TEV-SCALE LEPTON NUMBER VIOLATION: 0νββ DECAY, THE ORIGIN OF MATTER, AND ENERGY FRONTIER PROBES

Lepton number violation (LNV) offers promising theoretical pathways to several unresolved problems in particle and nuclear physics and unveils a diverse range of phenomenology across different energy scales. TeV-scale LNV is especially relevant for both its experimental accessibility and its broad-ranging impact, making it a key area of interest for both theoretical and experimental physicists. In this thesis, we explore three distinct scenarios within the LNV research landscape. Our first analysis concerns the implications of TeV-scale LNV effects in thermal leptogenesis and its complementary sensitivity in neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay and collider experiments. We employed a simplified model to scrutinize the parameter space where standard thermal leptogenesis is rendered unviable, overcoming the limitations of previous effective field theory(EFT) approaches. We found that the new particle spectrum can have a decisive impact on the relative sensitivity of the 0νββ decay and collider probes. The second scenario we examined involved a class of models that, at low energies, give rise to dimension-9LNV vector operators, typically referred to as chirally suppressed in terms of their contribution to 0νββ decay. Utilizing a simplified model that generates those types of operators, we studied and compared the sensitivities of 0νββ decay experiments and LHC searches. The searches for 0νββ decay, which are here diluted by the chiral suppression of the vector operators, are found to be less constraining than the LHC searches, whose reach is increased by the assumed kinematic accessibility of the mediator particles. Lastly, in the third scenario, we conducted a thorough study of the connection of the 0νββ decay process with lepton-number-conserving (LNC) processes in the type-II seesaw scenario of the left-right symmetric model. Through the use of an EFT approach, we improved the sensitivity in 0νββ-decay experiments compared to previous studies. The results underscored that the LNC searches or measurements at high-and low-energy experiments, which are complementary to the 0νββ-decay searches, are able to assess the type-II seesaw mechanism and sensitive to a right handed doubly-charged scalar with mass up to ∼ 5TeV. Through these studies, we have demonstrated the potential of new physics at the intersection of the energy, intensity, and cosmic frontiers in addressing significant queries in particle and nuclear physics

Desenvolvimento da empatia em universitários da área econômica

In higher education, empathy is established as a generic competence for professionals; however, there is no appropriate methodology for its development. The present work is part of an action research project and aims to evaluate the effects of an innovative pedagogical intervention through a neuroscientific-based model in first-year Commercial Engineering students. This research was developed under a quantitative and qualitative mixed design. In the quantitative area, two questionnaires were applied: one on empathy and the other on social desirability before and after the intervention. On a qualitative level, a class-by-class record log was used to monitor the applied intervention. The sample consisted of 38 Commercial Engineering students from a private university for public purposes in the Bío-Bío region. The results reveal a low level of initial empathy in Commercial Engineering students. After the intervention, a statistically significant increase in empathy was observed in the students. The students expressed satisfaction with the workshop carried out, according to the observation records during the classes. The results are discussed according to the experimental antecedents obtained from other studies, emphasizing the importance of empathy development in a little explored area such as the commercial field disciplines.En educación superior se establece la empatía como competencia genérica para los profesionales, no obstante, no se dispone de una metodología apropiada para su desarrollo. El presente trabajo se enmarca en un modelo de Investigación – Acción y busca evaluar el efecto de una intervención pedagógica innovadora mediante un modelo de base neurocientífica en estudiantes de primer año de Ingeniería Comercial. El diseño que se empleó fue de carácter mixto, de corte cuantitativo y cualitativo. En el ámbito cuantitativo se aplicaron dos cuestionarios: uno sobre empatía y otro de deseabilidad social pre y post intervención. En el plano cualitativo se trabajó con una bitácora de registro clase a clase con la que se hizo un seguimiento de la intervención aplicada. La muestra estuvo conformada por 38 estudiantes de Ingeniería Comercial de una universidad privada con fines públicos de la región del Bío-Bío. Los resultados revelan un bajo nivel de empatía inicial en los estudiantes de ingeniería comercial. Después de la intervención innovadora, se pudo constatar un aumento estadísticamente significativo de la empatía en los estudiantes, quienes manifestaron satisfacción con el taller realizado, de acuerdo a los registros de observación durante las clases. Los resultados se discuten de acuerdo a los antecedentes experimentales obtenidos de otros estudios, enfatizando en la importancia del desarrollo de la empatía en un área poco explorada como las disciplinas del ámbito comercial.No ensino superior, a empatia se estabelece como uma competência genérica para os profissionais, porém, não existe uma metodologia adequada para o seu desenvolvimento. O presente trabalho faz parte de um modelo de Pesquisa-Ação e busca avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção pedagógica inovadora através de um modelo de base neurocientífica em alunos do primeiro ano de Engenharia Comercial. O desenho utilizado foi misto, quantitativo e qualitativo. Na área quantitativa, foram aplicados dois questionários: um sobre empatia e outro sobre desejabilidade antes e depois da intervenção. Em um nível qualitativo, um diário de bordo aula por aula foi usado para monitorar a intervenção aplicada. A amostra foi composta por 38 estudantes de engenharia comercial de uma universidade privada com fins públicos na região do Bío-Bío. Os resultados revelam um baixo nível de empatia inicial nos alunos de engenharia comercial. Após a intervenção inovadora, observou-se um aumento estatisticamente significativo da empatia nos alunos. Os alunos expressaram satisfação com a oficina realizada, de acordo com os registros de observação durante as aulas. Os resultados são discutidos de acordo com os antecedentes experimentais obtidos em outros estudos, enfatizando a importância do desenvolvimento da empatia em uma área pouco explorada como as disciplinas do campo comercial

