Dark Matter, Sparticle Spectroscopy and Muon (g−2)(g-2) in SU(4)c×SU(2)L×SU(2)RSU(4)_c \times SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R

We explore the sparticle mass spectra including LSP dark matter within the framework of supersymmetric $SU(4)_c \times SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R$ (422) models, taking into account the constraints from extensive LHC and cold dark matter searches. The soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters at $M_{GUT}$ can be non-universal, but consistent with the 422 symmetry. We identify a variety of coannihilation scenarios compatible with LSP dark matter, and study the implications for future supersymmetry searches and the ongoing muon g-2 experiment.Comment: 21 pages, 8 fig

The B1 shock in the L1157 outflow as seen at high spatial resolution

We present high spatial resolution (750 AU at 250 pc) maps of the B1 shock in the blue lobe of the L1157 outflow in four lines: CS (3-2), CH3OH (3_K-2_K), HC3N (16-15) and p-H2CO (2_02-3_01). The combined analysis of the morphology and spectral profiles has shown that the highest velocity gas is confined in a few compact (~ 5 arcsec) bullets while the lowest velocity gas traces the wall of the gas cavity excavated by the shock expansion. A large velocity gradient model applied to the CS (3-2) and (2-1) lines provides an upper limit of 10^6 cm^-3 to the averaged gas density in B1 and a range of 5x10^3< n(H2)< 5x10^5 cm^-3 for the density of the high velocity bullets. The origin of the bullets is still uncertain: they could be the result of local instabilities produced by the interaction of the jet with the ambient medium or could be clump already present in the ambient medium that are excited and accelerated by the expanding outflow. The column densities of the observed species can be reproduced qualitatively by the presence in B1 of a C-type shock and only models where the gas reaches temperatures of at least 4000 K can reproduce the observed HC3N column density.Comment: 13 pages, 12 figure

Extended Fe-4 butterfly complexes: theoretical analysis of magnetic properties and magnetostructural maps

The inclusion of additional metal atoms in Fe-4 butterfly complexes drastically modifies their magnetic properties. Exchange interactions of a Fe4Y2 complex have been calculated using theoretical methods based on density functional theory. The calculated values are in good agreement with experimental data showing that the change in the nature of bridging ligands induces a dramatic decrease of the antiferromagnetic wing-body interaction while the body-body interaction between the two central iron atoms is ferromagnetic. Finally, we propose a new tool to facilitate the understanding of the magnetic properties in polynuclear iron complexes. Magnetostructural maps allow us to correlate the calculated exchange coupling constants with metal-metal distances for the dinuclear or polynuclear iron complexes that we have studied

Sistema de Evaluación en Ingeniería del Software 2

Con la llegada del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES), las estrategias didácticas deben cambiar para centrarse en el aprendizaje del estudiante, convirtiendo al alumno en un elemento activo dentro de su aprendizaje, incentivando su participación, de tal manera que se sienta parte activa del proceso de aprendizaje. En la asignatura de ISG2 se han incorporado un sistema de evaluación similar al ciclo de vida de un proyecto de desarrollo software, implicando a los alumnos en su propia evolución. Con este sistema, el alumno puede reflexionar acerca de sus metas, progresos, dificultades, etc. Los resultados obtenidos avalan el procedimiento llevado a cabo.Artículo revisado por pare

Evaluation of native microalgae from Tunisia using the pulse-amplitude-modulation measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence and a performance study in semi-continuous mode for biofuel production

