Digging into Axion Physics with (Baby)IAXO

Dark matter searches have been ongoing for three decades; the lack of a positive discovery of the main candidate, the WIMP, after dedicated efforts, has put axions and axion-like particles in the spotlight. The three main techniques employed to search for them complement each other well in covering a wide range in the parameter space defined by the axion decay constant and the axion mass. The International AXion Observatory (IAXO) is an international collaboration planning to build the fourth generation axion helioscope, with an unparalleled expected sensitivity and discovery potential. The distinguishing characteristic of IAXO is that it will feature a magnet that is designed to maximise the relevant parameters in sensitivity and which will be equipped with X-ray focusing devices and detectors that have been developed for axion physics. In this paper, we review aspects that motivate IAXO and its prototype, BabyIAXO, in the axion, and ALPs landscape. As part of this Special Issue, some emphasis is given on Spanish participation in the project, of which CAPA (Centro de Astroparticulas y Fisica de Altas Energias of the Universidad de Zaragoza) is a strong promoter

Osseointegrated finger prostheses using a tripod titanium mini-plate

BACKGROUND: Digital amputation is a common upper extremity injury and can cause significant impairment in hand function, as well as psychosocial stigma. Currently, the gold standard for the reconstruction of such injuries involves autologous reconstruction. However, when this or other autologous options are not available, prosthetic reconstruction can provide a functionally and aesthetically viable alternative. This study describes a novel technique, known as a tripod titanium mini-plate, for osseointegrated digit prostheses, and reviews the outcomes in a set of consecutive patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction of digit amputations was performed. Demographic information, occupation, mechanism of injury, number of amputated fingers, and level of amputation were reviewed. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) score, respectively. In addition, complications during the postoperative period were recorded. RESULTS: Seven patients were included in this study. Their average age was 29 years. Five patients had single-digit amputations and 2 patients had multiple-digit amputations. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Q-DASH score (average, 10.4) and VAS score (average, 9.1), respectively. One episode of mild cellulitis was seen at 24 months of follow-up. However, it was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. No other complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: When autologous reconstruction is not suitable for digit reconstruction, prosthetic osseointegrated reconstruction can provide good aesthetic and functional results. However, larger series with longer-term follow-up are required in order to rule out the possibility of other complications

Measuring the impact of ICNIRP vs. stricter-than-ICNIRP exposure limits on QoS and EMF from cellular networks

The installation of new equipment (Base Stations, BSs) during the planning phase of a cellular network (including 5G BSs) is governed by exposure limits in terms of allowable ElectroMagnetic Field (EMF) levels. The exposure limits can be either defined by (i) international bodies (e.g., ICNIRP) or (ii) national regulations imposing limits stricter than (i). In this work, we compare the impact of ICNIRP vs. stricter-than-ICNIRP exposure regulations on the Quality of Service (QoS) and EMF. To this aim, we perform a large-scale measurement campaign in one scenario in Spain subject to ICNIRP regulations and another one in Italy subject to EMF limits stricter than ICNIRP ones. Both the scenarios are characterized by similar exposure conditions, comparable user density, and common 4G performance targets by the operators. Results, obtained by measuring QoS and EMF at selected locations, reveal that the QoS in the scenario subject to strict EMF limits is heavily worsened compared to the one in which ICNIRP-based limits are enforced. Clearly, the scenario with strict EMF limits presents a lower level exposure over the territory compared to the one imposing ICNIRP limits