Three-Higgs-doublet model under A4 symmetry implies alignment

A model with three scalar doublets can be conveniently accommodated within an A4 symmetric framework. The A4 symmetry permits only a restricted form for the scalar potential. We show that for the global minima of this potential alignment follows as a natural consequence. We also verify that in every case positivity and unitarity constraints are satisfactorily met.Comment: 17 pages, v2: References added, some changes in text, to appear in JHE

Are the small neutrino oscillation parameters all related?

Neutrino oscillations reveal several small parameters, namely, $\theta_{13}$, the solar mass splitting {\em vis-\`{a}-vis} the atmospheric one, and the deviation of $\theta_{23}$ from maximal mixing. Can these small quantities all be traced to a single source and, if so, how could that be tested? Here a see-saw model for neutrino masses is presented wherein a dominant term generates the atmospheric mass splitting with maximal mixing in this sector, keeping $\theta_{13} = 0$ and zero solar splitting. A Type-I see-saw perturbative contribution results in non-zero values of $\theta_{13}$, $\Delta m^2_{solar}$, $\theta_{12}$, as well as allows $\theta_{23}$ to deviate from $\pi/4$ in consistency with the data while interrelating them all. CP-violation is a natural consequence and is large ($\delta \sim \pi/2, 3\pi/2$) for inverted mass ordering. The model will be tested as precision on the neutrino parameters is sharpened.Comment: v1: 8 pages, 2 Figures, v2: Published version, Journal title different, minor typographical changes, presentation improved, references added and updated. 9 pages, 3 Figures, Fig. 2 split into Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 for clarit

Effective approaches to minimize the problem of pharmaceuticals and other personal care products in the environment

Studies have shown that pharmaceuticals and other personal care products (PPCPs) are present in the environment, especially in water, due to different human activities. Some of these compounds are toxic to our eco-system. Although there is no evidence of adverse human health effect from the presence of PPCPs in the environment to date , some adverse effects on aquatic life cycle already have been found. Therefore, protecting our environment as well as human health from adverse effect(s) of PPCPs is a growing concern. The objective of this thesis work was to collect information about the principal approaches available to pharmaceutical industries for reducing the introduction of PPCPs to the environment and to identify and address any divergence or disagreement about the effectiveness of these approaches to address this issue. Through the use of literature review, case studies, and in-depth interviews where necessary, consistent information has been consolidated and discrepancies have been resolved to the extent possible and this reference document has been created for the purpose of fostering the awareness about this issue and about the possible ways to minimize the problem from pharmaceutical industry perspective