Development of Ambient PM 2.5 Management Strategies

INE/AUTC 11.2

Constraints on Higgs Properties and SUSY Partners in the pMSSM

Direct searches for superpartners and precision measurements of the properties of the $\sim 126$ GeV Higgs boson lead to important inter-dependent constraints on the underlying parameter space of the MSSM. The 19/20-parameter p(henomenological)MSSM offers a flexible framework for the study of a wide variety of both Higgs and SUSY phenomena at the LHC and elsewhere. Within this scenario we address the following questions: `What will potentially null searches for SUSY at the LHC tell us about the possible properties of the Higgs boson?' and, conversely, `What do precision measurements of the properties of the Higgs tell us about the possible properties of the various superpartners?' Clearly the answers to such questions will be functions of both the collision energy of the LHC as well as the accumulated integrated luminosity. We address these questions employing several sets of pMSSM models having either neutralino or gravitino LSPs, making use of the ATLAS SUSY analyses at the 7/8 TeV LHC as well as planned SUSY and Higgs analyses at the 14 TeV LHC and the ILC. Except for theoretical uncertainties that remain to be accounted for in the ratios of SUSY and SM couplings, we demonstrate that Higgs coupling measurements at the 14 TeV LHC, and particularly at the 500 GeV ILC, will be sensitive to regions of the pMSSM model space that are not accessible to direct SUSY searches.Comment: 23 pages, 9 figures. Contributed to the Community Summer Study 2013, Minneapolis, MN July 29 - August 6, 201

UVM Tobacco Use and Attitudes After Implementation of a Tobacco-Free Policy

Introduction: Widespread public health initiatives have led to falling smoking rates. Currently, 1,620 U.S. colleges have adopted smoke-free policies. In August 2015, the University of Vermont (UVM) adopted a tobacco-free policy that bans all forms of tobacco use on university property. The purpose of this study was to compare tobacco use and attitudes before and after policy implementation.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1230/thumbnail.jp

Altered expression of maize PLASTOCHRON1 enhances biomass and seed yield by extending cell division duration

Maize is the highest yielding cereal crop grown worldwide for grain or silage. Here, we show that modulating the expression of the maize PLASTOCHRON1 (ZmPLA1) gene, encoding a cytochrome P450 (CYP78A1), results in increased organ growth, seedling vigour, stover biomass and seed yield. The engineered trait is robust as it improves yield in an inbred as well as in a panel of hybrids, at several locations and over multiple seasons in the field. Transcriptome studies, hormone measurements and the expression of the auxin responsive DR5(rev): mRFPer marker suggest that PLA1 may function through an increase in auxin. Detailed analysis of growth over time demonstrates that PLA1 stimulates the duration of leaf elongation by maintaining dividing cells in a proliferative, undifferentiated state for a longer period of time. The prolonged duration of growth also compensates for growth rate reduction caused by abiotic stresses

Dark Matter in the Coming Decade: Complementary Paths to Discovery and Beyond

In this report we summarize the many dark matter searches currently being pursued through four complementary approaches: direct detection, indirect detection, collider experiments, and astrophysical probes. The essential features of broad classes of experiments are described, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The complementarity of the different dark matter searches is discussed qualitatively and illustrated quantitatively in two simple theoretical frameworks. Our primary conclusion is that the diversity of possible dark matter candidates requires a balanced program drawing from all four approaches.Comment: Report prepared for the Community Summer Study (Snowmass) 2013, on behalf of Cosmic Frontier Working Groups 1-4 (CF1: WIMP Dark Matter Direct Detection, CF2: WIMP Dark Matter Indirect Detection, CF3: Non-WIMP Dark Matter, and CF4: Dark Matter Complementarity); published versio

STEAM Approaches Handbook

For those unfamiliar with the term, STEAM is an acronym for Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. For the STEAM.INC project, Arts encompasses artistic, cultural and creative practices, including design. Also the Sciences includes, not only the traditional natural sciences, but also more contemporary topics such as social and environmental sciences. This handbook addresses points of intersection across current European Higher Education STEAM approaches and presents a collaborative definition of how STEAM applies in Higher Education. For the project partnership, STEAM in Higher Education includes the customary teaching and curriculum as well as academic research. It also incorporates internal Higher Education policies and governance as well as external engagement with stakeholders and the public. These often become mutually supportive. For example, a university that embraces STEAM, is likely to embed the concept in its curriculum, support STEAM research and innovation and adjust its policies and facilities accordingly. This publication presents a collection of STEAM approaches as well as the themes and intersections that link them. The handbook shows some of the many different expressions of STEAM from individual, institutional and national perspectives. It aims to provide a shared understanding of what might be achieved by STEAM in Higher Education through identifying foundational competencies and perspectives as well as establishing a baseline of STEAM knowledge. The project draws a distinction between a ‘STEAM approach’ and a ‘STEAM method’. In general, the former can be considered the wider expression, covering strategies, programmes, fields, and philosophies, whereas the latter more clearly relates to specific techniques. Therefore, this handbook’s perspective is that STEAM methods sit within STEAM approaches. This is the first comprehensive attempt to collect and codify European approaches to STEAM in Higher Education and, as such, the work is exploratory and should not be considered exhaustive. The handbook is intended to stimulate dialogue about the perceived nature of STEAM, its principles and parameters while providing inspiration for those looking to develop and introduce STEAM approaches of their own