Addressing the Multi-Channel Inverse Problem at High Energy Colliders: A Model Independent Approach to the Search for New Physics with Trileptons

We describe a method for interpreting trilepton searches at high energy colliders in a model-independent fashion and apply it to the recent searches at the Tevatron. The key step is to recognize that the trilepton signature is comprised of four experimentally very different channels defined by the number of tau-leptons in the trilepton state. Contributions from these multiple channels to the overall experimental sensitivity (cross section times branching ratio) are model-independent and can be parametrized in terms of relevant new particle masses. Given the trileptonic branching ratios of a specific model, these experimentally obtained multichannel sensitivities can be combined to obtain a cross section measurement that can be used to confront the model with data. Our model-independent results are more widely applicable than the current Tevatron trilepton results which are stated exclusively in terms of mSUGRA parameters of supersymmetry. The technique presented here can be expanded beyond trilepton searches to the more general "inverse problem" of experimentally discriminating between competing models that seek to explain new physics discovered in multiple channels.Comment: 17 pages, 7 figures Changed content cosmetic changes for submission to JHE

The opportunities and challenges of digitalization for SME's

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME's) are prevalent in the South African Industry and have been globally recognized for their contributions to economic development, job creation, poverty alleviation, and innovation. Although SME's are aware and can benefit significantly from digital systems, the time, skills, and finances required to develop SME-specific systems are prohibitive. This is because the ability to define sensor to enterprise systems demands for SME's is dependent on specific needs. The current solutions that are offered to SME's are stand-alone and not integrated. This research provides insights into the engagement and development of a demand-driven SME ecosystem. The research provides insights into the digital system priorities of some 200 South African SME's. Based on the analysis of the survey conducted, the researchers designed and developed the initial four systems for SME's out of the 10 identified. This paper covers the data gathering, design, and delivery phase of the 4 functions

Unified Geometrically Nonlinear Formulation of All Higher-order Shear Deformation Theories for Cross-ply Plates

Several higher-order shear deformation theories have been proposed for laminated plates, based on the expansions of displacements across the thickness, which are the same for all layers. In this study, a unified formulation of all higher-order theories is presented for cross-ply laminated plates based on polynomial expansions of displacements in the thickness coordinate z. It includes all the models available in literature. The governing equations for linear static and free vibfation response, and for buckling under inplane load are derived. The expressions for the stiffness matrix, inertia matrix, geometric stiffness matrix, and the load vector are developed for a simply supported rectangular plate using Navier's solution. A general purpose, single programme has been developed for all higher-order laminated plate theories

Empowered Empathetic Encounters: Building International Collaborations through researching writing in the context of South African Higher Education and Beyond

Abstract: In this article, the authors propose the idea of ‘empowered empathetic encounters’ as a key success factor in the building of effective international inter-institutional collaboration. By empowered empathetic encounters the authors mean those supported pivotal occasions where researchers meet with colleagues with whom they wish to collaborate in face-to-face settings in order to try to understand, in a meaningful way, each other’s concerns and what it means to live and work in each other’s contexts. In their work, the authors combine their personal and collective experiences with an analysis of these in the context of the existing literature. In this way, they wish to engage in a process of ‘thinking the cultural through the self’ (Probyn 1993) and ‘thinking theory WKURXJK’ researchers’ own experiences (Mann 2008, 10 – emphasis in original). They further suggest that engaged encounters of this nature can provide the bedrock for successful, longterm collaboration

Characteristics of a cohort of high-risk men who have sex with men on pre-exposure prophylaxis reporting transgender sexual partners.

Transgender people continue to be at high-risk for HIV acquisition, but little is known about the characteristics of their sexual partners. To address this gap, we examined sociodemographic and sexual characteristics of cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reporting transgender sexual partners.A cohort of 392 MSM in southern California in a randomized clinical trial for PrEP adherence were followed from 2013 to 2016. Multivariable generalized estimating equation and logistic models identified characteristics of MSM reporting transgender sexual partners and PrEP adherence.Only 14 (4%) MSM reported having transgender sexual partners. MSM were more likely to report transgender partners if they were African American, had incident chlamydia, reported injection drug-using sexual partners, or received items for sex. Most associations remained significant in the multivariable model: African American (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 11.20, P = .01), incident chlamydia (AOR 3.71, P = .04), and receiving items for sex (AOR 5.29, P = .04). There were no significant differences in PrEP adherence between MSM reporting transgender partners and their counterpart.MSM who report transgender sexual partners share characteristics associated with individuals with high HIV prevalence. Identifying this group distinct from larger cohorts of MSM could offer new HIV prevention opportunities for this group of MSM and the transgender community

Vulnerability from storm surges and cyclone wind fields on the coast of Andhra Pradesh, India

The results presented here are from a study conducted for the government of the state of Andhra Pradesh (GOAP) in India, as part of a World Bank project on cyclone mitigation. A set of detailed maps were prepared depicting the Physical Vulnerability (PV), specifically storm surge inundation zones are shown for frequent occurrence, 50-year return period, likely scenario for global warming and extreme global warming. Similarly vulnerable areas from strong wind field from tropical cyclones (TCS) are also presented for the same four parameters. Vulnerability zones are presented from a social point of view also based upon certain socio-economic parameters that were included in determining the overall vulnerability of each Mandal in a coastal district (a Mandal represents a group of villages and towns) include: population, senior citizens, women, children under different age groups, type of housing, income level, cyclone shelters, hospitals and medical centres, schools and caste based population. The study is about scenarios that could happen if global warming and the predicted intensification of TCS actually occur as predicted by some numerical models