A strong electroweak phase transition in the 2HDM after LHC8

The nature of the electroweak phase transition in two-Higgs-doublet models is revisited in light of the recent LHC results. A scan over an extensive region of their parameter space is performed, showing that a strongly first-order phase transition favours a light neutral scalar with SM-like properties, together with a heavy pseudo-scalar (m_A^0 > 400 GeV) and a mass hierarchy in the scalar sector, m_H^+ gamma gamma decay channel and find that an enhancement in the branching ratio is allowed, and in some cases even preferred, when a strongly first-order phase transition is required

Efektivitas Penilaian Sertifikasi Guru Kelas MI Melalui Kegiatan PLPG Kuota Tambahan Tahun 2013

Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk memaparkan tentang evektivitas penilaian sertifikasi guru kelas MI melalui kegiatan PLPG. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif analitis dengan mengkaji referensi yang bersumber dari perpustakaan. Dalam penelitian ini didapatkan beberapa kesimpulan kesimpulan: pertama, proses dan intstrumen penilaian sertifikasi guru kelas MI melalui PLPG pada guru kelas MI se-kecamatan Mejobo kabupaten Kudus yang telah mengikuti PLPG sudah terlaksanakan dengan baik dan sesuai dengan peraturan pemerintah; kedua, pandangan guru kelas MI se-kecamatan Mejobo kabupaten Kudus yang telah mengikuti PLPG terhadap penilaian sertifikasi guru kelas MI melalui PLPG sudah baik, karena banyak guru yang pada awal datangnya terlihat pasif kemudian menjadi aktif dan kreatif; ketiga, ketercapaian penilaian sertifikasi guru melalui kegiatan PLPG dapat dilihat melalui meningkatnya motivasi para guru dalam mengajar, membangun mental positif para guru dalam melaksanakan pembelajaran, meningkatkan kompetensi guru, guru terdidik melaksanakan tugas dengan sepenuh hati, dan guru dapat melaksanakan pembelajaran aktif; keempat, kurang efektifnya penilaian sertifikasi guru melalui kegiatan PLPG di LPTK Rayon 232 IAIN terkendala pada sisi teknis waktu pelaksanaan PLPG yang singkat sehingga berimbas pada kedalaman pemahaman guru terhadap materi yang diberikan.This paper aims to describe the effectiveness of assessment of MI (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah: Indonesian State Islamic Primary School) teacher certification through PLPG activities. This research uses descriptive analytical method to assess references from the library. In this study, as the first conclusion, the processes and the assessment instrument of certification in PLPG LPTK Rayon 232 IAIN Surakarta (additional quota of 2013) for the teachers of District Mejobo, Kudus has properly fulfilled the standard in accordance with the regulations and operational guidelines as directed by the government. Secondly, from the teachers' point of view, the assessment of MI teachers certification through PLPG is already good because many teachers look passive initially then becomes active and creative at last. Thirdly, the assessment of teacher achievement, to be certified through PLPG activities, basically aims to increase the motivation of teachers in their teaching implementation. Fourthly, the ineffective assessment of teacher certification through PLPG is due to the “short time” (the length of time) allotted for the PLPG which brings about the effect on the deepness of the teachers' understanding on the materials supplied

Simulation of spacecraft attitude dynamics using TREETOPS and model-specific computer Codes

The simulation of spacecraft attitude dynamics and control using the generic, multi-body code called TREETOPS and other codes written especially to simulate particular systems is discussed. Differences in the methods used to derive equations of motion--Kane's method for TREETOPS and the Lagrangian and Newton-Euler methods, respectively, for the other two codes--are considered. Simulation results from the TREETOPS code are compared with those from the other two codes for two example systems. One system is a chain of rigid bodies; the other consists of two rigid bodies attached to a flexible base body. Since the computer codes were developed independently, consistent results serve as a verification of the correctness of all the programs. Differences in the results are discussed. Results for the two-rigid-body, one-flexible-body system are useful also as information on multi-body, flexible, pointing payload dynamics

Echoes of the electroweak phase transition: discovering a second Higgs doublet through A0 → ZH0

The existence of a second Higgs doublet in nature could lead to a cosmological first-order electroweak phase transition and explain the origin of the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the Universe. We obtain the spectrum and properties of the new scalars H0, A0, and H� that signal such a phase transition and show that the observation of the decay A0 → ZH0 at LHC would be a “smoking gun” signature of these scenarios. We analyze the LHC search prospects for this decay in the llbb¯ and llWþW− final states, arguing that current data may be sensitive to this signature in the former channel as well as there being great potential for a discovery in either channel at the very early stages of the 14 TeV run

Can donor aid for health be effective in a poor country? Assessment of prerequisites for aid effectiveness in Uganda

Background: Inadequate funding for health is a challenge to attaining health-related Millennium Development Goals. Significant increase in health funding was recommended by the Commission for Macroeconomics and Health. Indeed Official Development Assistance has increased significantly in Uganda. However, the effectiveness of donor aid has come under greater scrutiny. This paper scrutinizes the prerequisites for aid effectiveness. The objective of the study was to assess the prerequisites for effectiveness of donor aid, specifically, its proportion to overall health funding, predictability, comprehensiveness, alignment to country priorities, and channeling mechanisms. Methods: Secondary data obtained from various official reports and surveys were analyzed against the variables mentioned under objectives. This was augmented by observations and participation in discussions with all stakeholders to discuss sector performance including health financing. Results: Between 2004−2007, the level of aid increased from US$6 per capita to US$11. Aid was found to be unpredictable with expenditure varying between 174−360 percent from budgets. More than 50% of aid was found to be off budget and unavailable for comprehensive planning. There was disproportionate funding for some items such as drugs. Key health system elements such as human resources and infrastructure have not been given due attention in investment. The government’s health funding from domestic sources grew only modestly which did not guarantee fiscal sustainability. Conclusion: Although donor aid is significant there is need to invest in the prerequisites that would guarantee its effective use

