Multi-Component Dark Matter: the vector and fermion case

Multi-component dark matter scenarios constitute natural extensions of standard single-component setups and offer attractive new dynamics that could be adopted to solve various puzzles of dark matter. In this work we present and illustrate properties of a minimal UV-complete vector-fermion dark matter model where two or three dark sector particles are stable. The model we consider is an extension of the Standard Model (SM) by spontaneously broken extra $U(1)_X$ gauge symmetry and a Dirac fermion. All terms in the Lagrangian which are consistent with the assumed symmetry are present, so the model is renormalizable and consistent. To generate mass for the dark-vector $X_\mu$ the Higgs mechanism with a complex singlet $S$ is employed in the dark sector. Dark matter candidates are the massive vector boson $X_\mu$ and two Majorana fermions $\psi_\pm$. All the dark sector fields are singlets under the SM gauge group. The set of three coupled Boltzmann equations has been solved numerically and discussed. We have performed scans over the parameter space of the model implementing the total relic abundance and direct detection constraints. The dynamics of the vector-fermion dark matter model is very rich and various interesting phenomena appear, in particular, when the standard annihilations of a given dark matter are suppressed then the semi-annihilations, conversions and decays within the dark sector are crucial for the evolution of relic abundance and its present value. Possibility of enhanced self-interaction has been also discussed.Comment: v2: 25 pages + appendices, 12 captioned figures, a section on multi-component self-interacting dark matter is added, matches the journal accepted versio

Thermal regularization of t-channel singularities in cosmology and particle physics: the general case

This paper presents a~way to regularize the $t$-channel singularity (which appears when a~massive, stable $t$-channel mediator of a~given process is allowed to be on-shell, making the cross section infinite) in a~general case of particles of any spin (0,~\nicefrac12,~1) interacting within a~thermal medium. Those interactions result in a~finite lifetime of the mediator and allow to introduce an~effective momentum- and temperature-dependent width. As a result, the would-be-singular cross section becomes finite. A~complete derivation and an analytical result for the width are provided. For an illustration, the method is used to calculate the thermal widths and cross sections within the~Vector-Fermion Dark Matter model.Comment: v3: 31 pages, 10 figures, 9 tables; matches the revised version to appear in JHE

Artistic Practices: social interactions and cultural dynamics

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the link in this record.Book Review of: Zembylas, T. (Ed.). (2014). Artistic Practices: social interactions and cultural dynamics. Routledg

Dark-matter-spin effects at future e+e−e^{+} e^{-} colliders

We discuss possibility to detect spin 0, 1 and 1/2 dark matter (DM) at future $e^{+} e^{-}$ colliders. The models considered here are simple, consistent and renormalizable field theories, that provide correct DM abundance and satisfy direct detection, indirect detection and collider constraints. The intention of this paper was to verify to what extend it might be possible to disentangle models of different DM spins by measurement of the cross section for $e^{+} e^{-} \to Z + \ldots\,$ at future $e^{+} e^{-}$ colliders. We specialize to the case of the ILC operating at $\sqrt{s} = 250~\text{GeV}$, however our results apply as well for the FCC-ee and the CEPC colliders. For each model the cross section maximized with respect to parameters was calculated and compared to the expected 95% CL cross-section limits estimated for the ILC. It turned out that near $2 m_{\text{DM}}\simeq m_{1,2}$ resonances, where $m_{1}$ and $m_{2}$ are the SM Higgs boson and a non-standard Higgs boson masses, respectively, there exist substantial regions where the models are testable. A special attention has been payed to calculation of the cross section in the region where $m_{1}\simeq m_{2}$.Comment: 31 pages, 13 figures; v2: matches the version to appear in JHE

Les politiques agraires au Sénégal [Agricultural policies in Senegal]

