Addendum to: Model-dependent and -independent implications of the first Sudbury Neutrino Observatory results

In the light of recent experimental and theoretical improvements, we review our previous model-independent comparison [hep-ph/0106247] of the Super-Kamiokande (SK) and Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) solar neutrino event rates, including updated values for the ``equalized'' SK datum and for the reference Standard Solar Model (SSM) B neutrino flux. We find that the joint SK+SNO evidence for active neutrino flavor transitions is confirmed at the level of 3.3 standard deviations, independently of possible transitions to sterile states. Barring sterile neutrinos, we estimate the 3-sigma range for the $^8$B neutrino flux (normalized to SSM) as f_B=0.96 +0.54-0.55. Accordingly, the 3-sigma range for the energy-averaged nu_e survival probability is found to be = 0.31 +0.55-0.16, independently of the functional form of P_ee. An increase of the reference nu_e + d --> p + p + e cross section by ~3%, as suggested by recent theoretical calculations, would slightly shift the central values of f_B and of to ~1.00 and ~0.29, respectively, and would strengthen the model-independent evidence for nu_e transitions into active states at the level of ~3.6 sigma.Comment: 6 pages + 2 figures. Addendum to hep-ph/010624

Neutrino masses and mixings: Status of known and unknown 3ν3\nu parameters

Within the standard 3nu mass-mixing framework, we present an up-to-date global analysis of neutrino oscillation data (as of January 2016), including the latest available results from experiments with atmospheric neutrinos (Super-Kamiokande and IceCube DeepCore), at accelerators (first T2K anti-nu and NOvA nu runs in both appearance and disappearance mode), and at short-baseline reactors (Daya Bay and RENO far/near spectral ratios), as well as a reanalysis of older KamLAND data in the light of the "bump" feature recently observed in reactor spectra. We discuss improved constraints on the five known oscillation parameters (delta m^2, |Delta m^2|, sin^2theta_12, sin^2theta_13, sin^2theta_23), and the status of the three remaining unknown parameters: the mass hierarchy, the theta_23 octant, and the possible CP-violating phase delta. With respect to previous global fits, we find that the reanalysis of KamLAND data induces a slight decrease of both delta m^2 and sin^2theta_12, while the latest accelerator and atmospheric data induce a slight increase of |Delta m^2|. Concerning the unknown parameters, we confirm the previous intriguing preference for negative values of sin(delta) [with best-fit values around sin(delta) ~ -0.9], but we find no statistically significant indication about the theta_23 octant or the mass hierarchy (normal or inverted). Assuming an alternative (so-called LEM) analysis of NOvA data, some delta ranges can be excluded at >3 sigma, and the normal mass hierarchy appears to be slightly favored at 90% C.L. We also describe in detail the covariances of selected pairs of oscillation parameters. Finally, we briefly discuss the implications of the above results on the three non-oscillation observables sensitive to the (unknown) absolute nu mass scale: the sum of nu masses, the effective nu_e mass, and the effective Majorana mass.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables. Invited contribution prepared for the Nuclear Physics B Special Issue on "Neutrino Oscillations" celebrating the Nobel Prize in Physics 201

Atmospheric, Solar, and CHOOZ neutrinos: a global three generation analysis

We perform a global three generation analysis of the current solar and atmospheric evidence in favor of neutrino oscillations. We also include the negative results coming from CHOOZ to constrain the nu_e mixing. We study the zones of mass-mixing oscillations parameters compatible with all the data. It is shown that almost pure nu_mu nu_tau oscillations are required to explain the atmospheric neutrino anomaly and almost pure nu_1 nu_2 oscillations to account for the solar neutrino deficit.Comment: 4 pages, talk given at 36th Rencontres de Moriond: Electroweak Interactions and Unified Theories, Les Arcs, France, 10-17 Mar 200

