A consistent picture for large penguins in D -> pi+ pi-, K+ K-

A long-standing puzzle in charm physics is the large difference between the D0 -> K+ K- and D0 -> pi+ pi- decay rates. Recently, the LHCb and CDF collaborations reported a surprisingly large difference between the direct CP asymmetries, Delta A_CP, in these two modes. We show that the two puzzles are naturally related in the Standard Model via s- and d-quark "penguin contractions". Their sum gives rise to Delta A_CP, while their difference contributes to the two branching ratios with opposite sign. Assuming nominal SU(3) breaking, a U-spin fit to the D0 -> K+ pi-, pi+ K-, pi+ pi-, K+ K- decay rates yields large penguin contractions that naturally explain Delta A_CP. Expectations for the individual CP asymmetries are also discussed.Comment: 24 pages, 8 figure

Massive Spin-2 States as the Origin of the Top Quark Forward-Backward Asymmetry

We show that the anomalously large top quark forward-backward asymmetry observed by CDF and D\O\, can naturally be accommodated in models with flavor-violating couplings of a new massive spin-2 state to quarks. Regardless of its origin, the lowest-order couplings of a spin-2 boson to fermions are analogous to the coupling of the graviton to energy/momentum, leading to strong sensitivity of the effects associated with its virtual exchange to the energy scales at hand. Precisely due to this fact, the observed dependence of the asymmetry on the $t\bar t$ invariant mass fits nicely into the proposed framework. In particular, we find a vast parameter space which can lead to the central value for the observed forward-backward asymmetry in the high mass bin, while being in accord with all of the existing experimental constraints.Comment: added discussion of differential observables at the LHC, matches version accepted for publication in JHE

Predictors of enhancing human physical attractiveness: Data from 93 countries

People across the world and throughout history have gone to great lengths to enhance their physical appearance. Evolutionary psychologists and ethologists have largely attempted to explain this phenomenon via mating preferences and strategies. Here, we test one of the most popular evolutionary hypotheses for beauty-enhancing behaviors, drawn from mating market and parasite stress perspectives, in a large cross-cultural sample. We also test hypotheses drawn from other influential and non-mutually exclusive theoretical frameworks, from biosocial role theory to a cultural media perspective. Survey data from 93,158 human participants across 93 countries provide evidence that behaviors such as applying makeup or using other cosmetics, hair grooming, clothing style, caring for body hygiene, and exercising or following a specific diet for the specific purpose of improving ones physical attractiveness, are universal. Indeed, 99% of participants reported spending >10 min a day performing beauty-enhancing behaviors. The results largely support evolutionary hypotheses: more time was spent enhancing beauty by women (almost 4 h a day, on average) than by men (3.6 h a day), by the youngest participants (and contrary to predictions, also the oldest), by those with a relatively more severe history of infectious diseases, and by participants currently dating compared to those in established relationships. The strongest predictor of attractiveness-enhancing behaviors was social media usage. Other predictors, in order of effect size, included adhering to traditional gender roles, residing in countries with less gender equality, considering oneself as highly attractive or, conversely, highly unattractive, TV watching time, higher socioeconomic status, right-wing political beliefs, a lower level of education, and personal individualistic attitudes. This study provides novel insight into universal beauty-enhancing behaviors by unifying evolutionary theory with several other complementary perspectives

Validation of the Short Version (TLS-15) of the Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45) Across 37 Languages

Love is a phenomenon that occurs across the world and affects many aspects of human life, including the choice of, and process of bonding with, a romantic partner. Thus, developing a reliable and valid measure of love experiences is crucial. One of the most popular tools to quantify love is Sternberg’s 45-item Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45), which measures three love components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. However, our literature review reveals that most studies (64%) use a broad variety of shortened versions of the TLS-45. Here, aiming to achieve scientific consensus and improve the reliability, comparability, and generalizability of results across studies, we developed a short version of the scale—the TLS-15—comprised of 15 items with 5-point, rather than 9-point, response scales. In Study 1 (N = 7,332), we re-analyzed secondary data from a large-scale multinational study that validated the original TLS-45 to establish whether the scale could be truncated. In Study 2 (N = 307), we provided evidence for the three-factor structure of the TLS-15 and its reliability. Study 3 (N = 413) confirmed convergent validity and test–retest stability of the TLS-15. Study 4 (N = 60,311) presented a large-scale validation across 37 linguistic versions of the TLS-15 on a cross-cultural sample spanning every continent of the globe. The overall results provide support for the reliability, validity, and cross-cultural invariance of the TLS-15, which can be used as a measure of love components—either separately or jointly as a three-factor measure

Gas chromatographic separation of isomeric benzene derivatives using molecular sieves, combined with partition columns

International audienc

Development of a method for transferring forest lands to forest cover lands by remote sensing methods

Assessment of forest regeneration using remote sensing data is a priority scientific research topic worldwide today. Threshold values for successful reforestation can be defined using multi­temporal satellite scenes and indices for analysis of vegetation on cutting and burned areas. The analysis of successful reforestation has practical value for Russian government organizations for transferring burned and cutting lands to forest cover land. The rate of reforestation depends on climate, soil conditions in the region of studies. Collection of field data and the studies were carried out in northern and middle taiga of Arkhangelsk Oblast. This territory belongs to boreal forest. Calculations of spectral indices for each research object were made using multi­temporal scenes for 20 years based on Google Earth Engine platform. Optimal spectral index was selected based on the analysis of collected data. The optimal threshold values of the index for transferring pixel of satellite imagery to forest cover land were found using this data. Optimal spectral index for transferring non­forest cover to forest cover land SWVI was selected. The optimal threshold value for transfer to forest cover land equals 80 % recovery of the index after a disturbance in forest cover. Method for transferring land to forest cover land was developed based on analysis of dynamic of the spectral index. The result was the spatial layer of transferring land to forest cover land in 2018 on the territory of Severodvinsk and Onega forestry district of Arkhangelsk Oblast

Stan powietrza w Gruzji i metody jego ochrony przed tlenkami azotu

In order to achieve a planned objective, the following aspects are considered in the work: the basic sources of ambient air pollution in Georgia; dynamics of the emissions of harmful substances in the air from various economic sectors; ambient air quality monitoring system in Georgia; qualitative conditio of ambient air of Georgia; characteristic of some natural zeolites of sedimentary origins of Georgia and a possibility of their application for the purification of industrial emissions.W pracy uwzględniono następujące problemy i główne źródła zanieczyszczenia powietrza w Gruzji. Są to: dynamika emisji szkodliwych substancji do powietrza z różnych sektorów gospodarki, system monitoringu jakości powietrza, stan jakości powietrza, charakterystyka naturalnych zeolitów gruzińskich i możliwości ich wykorzystania do pochłaniania zanieczyszczeń emitowanych z przemysłu