Constraints on the trilinear Higgs self coupling from precision observables

We present the constraints on the trilinear Higgs self coupling that arise from loop effects in the $W$ boson mass and the effective sine predictions. We compute the contributions to these precision observables of two-loop diagrams featuring an anomalous trilinear Higgs self coupling. We explicitly show that the same anomalous contributions are found if the analysis of $m_{ \scriptscriptstyle W}$ and \mbox{\sin^2 \theta^{{\rm lep}}_{{\rm eff}}} is performed in a theory in which the scalar potential in the Standard Model Lagrangian is modified by an (in)finite tower of $(\Phi^\dagger \Phi)^n$ terms with $\Phi$ the Higgs doublet. We find that the bounds on the trilinear Higgs self coupling from precision observables are competitive with those coming from Higgs pair production.Comment: 23 pages, 4 figures; V2: References added, version published on JHE

Can User Experience affect buying intention? A case study on the evaluation of exercise equipment.

Treadmills are increasingly loaded with digital technology for assisting the individual during the workout sessions by providing information for tracking relevant training parameters. Also, this technology makes exercise more pleasurable by keeping the user connected to her/his digital ecosystem (e.g. social networking, access to multimedia content). Although there is an increasing interest in digital technologies to be used in fitness, a cursory literature search shows that the interest towards gym equipment is currently limited to the hardware component, thus making biomechanics the focus of the investigation. Other types of contributions are very rare and mostly focused on the design of tools for special populations (e.g. elderly, disabilities) as well as for promoting physical activity monitoring (eHealth). In the present study information on the perceived usability of the interface was collected and analysed along with opinions about buying intention and estimated pricing. Twenty-three individuals were tested after using a treadmill (Technogym S.p.A.) equipped with an interface allowing equipment and training management, activity monitoring and user entertainment. Results indicated a significant influence of perceived usability of the interface on the intention of buying the whole system, thus suggesting the existence of a ROI of Human-Centred Design strategies

An algebraic derivative-based approach for the zero-crossings estimation

International audienceA new approach to the design of a zero-crossings estimation algorithm is proposed. The approach uses elementary differential algebraic operations in the frequency domain for accu- rate derivative estimation. Such estimates are composed of iterated integrals of noisy observed signal. A detector-signal, which is exactly equal to zero when there is no intersection between the observed signal and the real axis and is greater than zero when a zero-crossing occurs, is obtained. To justify the theoretical analysis and to investigate the performances of the developed method, simulated experiments are performed

Gauss–Lobatto to Bernstein polynomials transformation

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to transform a polynomial expressed as a weighted sum of discrete orthogonal polynomials on Gauss–Lobatto nodes into Bernstein form and vice versa. Explicit formulas and recursion expressions are derived. Moreover, an efficient algorithm for the transformation from Gauss–Lobatto to Bernstein is proposed. Finally, in order to show the robustness of the proposed algorithm, experimental results are reported

Monopole-based quantization: a programme

We describe a programme to quantize a particle in the field of a (three dimensional) magnetic monopole using a Weyl system. We propose using the mapping of position and momenta as operators on a quaternionic Hilbert module following the work of Emch and Jadczyk.Comment: Contribution to the volume: Mathematical Physics and Field Theory, Julio Abad, In Memoriam}, M. Asorey, J.V. Garcia Esteve, M.F. Ranada and J. Sesma Editors, Prensas Universitaria de Zaragoza, (2009

Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem Cells with Lenograstim in Healthy Donors: Efficacy and Safety Analysis According to Donor Age

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Innovative Technologies and Materials for more Sustainable Transportation Infrastructures

