going one step further in Zak's classification of Scorza varieties with secant defect equal to one, we characterize the Veronese embedding of $\P^n$ given by the complete linear system of quadrics and its smooth projections from a point as the only smooth irreducible complex and non-degenerate projective subvarieties of $\P^N$ that can be projected isomorphically into $\P^{2n}$ when $N\geq\binom{n+2}{2}-2$.Comment: To appear in Bulletin of the London Mathematical Societ

Framework to Enhance Teaching and Learning in System Analysis and Unified Modelling Language

Cowling, MA ORCiD: 0000-0003-1444-1563; Munoz Carpio, JC ORCiD: 0000-0003-0251-5510Systems Analysis modelling is considered foundational for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) students, with introductory and advanced units included in nearly all ICT and computer science degrees. Yet despite this, novice systems analysts (learners) find modelling and systems thinking quite difficult to learn and master. This makes the process of teaching the fundamentals frustrating and time intensive. This paper will discuss the foundational problems that learners face when learning Systems Analysis modelling. Through a systematic literature review, a framework will be proposed based on the key problems that novice learners experience. In this proposed framework, a sequence of activities has been developed to facilitate understanding of the requirements, solutions and incremental modelling. An example is provided illustrating how the framework could be used to incorporate visualization and gaming elements into a Systems Analysis classroom; therefore, improving motivation and learning. Through this work, a greater understanding of the approach to teaching modelling within the computer science classroom will be provided, as well as a framework to guide future teaching activities