Strong tW Scattering at the LHC

Deviations of the top electroweak couplings from their Standard Model values imply that certain amplitudes for the scattering of third generation fermions and longitudinally polarized vector bosons or Higgses diverge quadratically with momenta. This high-energy growth is a genuine signal of models where the top quark is strongly coupled to the sector responsible for electroweak symmetry breaking. We propose to profit from the high energies accessible at the LHC to enhance the sensitivity to non-standard top-$Z$ couplings, which are currently very weakly constrained. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, we perform a detailed analysis of $tW \to tW$ scattering, which can be probed at the LHC via $pp\to t\bar{t}Wj$. By recasting a CMS analysis at 8 TeV, we derive the strongest direct bounds to date on the $Ztt$ couplings. We also design a dedicated search at 13 TeV that exploits the distinctive features of the $t\bar{t}Wj$ signal. Finally, we present other scattering processes in the same class that could provide further tests of the top-Higgs sector.Comment: 37 pages, 10 figures; v2: minor improvements in the discussion, references added. Matches version published in JHE

The DeepHealth Toolkit: A Unified Framework to Boost Biomedical Applications

Given the overwhelming impact of machine learning on the last decade, several libraries and frameworks have been developed in recent years to simplify the design and training of neural networks, providing array-based programming, automatic differentiation and user-friendly access to hardware accelerators. None of those tools, however, was designed with native and transparent support for Cloud Computing or heterogeneous High-Performance Computing (HPC). The DeepHealth Toolkit is an open source Deep Learning toolkit aimed at boosting productivity of data scientists operating in the medical field by providing a unified framework for the distributed training of neural networks, which is able to leverage hybrid HPC and cloud environments in a transparent way for the user. The toolkit is composed of a Computer Vision library, a Deep Learning library, and a front-end for non-expert users; all of the components are focused on the medical domain, but they are general purpose and can be applied to any other field. In this paper, the principles driving the design of the DeepHealth libraries are described, along with details about the implementation and the interaction between the different elements composing the toolkit. Finally, experiments on common benchmarks prove the efficiency of each separate component and of the DeepHealth Toolkit overall

Proyecto Mi Compu App

El presente proyecto se elabora en base a un emprendimiento que consiste en la creación de una página web con nombre “Mi Compu”. Este plan está diseñado para brindar un servicio recomendador de cualquier tipo de computadora o laptop, desde una básica hasta una gamer; y como complemento se ofrece los componentes de cómputo. El diferencial de este proyecto es el sistema recomendador con el que se cuenta, ya que este permite que el cliente encuentre su computadora o laptop ideal, solo llenando un sencillo y pequeño cuestionario, en vez de acercarse a una tienda física, lo cual ahora por pandemia es un poco riesgoso para su salud. De este modo podemos satisfacer dicha necesidad, trabajando de la mano con proveedores calificados, los cuales cuentan con productos de marcas variadas y de excelente calidad. A lo largo de las semanas se ha podido validar la viabilidad de este proyecto, por lo que se puede concluir que este modelo de negocio es rentable en el tiempo, y genera valor para los accionistas. Cabe resaltar que la estimación del periodo de recupero se da aproximadamente al mes 5 del primer año de operatividad del proyecto, ya que se presenta una utilidad neta positiva.This project is developed based on an undertaking that consists of the creation of a web page with the name "My Compu". This plan is designed to provide a recommended service for any type of computer or laptop, from a basic to a single player; and as a complement the computing components are offered. The differential of this project is the recommender system that is available, since this allows the client to find their ideal computer or laptop, just by filling out a simple and small questionnaire, instead of approaching a physical store, which now for pandemic is a bit risky for your health. In this way we can satisfy this need, working hand in hand with qualified suppliers, who have products of varied and excellent quality. Over the weeks it has been possible to validate the viability of this project, so it can be concluded that this business model is profitable over time, and generates value for shareholders. It should be noted that the estimation of the recovery period occurs approximately at month 5 of the first year of operation of the project, since a positive net profit is presented.Trabajo de investigació

Honey vs. Mite—a trade-off strategy by applying summer brood interruption for Varroa destructor control in the Mediterranean region

Ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor with its associated viruses is a common global threat to the health of honey bee colonies. If colonies are not treated, the vast majority die in a 3-year period. Existing acaricides used for treatment are becoming less effective, and new approaches to honey bee protection are required. A reliable method is to create a broodless condition in a colony by preventing the queen from laying eggs, and after 25 days all mites will be exposed to the treatment with organic acids or essential oils. The focus of our study, performed on 178 colonies in six Mediterranean countries, was to compare different periods of queen caging on honey production, colony development, and the effect of treatment. Queen caging had no negative effect on colony strength before the wintering period, while it affected honey production; colonies in which queens were caged two weeks before the main summer nectar flow produced significantly less honey. However, tested colonies ten weeks after the treatment had significantly lower infestation with V. destructor mites. This study shows that caging the queen with subsequent oxalic acid treatment 25 days after caging is an efficient method to control V. destructor infestation, while the starting point of queen caging in relation to the main summer nectar flow affects honey production

GRIPS - Gamma-Ray Imaging, Polarimetry and Spectroscopy

We propose to perform a continuously scanning all-sky survey from 200 keV to 80 MeV achieving a sensitivity which is better by a factor of 40 or more compared to the previous missions in this energy range. The Gamma-Ray Imaging, Polarimetry and Spectroscopy (GRIPS) mission addresses fundamental questions in ESA's Cosmic Vision plan. Among the major themes of the strategic plan, GRIPS has its focus on the evolving, violent Universe, exploring a unique energy window. We propose to investigate $\gamma$-ray bursts and blazars, the mechanisms behind supernova explosions, nucleosynthesis and spallation, the enigmatic origin of positrons in our Galaxy, and the nature of radiation processes and particle acceleration in extreme cosmic sources including pulsars and magnetars. The natural energy scale for these non-thermal processes is of the order of MeV. Although they can be partially and indirectly studied using other methods, only the proposed GRIPS measurements will provide direct access to their primary photons. GRIPS will be a driver for the study of transient sources in the era of neutrino and gravitational wave observatories such as IceCUBE and LISA, establishing a new type of diagnostics in relativistic and nuclear astrophysics. This will support extrapolations to investigate star formation, galaxy evolution, and black hole formation at high redshifts.Comment: to appear in Exp. Astron., special vol. on M3-Call of ESA's Cosmic Vision 2010; 25 p., 25 figs; see also www.grips-mission.e

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London