Search for supersymmetry with multiple charged leptons in proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 13 TeV

Results are reported from a search for physics beyond-the-standard-model, such as supersymmetry, in final states with at least three charged leptons, in any combination of electrons or muons. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 2.3 inverse femtobarns of proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 13 TeV, recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2015. Two jets are required in each event, providing good sensitivity to strong production of gluinos and squarks. The search regions, sensitive to a range of different supersymmetry scenarios, are defined using the number of jets tagged as originating from bottom quarks, the sum of the magnitudes of the transverse momenta of the jets, the imbalance in the overall transverse momentum in the event, and the invariant mass of opposite-sign, same-flavor lepton pairs. The event yields observed in data are consistent with the expected background contributions from standard model processes. These results are used to derive limits in terms of R-parity conserving simplified models of supersymmetry that describe strong production of gluinos and squarks. Model-independent limits are presented to facilitate the reinterpretation of the results in a broad range of scenarios for physics beyond the standard model

The Centaur 10199 Chariklo: investigation into rotational period, absolute magnitude, and cometary activity

Context. Rings have recently been discovered around the Centaur 10199 Chariklo. Aims. In this paper we present new photometric data, obtained at the 4.2 m SOAR Telescope, aiming to investigate Chariklo’s absolute magnitude and rotational period, which is still unknown, and to look for potential cometary activity. Methods. The field background of the images was very crowded so several approaches were used for the extraction of Chariklo fluxes. The background sources were subtracted using difference image analysis and then aperture photometry was applied. A Fourier polynomial fit was used to determine the period. Results. We find a synodic rotation period of 7.004±0.036 h. The visual absolute magnitude derived from the SOAR data is Hv = 7.03 ± 0.10. We model the rings’ contribution to the flux, and find that the derived Hv is consistent with the predicted ring system aspect angle. We also revised the Chariklo system albedo (4.2%) and effective radius (119 ± 5 km) from a re-analysis of Herschel and WISE thermal data obtained during 2010 with the correct Hv value. No coma is detected from the SOAR data, nor in previous VLT images acquired in 2007−2008, where the rings’ aspect angle was close to zero. The upper limit to the dust production rate is 2.5 kg/s

Institutionalising intersectionality in the European Union? Policy developments and contestations

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Policy advocacy in hard times: the impact of economic performance on gendering executive attention

Securing executive attention for new policy demands is notoriously difficult as governmental agendas are crowded by established or ‘core’ policy issues. This article investigates whether it is harder for new and costly policy issues to reach the government agenda when the economy is performing badly. It examines whether, and the extent to which, costly gender equality issues regarding women’s access to the labour market, equal treatment at work and care activities, are more likely to achieve executive attention when the economy is performing well. Using the Comparative Policy Agendas database, a systematic, quantitative analysis is conducted of when and why policies promoting sex equality in the division of labour reach executive agendas. The findings confirm that advocacy for costly gender equality measures is easier to make in times of economic growth. It is also found that female representation in parliament strengthens advocacy for executive attention and reduces friction on policy agenda change