Au Sénégal, la transition vers l'agroécologie est freinée par un équilibre précaire entre les politiques agricoles conventionnelles et les efforts pour une agriculture plus respectueuse de l'environnement. La majorité des politiques reste orientée vers une agriculture productiviste. L'impact des initiatives internationales reste également limité. Bien que les ONG soutiennent l'agroécologie, leur influence est limitée par une diplomatie de coopération internationale. La dépendance à l'égard des financements étrangers entrave également la transition. L'agroécologie est souvent cantonnée à des projets spécifiques, malgré le besoin pressant d'une transformation systémique. [In Senegal, the transition towards agroecology is hindered by a precarious balance between traditional agricultural policies and efforts towards a more environmentally friendly agriculture. The majority of policies remain oriented towards a productivist agriculture. The impact of international initiatives also remains limited Although NGOs support agroecology, their influence is limited by a diplomacy of international cooperation. Dependence on foreign funding also impedes the transition. Agroecology is often confined to specific projects, despite the pressing need for a systemic transformation.]JRC.D.4 - Economics of the Food Syste

Causative Pathogens of Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection: An International Multicenter Study

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to investigate the microbiological spectrum of endophthalmitis after anti- VEGF injections and to compare streptococcal with nonstreptococcus- associated cases with regard to baseline characteristics and injection procedure. Methods: Retrospective,international multicenter study of patients with culture-positive endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection at 17 different retina referral centers. Results: Eighty-three cases with 87 identified pathogens were included. Coagulasenegative staphylococci (59%) and viridans streptococci (15%) were the most frequent pathogens found. The use of postoperative antibiotics and performance of injections in an operating room setting significantly reduced the rate of streptococcus-induced endophthalmitis cases (p = 0.01 for both). Conclusion: We found a statistically significant lower rate of postinjectional local antibiotic therapy and operating room-based procedures among the streptococcus-induced cases compared to cases caused by other organisms

Anatomical and functional outcomes of symptomatic idiopathic vitreomacular traction

Purpose: To describe the natural history of eyes with symptomatic idiopathic vitreomacular traction (VMT). Methods: Retrospective multicenter study of 168 eyes with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings consistent with idiopathic VMT. All eyes were graded according to SD-OCT findings. Grade 1 was defined as incomplete cortical vitreous separation with foveal attachment. Grade 2 was defined as Grade 1 plus intraretinal cysts or clefts. Grade 3 was defined as Grade 2 plus a foveal detachment. All patients were followed for at least 6 months. Results: There were 168 patients (51 men) with a mean age of 68.8 ± 10.7 years. Patients were followed for a mean of 22.7 ± 20.1 months. The mean duration of symptoms before the initial presentation was 3.65 ± 5.42 months. At baseline, 72 eyes had Grade 1, 74 eyes had Grade 2, and 22 eyes had Grade 3 SD-OCT findings. Over the follow-up period, 36 eyes (21.4%) had spontaneous resolution of the VMT with normalization of the foveal anatomy. The mean time to resolution was 12.3 ± 12.6 months. An unfavorable anatomical outcome occurred in 7.7% (13 of 168) of the eyes, with 6 eyes developing a lamellar macular hole and 7 eyes developing a full-thickness macular hole. This occurred at a mean of 10.3 ± 10.7 months after the presentation. Subgroup analysis based on baseline SD-OCT grade showed that 4.1% (3 of 73) of Grade 1 eyes compared with 6.8% (5 of 74) of Grade 2 eyes, and 23.8% (5 of 21) of Grade 3 eyes developed a full-thickness macular hole or lamellar macular hole (P 0.0109, chi-square test). In the remaining 119 eyes, at the last follow-up, 65 eyes had Grade 1, 42 eyes had Grade 2, and 12 eyes had Grade 3 VMT. On average, the best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.40 ± 0.35 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Snellen, 20/50) at baseline to 0.35 ± 0.36 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Snellen, 20/45; P 0.0372), and the mean central macular thickness improved from 350 ± 132 m to 323 ± 121 m. Conclusion: Spontaneous resolution of VMT occurred in 21.4% (36 of 168) of eyes after a mean follow-up of 11.4 ± 12.6 months. An unfavorable anatomical outcome occurred in 7.7% (13 of 168) of eyes. The baseline SD-OCT grade may predict the progression to full-thickness macular hole

Baseline predictors for visual acuity loss during observation in diabetic macular oedema with good baseline visual acuity

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