Status and prospects of the nMSSM after LHC Run-1

The new minimal supersymmetric standard model (nMSSM), a variant of the general next to minimal supersymmetric standard model (NMSSM) without $Z_3$ symmetry, features a naturally light singlino with a mass below 75 GeV. In light of the new constraints from LHC Run-1 on the Higgs couplings, sparticles searches and flavour observables, we define the parameter space of the model which is compatible with both collider and dark matter (DM) properties. Among the regions compatible with these constraints, implemented through NMSSMTools, SModelS and MadAnalysis 5, only one with a singlino lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) with a mass around 5 GeV can explain all the DM abundance of the universe, while heavier mixed singlinos can only form one of the DM components. Typical collider signatures for each region of the parameter space are investigated. In particular, the decay of the 125 GeV Higgs into light scalars and/or pseudoscalars and the decay of the heavy Higgs into charginos and neutralinos, provide distinctive signatures of the model. Moreover, the sfermion decays usually proceed through heavier neutralinos rather than directly into the LSP, as the couplings to the singlino are suppressed. We also show that direct detection searches are complementary to collider ones, and that a future ton-scale detector could completely probe the region of parameter space with a LSP mass around 65 GeV.Comment: 33 pages, 9 figures. Version accepted for publication in JHE

Uncertainties in the Prediction of the Relic Density of Supersymmetric Dark Matter

We investigate how well the relic density of dark matter can be predicted in mSUGRA. We determine the parameters to which the relic density is most sensitive and quantify the collider accuracy needed to match the accuracy of WMAP and PLANCK.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, presented at LCWS, Paris, April 200

Apports et limitations de la stratégie du greffage pour le stockage de l’électricité

For over two decades, the electrochemical storage of electricity has embarked upon its organic revolution. Pseudo-supercapacitors, redox supercapacitors and fully organic hybrid systems have already won the scientific and industrial communities, although further efforts are needed regarding their energy density and stability in order to be integrated into structures having a long service life (aeronautic, automotive, building industry, etc.). A recent strategy consists in grafting fast redox-active small molecules to a porous carbon network. Assembling these generic modular elements to infinity yields a wide range of possible combinations and specific rules must be followed in order to ensure that this grafting is beneficial. This article presents the contributions and limitations of grafting and concludes with a novel alternative to the grafting on carbon

Grafting of Quinones on Carbons as Active Electrode Materials in Electrochemical Capacitors

The electrochemical performance of electrochemical capacitors can be improved with electroactive quinone molecules. Systems based on redox active electrolyte as well as physisorbed and chemically grafted molecules have been investigated. In all these cases, carbon materials were used as substrate and electrode material. This short review will mainly describe work related to these systems and materials from the authors’ laboratories. Nonetheless, some important studies from other research groups will be discussed

Association between physical activity motives and type of physical activity in children

Abstract: Objectives: Motives for participating in a specific type of physical activity (PA) may differ across PA type in youth. We studied the relationship between PA motives and type of PA engaged in by youth. Design: Cross-sectional analysis using data from the Monitoring Activities of Teenagers to Comprehend their Habits (MATCH) study. Method: 802 students age 10-11 years from 17 primary schools in New-Brunswick, Canada completed a questionnaire that collected data on type of PA participated in (individual, group-based, organized, non-organized), PA motives (enjoyment, social affiliation, competence, fitness/health, appearance) and attainment of PA guidelines (60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA per day). The associations between PA motives and PA type and between PA motives and attainment of PA recommendations were assessed in multilevel logistic regression models. Results: Endorsing enjoyment motives was associated with participation in organized PA (Odds Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.54, 1.24-1.91). Competence motives were associated with participation in group-based PA (1.27, 1.11-1.46) and achievement of PA recommendations (1.95, 1.37-2.78). Conclusion: Targeting enjoyment and competence motives may be associated with increased participation in organized and group-based PA as well as with an increased likelihood of meeting PA guidelines in youth