MIMAC: MIcro-tpc MAtrix of Chambers for dark matter directional detection

Directional detection of non-baryonic Dark Matter is a promising search strategy for discriminating WIMP events from neutrons, the ultimate background for dark matter direct detection. This strategy requires both a precise measurement of the energy down to a few keV and 3D reconstruction of tracks down to a few mm. The MIMAC (MIcro-tpc MAtrix of Chambers) collaboration has developed in the last years an original prototype detector based on the direct coupling of large pixelized micromegas with a special developed fast self-triggered electronics showing the feasibility of a new generation of directional detectors. The first bi-chamber prototype has been installed at Modane, underground laboratory in June 2012. The first undergournd background events, the gain stability and calibration are shown. The first spectrum of nuclear recoils showing 3D tracks coming from the radon progeny is presented.Comment: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Directional Dark Matter Detection CYGNUS2013, held in Toyoma (Japan), June 201

Measurement errors and implications for preprocessing in miniaturised near-infrared spectrometers: Classification of sweet and bitter almonds as a case of study

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a well-established analytical technique that has been used in many applications over the years. Due to the advancements in the semiconductor industry, NIR instruments have evolved from benchtop instruments to miniaturised portable devices. The miniaturised NIR instruments have gained more interest in recent years because of the fast and robust measurements they provide with almost no sample pretreatments. However, due to the very different configurations and characteristics of these instruments, they need a dedicated optimization of the measurement conditions, which is crucial for obtaining reliable results. To comprehensively grasp the capabilities and potentials offered by these sensors, it is imperative to examine errors that can affect the raw data, which is a facet frequently overlooked. In this study, measurement error covariance and correlation matrices were calculated and then visually inspected to gain insight into the error structures associated with the devices, and to find the optimal preprocessing technique that may result in the improvement of the models built. This strategy was applied to the classification of sweet and bitter almonds, which were measured with the three portable low-cost NIR devices (SCiO, FlameNIR+ and NeoSpectra Micro Development Kit) after removing the shelled, since their classification is of utmost importance for the almond industry. The results showed that bitter almonds can be classified from sweet almonds using any of the instruments after selecting the optimal preprocessing, obtained through inspection of covariance and correlation matrices. Measurements obtained with FlameNIR + device provided the best classification models with an accuracy of 98 %. The chosen strategy provides new insight into the performance characterization of the fast-growing miniaturised NIR instruments

Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopic (SORS) Analysis of Wine Alcoholic Fermentation: A Preliminary Study

Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) is a non-invasive analytical technique that allows the analysis of samples through a container. This makes it an effective tool for studying food and beverage products, as it can measure the sample without being affected by the packaging or the container. In this study, a portable SORS equipment was used for the first time to analyse the alcoholic fermentation process of white wine. Different sample measurement arrangements were tested in order to determine the most effective method for monitoring the fermentation process and predicting key oenological parameters. The best results were obtained when the sample was directly measured through the glass container in which the fermentation was occurring. This allowed for the accurate monitoring of the process and the prediction of density and pH with a root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) of 0.0029 g·L−1 and 0.04, respectively, and R2 values of 0.993 and 0.961 for density and pH, respectively. Additionally, the sources of variability depending on the measurement arrangements were studied using ANOVA-Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA)

Sub MeV Particles Detection and Identification in the MUNU detector ((1)ISN, IN2P3/CNRS-UJF, Grenoble, France, (2)Institut de Physique, Neuch\^atel, Switzerland, (3) INFN, Padova Italy, (4) Physik-Institut, Z\"{u}rich, Switzerland)

We report on the performance of a 1 m$^{3}$ TPC filled with CF$_{4}$ at 3 bar, immersed in liquid scintillator and viewed by photomultipliers. Particle detection, event identification and localization achieved by measuring both the current signal and the scintillation light are presented. Particular features of $\alpha$ particle detection are also discussed. Finally, the ${54}$Mn photopeak, reconstructed from the Compton scattering and recoil angle is shown.Comment: Latex, 19 pages, 20 figure

Assessment of variability sources in grape ripening parameters by using FTIR and multivariate modelling

The variability in grape ripening is associated with the fact that each grape berry undergoes its own biochemical processes. Traditional viticulture manages this by averaging the physicochemical values of hundreds of grapes to make decisions. However, to obtain accurate results it is necessary to evaluate the different sources of variability, so exhaustive sampling is essential. In this article, the factors “grape maturity over time” and “position of the grape” (both in the grapevine and in the bunch/cluster) were considered and studied by analyzing the grapes with a portable ATR-FTIR instrument and evaluating the spectra obtained with ANOVA–simultaneous component analysis (ASCA). Ripeness over time was the main factor affecting the characteristics of the grapes. Position in the vine and in the bunch (in that order) were also significantly important, and their effect on the grapes evolves over time. In addition, it was also possible to predict basic oenological parameters (TSS and pH with errors of 0.3 °Brix and 0.7, respectively). Finally, a quality control chart was built based on the spectra obtained in the optimal state of ripening, which could be used to decide which grapes are suitable for harvest

