Cosmological Consequences of QCD Phase Transition(s) in Early Universe

We discuss the cosmological consequences of QCD phase transition(s) on the early universe. We argue that our recent knowledge about the transport properties of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) should throw additional lights on the actual time evolution of our universe. Understanding the nature of QCD phase transition(s), which can be studied in lattice gauge theory and verified in heavy ion experiments, provides an explanation for cosmological phenomenon stem from early universe.Comment: 8 pages, 2 eps figure

Using a smartphone app to identify signs of pre-eclampsia and/or worsening blood pressure

Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate 10% of pregnancies and can have serious consequences. Aims To explore the experiences of pregnant women with a history of hypertension using an innovative home blood pressure monitoring device. Methods A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach was undertaken. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Women were given a blood pressure machine to monitor their blood pressure daily. They inserted their blood pressure results on a smartphone app and answered questions for signs of pre-eclampsia. Participants were followed up every 2 weeks. Findings The results suggested that women wanted a holistic care pathway for the management of hypertension in pregnancy. Three subcategories (‘empowerment’, ‘comparison of care pathways’ and ‘continuity of care’) were also identified. Conclusions The traditional management of hypertension in pregnancy is not holistic. The home blood pressure service was accepted by women and incorporated elements of holistic care but more is required to meet the standard of care that women need

Higgs boson decays into {\gamma}{\gamma} and Z{\gamma} in the MSSM and BLSSM

We calculate Higgs decay rates into {\gamma}{\gamma} and Z{\gamma} in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) and (B-L) Supersymmetric Standard Model (BLSSM) by allowing for contributions from light staus and charginos. We show that sizable departures are possible from the SM predictions for the 125 GeV state and that they are testable during run 2 at the Large Hadron Collider. Furthermore, we illustrate how a second light scalar Higgs signal in either or both these decay modes can be accessed at the CERN machine rather promptly within the BLSSM, a possibility instead precluded to the MSSM owing to the much larger mass of its heavy scalar state.Comment: Plots slightly modified, no significant chang

Dark Matter Annihilation and the PAMELA, FERMI and ATIC Anomalies

If dark matter (DM) annihilation accounts for the tantalizing excess of cosmic ray electron/positrons, as reported by the PAMELA, ATIC, HESS and FERMI observatories, then the implied annihilation cross section must be relatively large. This results, in the context of standard cosmological models, in very small relic DM abundances that are incompatible with astrophysical observations. We explore possible resolutions to this apparent conflict in terms of non-standard cosmological scenarios; plausibly allowing for large cross sections, while maintaining relic abundances in accord with current observations.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures; published for publication in Physical Review