Advanced magneto-optical microscopy: Imaging from picoseconds to centimeters - imaging spin waves and temperature distributions (invited)

© 2016 Author(s).Recent developments in the observation of magnetic domains and domain walls by wide-field optical microscopy based on the magneto-optical Kerr, Faraday, Voigt, and Gradient effect are reviewed. Emphasis is given to the existence of higher order magneto-optical effects for advanced magnetic imaging. Fundamental concepts and advances in methodology are discussed that allow for imaging of magnetic domains on various length and time scales. Time-resolved imaging of electric field induced domain wall rotation is shown. Visualization of magnetization dynamics down to picosecond temporal resolution for the imaging of spin-waves and magneto-optical multi-effect domain imaging techniques for obtaining vectorial information are demonstrated. Beyond conventional domain imaging, the use of a magneto-optical indicator technique for local temperature sensing is shown

Bisphosphonate inhibits the expression of cyclin A2 at the transcriptional level in normal human oral keratinocytes.

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) are the most widely used anti-resorptive agents in the treatment of bone-related diseases. N-BPs inhibit bone resorption by specifically targeting osteoclasts, bone-resorbing cells. However, soft tissue toxicity, such as oral or gastrointestinal (GI) ulcerations has frequently been reported in N-BP users, suggesting that N-BPs may also directly target cells other than osteoclasts. Previously, we reported that BPs inhibit proliferation without inducing the apoptosis of normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs). However, the molecular mechanisms through which N-BPs inhibit the proliferation of NHOKs are not yet fully understood. In this study, we performed gene expression profiling in N-BP-treated NHOKs and identified cyclin A2 as one of the most commonly downregulated genes. When the NHOKs were treated with N-BPs, we found that the level of cyclin A2 was suppressed in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, the protein level of cyclin A2 was also significantly lower in oral epithelial cells in N-BP-treated oral mucosal tissue constructs. Cyclin A2 promoter reporter assay revealed that N-BPs inhibited the luciferase activity, indicating that the inhibition of cyclin A2 expression occurs at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, N-BPs did not alter the expression of cyclin A2 in normal human oral fibroblasts (NHOFs), suggesting that the effect of N-BPs on cyclin A2 expression may be cell-type specific. Thus, the findings of our study demonstrate that the inhibition of NHOK proliferation by N-BPs is mediated, at least in part, by the suppression of cyclin A2 expression at the transcriptional level, which may explain the underlying mechanisms of soft tissue toxicity by N-BPs

Energy loss mechanism for suspended micro- and nanoresonators due to the Casimir force

A so far not considered energy loss mechanism in suspended micro- and nanoresonators due to noncontact acoustical energy loss is investigated theoretically. The mechanism consists on the conversion of the mechanical energy from the vibratory motion of the resonator into acoustic waves on large nearby structures, such as the substrate, due to the coupling between the resonator and those structures resulting from the Casimir force acting over the separation gaps. Analytical expressions for the resulting quality factor Q for cantilever and bridge micro- and nanoresonators in close proximity to an underlying substrate are derived and the relevance of the mechanism is investigated, demonstrating its importance when nanometric gaps are involved

Clay as Thermoluminescence Dosemeter in diagnostic Radiology applications

As part of efforts to isolate and utilize local and naturally occurring materials for development of thermoluminescece dosemeters and other technologies, an earlier report had shown that Nigerian clay showedprospects of utility as a thermoluminescence dosemeter (TLD). This paper reports the investigation of the basic thermoluminescence properties of clay at x-rays in the diagnostic radiology range, including dose monitoring in abdominal radiography. Clay sourced from Calabar, Nigeria, was tested for thermoluminescence response after irradiation at diagnostic radiology doses, including application in abdominal radiography dose monitoring in a clinical setting.Results show that thermoluminescence (TL) output in natural clay is very low, but demonstrates enhanced performance with the addition of common salt. Specific TL characteristics of good repeatability for individual and batched pellets (variability index of 3.08%) and a high degree of trap emptying were observed. It had a glow curve peak at 275 C; with traces of spurious thermoluminescence emission at the reader anneal temperature. There was evidence of good batch homogeneity (< 30%) and a similar pattern of dose absorption in abdominal radiography with commercialLithium Fluoride (LiF TLD-100). A high fading rate (over 30% in twelve hours) and low sensitivity (12 times less than LiF TLD-100) however, signal the unacceptability of clay as aTLD in diagnostic radiology in the forms studied. Clay demonstrates poor TL response at diagnostic radiology doses. However, it's water absorbing property offers a means of overcoming the hygroscopic nature of common salt. This could beexplored to improve the use of sodium chloride as a radiation detector.Keywords: Clay, Thermoluminescence, Dosemeter, Detector, Radiology, x-rays