Charting new physics territories with cosmological observations

In this Thesis we exploit the latest cosmological observations to constrain fundamental physics scenarios that go beyond the standard models of cosmology and particle physics. We start by considering Macroscopic Dark Matter (MDM) candidates, which represent an appealing alternative to particle dark matter. We focus on the process of proton capture by MDM and constrain the parameter space of Macros using three cosmological probes: (i) the change in the baryon density between the epochs of the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) decoupling; (ii) the production of spectral distortions in the CMB spectrum; (iii) the kinetic coupling between charged MDM and baryons at the time of CMB decoupling. We also show how future spectral distortions experiments, like PIXIE and SuperPIXIE, will allow us to improve these bounds. Then, we focus on thermal axion-like particles (hereafter axions), which are produced in the early Universe from scatterings between particles belonging to the primordial thermal bath. Depending on their mass, thermal axions can behave as a hot, warm or cold dark matter component. Using the latest observations of CMB anisotropies by Planck and of Baryon Acoustic Oscillations from galaxy surveys, we constrain the couplings of axions to photons and gluons. We compare these bounds with the constraints derived from laboratory and astrophysical probes. In the second part of the Thesis, we focus on the polarization of the CMB as a probe to test possible violations of fundamental symmetries. First, we consider models that extend Maxwell’s electrodynamics by introducing renormalizable operators which break Lorentz invariance. These consist in two terms, one of which violates also CPT symmetry. Using the most recent observations of CMB polarization, we derive strong bounds on the Lorentz-violating coefficients. In particular, for the CPT-odd coefficients we obtain the strongest constraints to date, even considering non-CMB probes. Finally, we analyze the effects of chiral scalar-tensor theories of gravity during inflation, focusing on the non-Gaussianity of primordial gravitational waves. We compute the theoretical prediction for the primordial bispectrum and we discuss the prospects for detecting such parity-violating signatures with future CMB experiments.In questa Tesi sfruttiamo le più recenti osservazioni cosmologiche per vincolare scenari di fisica fondamentale che vanno oltre i modelli standard della cosmologia e della fisica delle particelle. Per cominciare consideriamo candidati di materia oscura macroscopica (MDM), che rappresentano una interessante alternativa ai modelli di materia oscura particellare. Ci concentriamo sul processo di cattura di protoni da parte della MDM e vincoliamo lo spazio dei parametri delle Macro sfruttando tre osservabili cosmologiche: (i) la variazione nella densità di barioni tra le epoche della Nucleosintesi Primordiale (BBN) e della Radiazione Cosmica di Fondo (CMB); (ii) la produzione di distorsioni spettrali nello spettro della CMB; (iii) l’accoppiamento tra la MDM carica e i barioni all’epoca del disaccoppiamento della CMB. Inoltre, mostriamo come esperimenti futuri per distorsioni spettrali, come PIXIE e SuperPIXIE, potranno migliorare i vincoli attuali. Successivamente ci concentriamo su particelle axion-like (d’ora in avanti assioni) termiche, che sono prodotte nell’Universo primordiale tramite processi di scattering tra particelle presenti nel plasma primordiale. A seconda della loro massa, gli assioni termici possono comportarsi come una componente di materia oscura calda, tiepida o fredda. Sfruttando le più recenti osservazioni delle anisotropie della CMB dal satellite Planck e delle Oscillazioni Acustiche Barioniche dalle survey di galassie, vincoliamo gli accoppiamenti degli assioni ai fotoni e ai gluoni. Questi risultati vengono poi confrontati con i vincoli ottenuti da esperimenti in laboratorio e tramite sorgenti astrofisiche. Nella seconda parte della Tesi ci concentriamo sulla polarizzazione della CMB per testare possibili violazioni di simmetrie fondamentali. Come prima cosa, consideriamo modelli che estendono l’elettrodinamica di Maxwell introducendo operatori rinormalizzabili che violano la simmetria di Lorentz. Questi consistono di due termini, uno dei quali viola anche la simmetria CPT. Sfruttando le più recenti osservazioni della polarizzazione della CMB, deriviamo vincoli molto stringenti sui coefficienti che parametrizzano la violazione di Lorentz. In particolare, per i coefficienti che violano CPT otteniamo i vincoli più forti ad oggi, anche considerando osservabili non cosmologiche. Per concludere, analizziamo gli effetti di teorie della gravità scalari-tensoriali che violano la parità durante l’inflazione, concentrandoci sulla non-Gaussianità delle onde gravitazionali primordiali. Calcoliamo la predizione teorica per il bispettro primordiale e discutiamo le prospettive per un’osservazione di questi effetti di violazione di parità tramite esperimenti di CMB futuri