Unveiling the counter-rotating nature of the kinematically distinct core in NGC5813 with MUSE

Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) observations of NGC5813 reveal a complex structure in the velocity dispersion map, previously hinted at by SAURON observations. The structure is reminiscent of velocity dispersion maps of galaxies comprising two counter-rotating discs, and might explain the existence of the kinematically distinct core (KDC). Further evidence for two counter-rotating components comes from the analysis of the higher moments of the stellar line-of-sight velocity distributions and fitting MUSE spectra with two separate Gaussian line-of-sight velocity distributions. The emission-line kinematics show evidence of being linked to the present cooling flows and the buoyant cavities seen in X-rays. We detect ionized gas in a nuclear disc-like structure, oriented like the KDC, which is, however, not directly related to the KDC. We build an axisymmetric Schwarzschild dynamical model, which shows that the MUSE kinematics can be reproduced well with two counter-rotating orbit families, characterized by relatively low angular momentum components, but clearly separated in integral phase space and with radially varying contributions. The model indicates that the counter-rotating components in NGC5813 are not thin discs, but dynamically hot structures. Our findings give further evidence that KDCs in massive galaxies should not necessarily be considered as structurally or dynamically decoupled regions, but as the outcomes of the mixing of different orbital families, where the balance in the distribution of mass of the orbital families is crucial. We discuss the formation of the KDC in NGC5813 within the framework of gas accretion, binary mergers and formation of turbulent thick discs from cold streams at high redshif

The Astropy Problem

The Astropy Project (http://astropy.org) is, in its own words, "a community effort to develop a single core package for Astronomy in Python and foster interoperability between Python astronomy packages." For five years this project has been managed, written, and operated as a grassroots, self-organized, almost entirely volunteer effort while the software is used by the majority of the astronomical community. Despite this, the project has always been and remains to this day effectively unfunded. Further, contributors receive little or no formal recognition for creating and supporting what is now critical software. This paper explores the problem in detail, outlines possible solutions to correct this, and presents a few suggestions on how to address the sustainability of general purpose astronomical software

A European research agenda for somatic symptom disorders, bodily distress disorders, and functional disorders: Results of an estimate-talk-estimate delphi expert study