Status of three-neutrino oscillation parameters, circa 2013

The standard three-neutrino (3nu) oscillation framework is being increasingly refined by results coming from different sets of experiments, using neutrinos from solar, atmospheric, accelerator and reactor sources. At present, each of the known oscillation parameters [the two squared mass gaps (delta m^2, Delta m^2) and the three mixing angles (theta_12}, theta_13, theta_23)] is dominantly determined by a single class of experiments. Conversely, the unknown parameters [the mass hierarchy, the theta_23 octant and the CP-violating phase delta] can be currently constrained only through a combined analysis of various (eventually all) classes of experiments. In the light of recent new results coming from reactor and accelerator experiments, and of their interplay with solar and atmospheric data, we update the estimated N-sigma ranges of the known 3nu parameters, and revisit the status of the unknown ones. Concerning the hierarchy, no significant difference emerges between normal and inverted mass ordering. A slight overall preference is found for theta_23 in the first octant and for nonzero CP violation with sin delta < 0; however, for both parameters, such preference exceeds 1 sigma only for normal hierarchy. We also discuss the correlations and stability of the oscillation parameters within different combinations of data sets.Comment: Updated and revised version, accepted for publication in PRD. The analysis includes the latest (March 2014) T2K disappearance data: all the figures and the numerical results have been updated, and parts of the text have been revised accordingl

Sterile neutrinos as subdominant warm dark matter

In light of recent findings which seem to disfavor a scenario with (warm) dark matter entirely constituted of sterile neutrinos produced via the Dodelson-Widrow (DW) mechanism, we investigate the constraints attainable for this mechanism by relaxing the usual hypothesis that the relic neutrino abundance must necessarily account for all of the dark matter. We first study how to reinterpret the limits attainable from X-ray non-detection and Lyman-alpha forest measurements in the case that sterile neutrinos constitute only a fraction fs of the total amount of dark matter. Then, assuming that sterile neutrinos are generated in the early universe solely through the DW mechanism, we show how the X-ray and Lyman-alpha results jointly constrain the mass-mixing parameters governing their production. Furthermore, we show how the same data allow us to set a robust upper limit fs < 0.7 at the 2 sigma level, rejecting the case of dominant dark matter (fs = 1) at the ~ 3 sigma level.Comment: Minor changes; added references; version accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

The effect of water-restriction on various physiological variables in intensively reared Lacaune ewes

The effects of water restriction on rectal temperature, respiratory rate and selected blood variables in intensively reared Lacaune ewes were evaluated. The tests were carried out over the course of 28 days in spring on 30 lactating sheep divided into three groups of 10 animals each, matched by lactation status and body weight and allocated into individual boxes. The animal groups were as follows: control group W100 with drinking water for the whole day (24 h/24 h), while the two experimental groups each received 80% (W80 group) and 60% (W60 group) of the water ration of the control group, respectively. The feed, in according with physiological and production needs of the animals, was administered in three daily meals (08:00, 14:00 and 20:00 h). Water intake was recorded three times per day (at 08:00, 14:00 and 20:00 h) and the daily feed intake at 08:00 h, while the rectal temperature, respiratory rate were measured and blood samplings were carried out on Day 0, Day 14 and Day 28. In water-restriction groups (W80 and W60) a lower (P &lt; 0.01) feed intake of meadow hay, and a lower ingestion of alfalfa hay pellet in the W60 group compared to W100 group were observed. In addition, the water restriction regimen resulted in a significant decrease of respiratory rate (P &lt; 0.05) and an increase in serum total protein, urea, creatinine, sodium, chlorine, reactive oxygen metabolites, cortisol, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (P &lt; 0.05), red blood cell counts, and haematocrit (P &lt; 0.01). These results show the important role of water, as limiting factor for animal breeding in low-water availability environments. Where possible, the management of low-dairy breeds should be well adapted to support the productive performance

L'AGESILAO DI SENOFONTE: FRA ENCOMIO E APOLOGIA

The present dissertation provides a commentary to Xenophon's Agesilaus, focusing on the text's literary, rhetorical, narrative and stylistic aspects. Though said to be an encomium in the words of its author, the work is basically an attempt to defend the Spartan king from the accusation of having caused the crisis and ultimate downfall of the Spartan egemony. In order to outline the apologetic strategies, by which Xenophon twists the historical truth about Agesilaus and his policies as a king and general, the text is compared with the narratives offered by Xenophon's Hellenica, especially in the \u201cdeeds\u201d section of the encomium, whereas in the part regarding Agesilaus' virtues comparisons are made with Xenophon's works about Socrates and Cyrus the Great, as the Spartan king's portrait seems to be drawn from a Socratic perspective