Identification of indirect new physics effects at e^+e^- colliders: the large extra dimensions case

We discuss indirect manifestations of graviton exchange, predicted by large extra dimensions, in fermion-pair production at a high-energy e^+e^- collider. By means of specifically defined asymmetries among integrated angular distributions, the graviton exchange signal can be cleanly distinguished from the effects of either vector-vector contact interactions or heavy scalar exchanges. The role of initial electron and positron beams polarization is also discussed. The method is applied to a quantitative assessment of the sensitivity to the mass cut-off parameter M_H of the KK graviton tower in the ADD scenario, and of the potential identification reach of this mechanism obtainable at the currently planned Linear Collider.Comment: 21 pages, 11 figure

Z' signal from the LEP2 data

The many-parametric fit of the LEP2 data on e^+e^-\to e^+e^-, \mu^+\mu^-, \tau^+\tau^- processes is performed to estimate signals of the Abelian Z'-boson beyond the standard model. The model-independent relations between the Z' couplings to the standard model particles allow to describe the Z' effects in lepton processes by 4 independent parameters. No signal is found by the complete LEP2 data set, and the 1.3\sigma signal is detected by the fit of the backward bins. The Z' couplings to the vector and axial-vector lepton currents are constrained. The comparisons with the one-parameter fits and with the LEP1 experiments are performed.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, RevTeX. The paper was completely rewritten. The errors in the first version were eliminated. The comparison with the LEP1 data is adde

A comparison of techniques to optimize measurement of voltage changes in electrical impedance tomography by minimizing phase shift errors

In electrical impedance tomography, errors due to stray capacitance may be reduced by optimization of the reference phase of the demodulator. Two possible methods, maximization of the demodulator output and minimization of reciprocity error have been assessed, applied to each electrode combination individually, or to all combinations as a whole. Using an EIT system with a single impedance measuring circuit and multiplexer to address the 16 electrodes, the methods were tested on resistor-capacitor networks, saline-filled tanks and humans during variation of the saline concentration of a constant fluid volume in the stomach. Optimization of each channel individually gave less error, particularly on humans, and maximization of the output of the demodulator was more robust. This method is, therefore, recommended to optimize systems and reduce systematic errors with similar EIT systems

Signals of Z' boson in the Bhabha process within the LEP2 data set

The LEP2 data set on the Bhabha process is analyzed with the aim to detect the signals of the heavy virtual Z' gauge bosons. The state interacting with the left-handed standard-model doublets and called the Chiral Z' is investigated. This particle was introduced already as the low-energy state allowed by the renormalizability of the model. The contribution of the Chiral Z' state to the Bhabha process is described by two parameters: the coupling to electrons and the Z-Z' mixing angle. The sign-definite one-parameter observable is proposed to measure the Z' coupling to the electron current. The one-parameter fit of the data shows no signals of the particle. The alternative two-parameter fit of the differential cross-sections is also performed. It also shows no Chiral Z' signals. The comparisons with other fits are discussed.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures. The paper was completely rewritten on the base of new dat

Development and evaluation of an early detection intervention for mouth cancer using a mass media approach

Scotland has a high incidence of mouth cancer, but public awareness and knowledge are low compared with other cancers. The West of Scotland Cancer Awareness Project sought to increase public awareness and knowledge of mouth cancer and to encourage early detection of symptoms among an at-risk population of people aged over 40 years from lower socio-economic groups using a mass media approach. The media campaign aimed to increase people’s feelings of personal risk, while also enhancing feelings of efficacy and control. To achieve this, a testimonial approach (using real people to tell their own stories) was adopted

Correlations between rail wear rates and operating conditions in a commercial railroad

The rail wear rates per traffic unit (mm/MTon) in the curves of a 4.5 km-long commercial line over a period of 9 years were measured and related to specific operation conditions. The rail corrugation was analyzed using a Corrugation Analysis Trolley (CAT) and visual inspection was carried out in order to identify the defects in the railroad. Since Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF), artificial abrasion and corrugation were found to be the most important issues the grinding procedures used during maintenance of the railroad were evaluated to assess their effectiveness on removing the defects from the rail surface. The results showed that the wear rates in the studied railroad were several times higher than those typically found in the literature, mainly as a consequence of inappropriate grinding regimes. White layer formation and only partial removal of cracks emerged as the most relevant drawbacks of rail grinding procedures

Learning from the implementation of Universal Free School Meals in Scotland using Normalisation Process Theory:Lessons for policymakers to engage multiple stakeholders

In 2014/15, Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) were introduced in Scotland and England for children in their first three years of primary school. This study examined the implementation of UFSM in Scotland using Noramlisation Process Theory (NPT), a middle-range theory of implementation, to identify areas of learning for policymakers wishing to introduce or extend similar policies. NPT is predominantly used to evaluate interventions or new technologies in healthcare settings. Qualitative data were collected across Scotland using a case study approach shortly after implementation (n = 29 school-level stakeholders) and in the following school year (n = 18 school-level stakeholders and n = 19 local authority-level stakeholders). Observations of lunchtime in each school were conducted at both timepoints. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach using NPT constructs and sub-constructs. Results suggested education and catering stakeholders experiences of implementation diverged most around the NPT concepts of coherence, cognitive participation, and reflexive monitoring. Lack of coherence around the purpose and long-term benefits of UFSM appeared to reduce education stakeholders’ willingness to engage with the policy beyond operational issues. In contrast, catering stakeholders identified a direct benefit to their everyday work and described receiving additional resources to deliver the policy. Overall, participants described an absence of monitoring data around the areas of greatest salience for education stakeholders. This study successfully used NPT to identify policy learning around school meals. Policymakers must increase the salience of such intersectoral policies for all relevant stakeholders involved before policy implementation, and plan adequate monitoring to evaluate potential long-term benefits

Remotely Supported Prehospital Ultrasound : Real-Time Communication Technology for Remote and Rural Communities

Highlands & Islands Enterprise, UK Technology Strategy Board’s Space and Life Sciences Catapult, University of Aberdeen’s dot.rural Digital Economy HubPeer reviewedPublisher PD

The light curve of a transient X-ray source

The Ariel-V satellite monitored the X-ray light curve of A1524-62 almost continuously from 40 days prior to maximum light until its disappearance below the effective experimental sensitivity. The source exhibited maximum light on approximately 4 December 1974, at a level of 0.9 the apparent magnitude of the Crab Nebula in the energy band 3-6 keV. Although similar to previously reported transient sources with a decay time constant of approximately 2 months, the source exhibited an extended, variable pre-flare on-state of about 1 month at a level of greater than approximately 0.1 maximum light. The four bright (greater than 0.2 of the Crab Nebula) transient sources observed during the first half-year of Ariel-V operation are indicative of a galactic disk distribution, and a luminosity at maximum in excess of 10 to the 37th power ergs/sec