Parity violation in inflationary models

Parity symmetry is a fundamental property of the gravitational interaction in the description provided by General Relativity. Therefore its breaking could be a signal of deviation from such a standard model. Since inflation involves very high energy scales, it provides a unique window to test fundamental physics. In this thesis we study inflation within new parity violating theories of gravity that have been recently proposed. These theories generalize Chern-Simons gravity by including in the action coupling terms to gravity involving first and second derivatives of a scalar field (the inflaton field, in the context of inflation). Besides breaking parity, these theories also break Lorentz invariance. Our purposes are to see whether the new couplings lead to detectable parity breaking signatures in the power spectrum of primordial gravitational waves and whether they modify the tensor power spectrum, possibly leading to a blue power spectrum of primordial gravitational waves. Having a blue power spectrum means that the amplitude of tensor perturbations increases going to lower scales. This could be an important feature, because it could enhance the spectrum of primordial gravitational waves at scales relevant for interferometers. We find that the two circular polarization states evolve following different dynamical equations. Moreover, the speed of propagation of tensor modes is modified and aquires different values for the two polarization states during inflation. In the case of the theory with second derivatives of the scalar field we find that the term which corrects the tensor speed is however highly suppressed, working in the regime where we avoid the production of ghost fields. Hence the conclusions are analogous to the case with Chern-Simons gravity, both for the chirality in the tensor power spectrum and for the tensor spectral index. In the case of the theory with only first derivatives of the scalar field there is instead an additional contribution that modifies the tensor speed and which can be relevant if the couplings of the new operators have large time derivatives during inflation. We comment on possible interesting phenomenological signatures arising from this feature.ope

Investigating landfill leachate toxicity in vitro: A review of cell models and endpoints

Landfill leachate is a complex mixture characterized by high toxicity and able to contaminate soils and waters surrounding the dumpsite, especially in developing countries where engineered landfills are still rare. Leachate pollution can severely damage natural ecosystems and harm human health. Traditionally, the hazard assessment of leachate is based on physicochemical characterization but the toxicity is not considered. In the last few decades, different bioassays have been used to assess the toxicity of this complex matrix, including human-related in vitro models. This article reviews the cell bioassays successfully used for the risk assessment of leachate and to evaluate the efficiency of toxicity removal of several processes for detoxification of this wastewater. Articles from 2003 to 2018 are covered, focusing mainly on studies that used human cell lines, highlighting the usefulness and adequacy of in vitro models for assessing the hazard involved with exposure to leachate, particularly as an integrative supporting tool for chemical-based risk assessment. Leachate is generally toxic, mutagenic, genotoxic and estrogenic in vitro, and these effects can be measured in the cells exposed to already low concentrations, confirming the serious hazard of this wastewater for human health. Keywords: Landfill leachate, In vitro models, Estrogenicity, Genotoxicity, Human cell line

Productos congelados de pollo

From 1987 to 1990 Puerto Rico imported an average of 148 million pounds of chicken per year. Even though local poultry production has been steadily increasing, there is still need to replace imports with locally elaborated products. To provide alternatives that can be used to diversify and increase local poultry production, we developed convenience frozen products: fricassee, patties, nuggets, rolls, uncooked and precooked breaded breast fillets and baked chicken in cream sauce. The sensory parameters measured included appearance, flavor, texture and overall acceptability. All samples were evaluated for up to 6-month frozen storage. Results indicated that all products developed were highly rated by the taste panel. This finding suggests that there is a market potential for the developed products. A quality shelf-life of at least 6 months should prove adequate to provide enough room for successful marketing. Since these products were formulated as prime quality foods, ingredient substitution or omission to lower production cost could be considered by whoever produces these products commercially if such cost reduction is desired.De 1987 a 1990 Puerto Rico importó un promedio de 148 millones de libras de pollo por año. Aunque la producción local de pollos ha estado aumentando constantemente, se hace necesario substituir importaciones con productos elaborados localmente. A manera de proveer alternativas que puedan utilizarse para diversifiar y expandir la producción local de pollos, se desarrollaron varios productos congelados. Éstos incluyeron fricasé, hamburguesas ("patties"), "nuggets", pastelón enrollado, filetes de pechuga empanados crudos y precocidos y pollo asado en salsa cremosa. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que todos los productos desarrollados fueron considerados del gusto del panel de catadores, los parámetros sensoriales evaluados incluyeron apariencia, sabor, textura y aceptabilidad general. Todas las muestras se evaluaron por hasta 6 meses de almacenaje congelado. Estos resultados señalan el buen potencial de mercadeo de estos productos. Una durabilidad en almacenaje de por lo menos 6 meses sin que se pierda calidad debe ser adecuada para proveer suficiente tiempo para un buen mercadeo. Debido a que estos productos fueron formulados como alimentos de alta calidad, quien los vaya a producir comercialmente podría considerar substituir u omitir ingredientes a manera de reducir los costos de producción según las exigencias del mercado

Indoor Companion Animal Poisoning by Plants in Europe

Indoor plant poisoning poses serious threats to companion animals. One of the major reasons of this kind of hazard can be identified in the increased amount of time that the pets spend indoor, sharing the domestic environment with their owners. In this review, the toxic houseplants most commonly associated with companion animal poisoning in Europe and well-documented in the literature are emphasized. An analysis of the major and emerging plant species accountable for companion animal poisoning is proposed, in order to provide a framework of the factors influencing these incidents. Indeed, knowing the way substances may induce toxic effects in companion animals can be useful in allowing easier diagnosis and treatment processes. In conclusion, the Authors argue that a better characterization of the phenomenon, as well as of its extent, would be allowed by the availability of a centralized system for the data collection. Furthermore, better information and awareness on the issue may help developing a focused corrective approach to prevent indoor pet poisoning in Europe

CANNING AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF SWEET POTATO DESSERT

CANNING AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF SWEET POTATO DESSER