Background: Somatic Symptom Disorders (SSD), Bodily Distress Disorders (BDD) and functional disorders (FD) are associated with high medical and societal costs and pose a substantial challenge to the population and health policy of Europe. To meet this challenge, a specific research agenda is needed as one of the cornerstones of sustainable mental health research and health policy for SSD, BDD, and FD in Europe. Aim: To identify the main challenges and research priorities concerning SSD, BDD, and FD from a European perspective. Methods: Delphi study conducted from July 2016 until October 2017 in 3 rounds with 3 workshop meetings and 3 online surveys, involving 75 experts and 21 European countries. EURONET-SOMA and the European Association of Psychosomatic Medicine (EAPM) hosted the meetings. Results: Eight research priorities were identified: (1) Assessment of diagnostic profiles relevant to course and treatment outcome. (2) Development and evaluation of new, effective interventions. (3) Validation studies on questionnaires or semi-structured interviews that assess chronic medical conditions in this context. (4) Research into patients preferences for diagnosis and treatment. (5) Development of new methodologic designs to identify and explore mediators and moderators of clinical course and treatment outcomes (6). Translational research exploring how psychological and somatic symptoms develop from somatic conditions and biological and behavioral pathogenic factors. (7) Development of new, effective interventions to personalize treatment. (8) Implementation studies of treatment interventions in different settings, such as primary care, occupational care, general hospital and specialty mental health settings. The general public and policymakers will benefit from the development of new, effective, personalized interventions for SSD, BDD, and FD, that will be enhanced by translational research, as well as from the outcomes of research into patient involvement, GP-patient communication, consultation-liaison models and implementation. Conclusion: Funding for this research agenda, targeting these challenges in coordinated research networks such as EURONET-SOMA and EAPM, and systematically allocating resources by policymakers to this critical area in mental and physical well-being is urgently needed to improve efficacy and impact for diagnosis and treatment of SSD, BDD, and FD across Europe

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

[pt] OTIMIZAÇÃO EM ESPORTES: PROGRAMAÇÃO DE TABELAS E PROBLEMAS DE CLASSIFICAÇÃO

O planejamento e a gestão de atividades esportivas é uma área promissora e pouco explorada para aplicações de Pesquisa Operacional. Os problemas nesta área são em geral de formulação simples e alcançam grande difusão nos meios de comunicação. Embora sua formulação seja simples, em geral estes problemas são difíceis de serem resolvidos em termos computacionais. Os resultados de muitos trabalhos acadêmicos nesta área têm sido aceitos como soluções para problemas reais e várias soluções vem sendo implementadas na prática. Esta tese tem como objetivo principal estudar dois tipos de problemas que surgem na área de esportes: a programação de tabelas e os problemas da classificação. A programação de tabelas para competições esportivas é uma tarefa difícil, na qual diversas técnicas de otimização combinatória têm sido aplicadas. Nesta tese, formula-se o Problema do Torneio com Viagens Espelhado como um problema de otimização em grafos. O problema é resolvido utilizando- se algoritmos aproximados. Apresentam-se duas heurísticas para este problema. A primeira é muito rápida e serve para fornecer soluções iniciais para a segunda, que é capaz de obter soluções de boa qualidade em tempos razoáveis. São deduzidos limites duais para um tipo particular de instâncias. Estes limites permitem provar a otimalidade das soluções obtidas heuristicamente para instâncias muito maiores do que as maiores instâncias resolvidas na literatura. Por ultimo, é apresentado um modelo de programação linear inteira para o problema, ao qual são acrescentadas desigualdades válidas. Os problemas da classificação visam obter condições, necessárias e suficientes, para a classificação de uma determinada equipe para as finais de um campeonato em relação ao número de pontos a ser obtido. São apresentados modelos de programação linear inteira que permitem resolver estes problemas no contexto do Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol.Sports management is a very attractive and not very explored area for applications of Operations Research. Problems in this area use to have simple formulations and reach a big coveragge by the media. Although their formulations are simple, in general these problems are difficult to be solved in computational terms. The results of many academic works in this area have been accepted as solutions for real problems and some solutions are being implemented. This thesis has the main objective of studying two types of problems that appear in the sports area: the fixture creation and the qualification problems. Fixture creation (also known as sport scheduling) for sport competitions is a difficult task, in which several combinatorial optimization techniques has been applied. In this thesis, the Mirrored Traveling Tournament Problem is formulated as a graph optmization problem. The problem is solved using approximation algorithms. Two heuristics are introduced for this problem. The first one is very fast and is used to supply initial solutions for the second one which is able to obtain high quality solutions in reasonable computation times. Dual limits are deduced for a particular type of instances. These limits allow to prove the optimality of the heuristically abtained solutions for instances that are much bigger than those soved in the literature. Finally, an integer programming model is introduced in wich valid inequalities are added. The qualification problems aim to obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the playoffs qualification of a given team in terms of the number of points to be obtained. Integer programming models are introduced which allow solving these problems in the context of the Brazilian Football Championship