Background: Microalgae are attracting much attention as a promising feedstock for renewable energy production, while simultaneously providing environmental benefits. So far, comparison studies for microalgae selection for this purpose were mainly based on data obtained from batch cultures, where the lipid content and the growth rate were the main selection parameters. The present study evaluates the performance of native microalgae strains in semi-continuous mode, considering the suitability of the algal-derived fatty acid composition and the saponifiable lipid productivity as selection criteria for microalgal fuel production. Evaluation of the photosynthetic performance and the robustness of the selected strain under outdoor conditions was conducted to assess its capability to grow and tolerate harsh environmental growth conditions. Results: In this study, five native microalgae strains from Tunisia (one freshwater and four marine strains) were isolated and evaluated as potential raw material to produce biofuel. Firstly, molecular identification of the strains was performed. Then, experiments in semi-continuous mode at different dilution rates were carried out. The local microalgae strains were characterized in terms of biomass and lipid productivity, in addition to protein content, and fatty acid profile, content and productivity. The marine strain Chlorella sp. showed, at 0.20 1/day dilution rate, lipid and biomass productivities of 35.10 mg/L day and 0.2 g/L day, respectively. Moreover, data from chlorophyll fluorescence measurements demonstrated the robustness of this strain as it tolerated extreme outdoor conditions including high (38 ° C) and low (10 ° C) temperature, and high irradiance (1600 µmol/m2 s). Conclusions: Selection of native microalgae allows identifying potential strains suitable for use in the production of biofuels. The selected strain Chlorella sp. demonstrated adequate performance to be scaled up to outdoor conditions. Although experiments were performed at laboratory conditions, the methodology used in this paper allows a robust evaluation of microalgae strains for potential market applications.This study was supported by the Marine Microalgae Biotechnology Group at the University of Almer'a (BIO 173) and the Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) within the joint framework of supervised theses between the University of Almeria, Spain and the University of Sfax, Tunisia.Scopu

Animal dietary exposure : overview of current approaches used at EFSA

At EFSA, animal dietary exposure estimates are undertaken by several Panels/Units to assess the risk of feed contaminants, pesticide residues, genetically modified feed and feed additives. Guidance documents describing methodologies for animal dietary exposure assessment are available both at EFSA and international levels. Although appropriate within pertinent regulatory frameworks, the methodologies used to assess animal dietary exposure vary across risk assessment areas. There are different approaches ranging from quick worst-case estimations to more refined methods assessing actual exposure, resulting from the use of a heterogeneous selection of animal populations and default values to estimate feed intake. Furthermore, current feed classification systems in place at international and national levels contain a large and heterogeneous number of feed materials, which may benefit from further harmonisation efforts. This technical report presents an overview of the current approaches in place at EFSA to assess the exposure to chemicals in feed. The possibility for a greater harmonisation of feed classification and terminology is also addressed by comparing the structure of the EU catalogue of feed materials and the Harmonised OECD tables of feedstuffs derived from field crops with the EFSA FoodEx2 system

Observation of a topologically protected state in a magnetic domain wall stabilized by a ferromagnetic chemical barrier

The precise control and stabilization of magnetic domain walls is key for the development of the next generation magnetic nano-devices. Among the multitude of magnetic configurations of a magnetic domain wall, topologically protected states are of particular interest due to their intrinsic stability. In this work, using XMCD-PEEM, we have observed a topologically protected magnetic domain wall in a ferromagnetic cylindrical nanowire. Its structure is stabilized by periodic sharp alterations of the chemical composition in the nanowire. The large stability of this topologically protected domain wall contrasts with the mobility of other non-protected and non-chiral states also present in the same nanowire. The micromagnetic simulations show the structure and the conditions required to find the topologically protected state. These results are relevant for the design of future spintronic devices such as domain wall based RF oscillators or magnetic memories

Quantum Loops in the Resonance Chiral Theory: The Vector Form Factor

We present a calculation of the Vector Form Factor at the next-to-leading order in the 1/N_C expansion, within the framework of Resonance Chiral Theory. The calculation is performed in the chiral limit, and with two dynamical quark flavours. The ultraviolet behaviour of quantum loops involving virtual resonance propagators is analyzed, together with the kind of counterterms needed in the renormalization procedure. Using the lowest-order equations of motion, we show that only a few combinations of local couplings appear in the final result. The low-energy limit of our calculation reproduces the standard Chiral Perturbation Theory formula, allowing us to determine the resonance contribution to the chiral low-energy couplings, at the next-to-leading order in 1/N_C, keeping a full control of their renormalization scale dependence.Comment: 27+1 pages, 9 figure