Limits on the neutrino magnetic moment from the MUNU experiment

The MUNU experiment was carried out at the Bugey nuclear power reactor. The aim was the study of electron antineutrino-electron elastic scattering at low energy. The recoil electrons were recorded in a gas time projection chamber, immersed in a tank filled with liquid scintillator serving as veto detector, suppressing in particular Compton electrons. The measured electron recoil spectrum is presented. Upper limits on the neutrino magnetic moment were derived and are discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures Added reference: p.3, 1st col., TEXONO Added sentence: p.4, 1st col., electron attachement Modified sentence: p.5, 1st col., readout sequence Added sentence: p.5, 1st col., fast rise time cu

Dark Matter Directionality Detection performance of the Micromegas-based μ\muTPC-MIMAC detector

Directional Dark Matter Detection (DDMD) can open a new signature for Weakly Massive Interacting Particles (WIMPs) Dark Matter. The directional signature provides in addition, an unique way to overcome the neutron and neutrino backgrounds. In order to get the directional signature, the DDM detectors should be sensitive to low nuclear energy recoils in the keV range and have an angular resolution better than $20^{\circ}$. We have performed experiments with low energy ($<30\,\mathrm{keV}$) ion beam facilities to measure the angular distribution of nuclear recoil tracks in a MIMAC detector prototype. In this paper, we study angular spreads with respect to the electron drift direction ($0^{\circ}$ incident angle) of Fluorine nuclear tracks in this low energy range, and show nuclear recoil angle reconstruction produced by a monoenergetic neutron field experiment. We find that a high-gain systematic effect leads to a high angular resolution along the electron drift direction. The measured angular distribution is impacted by diffusion, and space charge or ion feedback effects, which can be corrected for by an asymmetry factor observed in the flash-ADC profile. The estimated angular resolution of the $0^{\circ}$ incident ion is better than $15^{\circ}$ at $10$ keV kinetic energy and agrees with the simulations within $20$%. The distributions from the nuclear recoils have been compared with simulated results based on a modified Garfield++ code. Our study shows that protons would be a more adapted target than heavier nuclei for DDMD of light WIMPs. We demonstrate that directional signature from the Galactic halo origin of a Dark Matter WIMP signal is experimentally achievable, with a deep understanding of the operating conditions of a low pressure detector with its diffusion mechanism.Comment: 19 pages, 12 figure

AVALIAÇÃO DO ALCANCE FUNCIONAL DE INDIVÍDUOS COM LESÃO MEDULAR ESPINHAL USUÁRIOS DE CADEIRA DE RODAS

Medullar lesions consists in any type of trauma that causes motor and/or sensorial disturbs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional reach in paraplegic individuals, users of wheelchairs, as well as the influence of preservation of partial or total abdominal muscles. For that, 13 participants diagnosed with paraplegia, mean age 37 ± 11 years, users of a wheelchair for at least one year, were divided into two groups: G1 (levels above T8) and G2 (levels below T8). All the subjects were submitted to the Functional Reach Test, adapted to the sitting position. The statistical analysis consisted by the non-parametric test Mann Witney-U test, with a significant level of 5% (p&lt;0.05). Regarding the results, the median of the reached distance was 8.3 cm (amplitude of 6.9-49.2 cm) for G1, and 12.3 cm (amplitude of 10.8-37.9 cm) for G2. Comparing the medians between groups, there was a statistically difference (p = 0.04) regarding the values. In conclusion, the paraplegic individuals with partial or total preservation of the abdominal muscles motricity have showed great capacity of functional reach

Childhood obesity: State of art and future research directions

[EN] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the childhood obesity affects 42 million children worldwide, 35 million of whom live in the developing countries (WHO, 2010). It is not only a social issue but also a political and economic problem that affects a large, vulnerable and strategic population. Because of its multifactorial origin requires a multisectoral approach. The aim of this study is to frame a multidisciplinary state of the art on the issue from a social view. Here is a literature review that considers all the relevant research, both international and national, with a striking attention to those published in the last five years. It is expected to clarify agreements and dissonances in the proposals to combat and prevent childhood obesity. Furthermore, this study aims to project recommendations for future studies involving childhood o[ES] La obesidad infantil, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), afectaba en 2010 a 42 millones de niños en todo el mundo, 35 millones de los cuales viven en países en desarrollo (WHO, 2010).Se trata de un problema social, político y económico que afecta a un sector amplio, vulnerable y estratégico de la población. Dado su origen multifactorial, requiere de una atención multisectorial.El objetivo de este estudio es enmarcar un estado de la cuestión multidisciplinar sobre la cuestión desde una mirada social. Se realiza una revisión documental que considera todas aquellas investigaciones relevantes, tanto a nivel internacional como nacional, realizadas hasta el momento y atendiendo especialmente a las publicadas en los últimos cinco años.Se espera esclarecer acuerdos y disonancias en las propuestas de lucha y prevención de la obesidad infantil así como en la atribución de culpabilidades y causas con las que se ha venido asociando la enfermedad, proyectando recomendaciones para futuros estudios que abarquen la obesidad infantil.García Cortés, B. (2016). La obesidad infantil: estado de la cuestión y posibles líneas de investigación futura. Revista sobre la infancia y la adolescencia. (10):77-97. doi:10.4995/reinad.2015.3718SWORD77971