nnovative technologies and materials can develop the goals stated in the UN resolution A/RES/70/1. To be more precise, low-noise road pavements (for example Porous asphalt concretes, asphalt rubberised mixture, and texture-optimised pavements) have volumetric, surface (such as drainability, texture, friction and acoustic performance), and mechanistic properties that decay over time. This depends on the particular technology used and on the many variables, processes, and phenomena with consequences in terms of safety, quietness, and budget.    In light of these issues, the objectives of this study are confined into discussing several prospective developments related to the improvement of the road pavements currently used in the urban context. A new methodology aimed at improving the design of the main properties of a road pavement is presented.The abovementioned methodology was set up based on laboratory and on-site tests, which were carried out over recent decades in order to monitor the variation of surface and volumetric properties over time. Road surfaces with premium properties (such as low-noise emissions) can increase pavement and acoustic durability, and the proposed methodology can greatly improve the overall sustainability of current transportation infrastructures, fulfilling some of the goals stated in the UN Resolution A/RES/70/1. Tecnologie e materiali innovativi per infrastrutture di trasporto più sostenibiliLe tecnologie e i materiali innovativi possono favorire gli obiettivi contenuti nella risoluzione A/RES/70/1 delle Nazioni Unite. Le pavimentazioni stradali a bassa rumorosità (ad esempio le pavimentazioni porose, le miscele bituminose con gomma e le pavimentazioni con tessitura ottimizzata) hanno proprietà volumetriche, superficiali (quali drenabilità, tessitura, aderenza e prestazioni acustiche) e proprietà meccaniche che decadono nel tempo. Ciò dipende dalla particolare tecnologia utilizzata e da molteplici variabili. Molti processi e fenomeni sono coinvolti, con conseguenze in termini di sicurezza, rumorosità e budget. Alla luce di questi problemi, gli obiettivi di questo studio riguardano la messa a punto di una metodologia volta a migliorare la progettazione delle principali proprietà di una pavimentazione stradale e in particolare di quelle relative alla superficie. Le proprietà superficiali e volumetriche sono state monitorate, analizzate, in laboratorio e in situ. I risultati mostrano che l'uso di superfici stradali “speciali” (aventi, ad esempio, bassa emissione di rumore) può aumentare la durata complessiva della pavimentazione e che il metodo messo a punto può migliorare notevolmente la sostenibilità complessiva delle infrastrutture di trasporto, raggiungendo alcuni degli obiettivi indicati nella risoluzione A/RES/70/1.Innovative technologies and materials can develop the goals stated in the UN resolution A/RES/70/1. To be more precise, low-noise road pavements (for example Porous asphalt concretes, asphalt rubberised mixture, and texture-optimised pavements) have volumetric, surface (such as drainability, texture, friction and acoustic performance), and mechanistic properties that decay over time. This depends on the particular technology used and on the many variables, processes, and phenomena with consequences in terms of safety, quietness, and budget.    In light of these issues, the objectives of this study are confined into discussing several prospective developments related to the improvement of the road pavements currently used in the urban context. A new methodology aimed at improving the design of the main properties of a road pavement is presented.The abovementioned methodology was set up based on laboratory and on-site tests, which were carried out over recent decades in order to monitor the variation of surface and volumetric properties over time. Road surfaces with premium properties (such as low-noise emissions) can increase pavement and acoustic durability, and the proposed methodology can greatly improve the overall sustainability of current transportation infrastructures, fulfilling some of the goals stated in the UN Resolution A/RES/70/1. Tecnologie e materiali innovativi per infrastrutture di trasporto più sostenibiliLe tecnologie e i materiali innovativi possono favorire gli obiettivi contenuti nella risoluzione A/RES/70/1 delle Nazioni Unite. Le pavimentazioni stradali a bassa rumorosità (ad esempio le pavimentazioni porose, le miscele bituminose con gomma e le pavimentazioni con tessitura ottimizzata) hanno proprietà volumetriche, superficiali (quali drenabilità, tessitura, aderenza e prestazioni acustiche) e proprietà meccaniche che decadono nel tempo. Ciò dipende dalla particolare tecnologia utilizzata e da molteplici variabili. Molti processi e fenomeni sono coinvolti, con conseguenze in termini di sicurezza, rumorosità e budget. Alla luce di questi problemi, gli obiettivi di questo studio riguardano la messa a punto di una metodologia volta a migliorare la progettazione delle principali proprietà di una pavimentazione stradale e in particolare di quelle relative alla superficie. Le proprietà superficiali e volumetriche sono state monitorate, analizzate, in laboratorio e in situ. I risultati mostrano che l'uso di superfici stradali “speciali” (aventi, ad esempio, bassa emissione di rumore) può aumentare la durata complessiva della pavimentazione e che il metodo messo a punto può migliorare notevolmente la sostenibilità complessiva delle infrastrutture di trasporto, raggiungendo alcuni degli obiettivi indicati nella risoluzione A/RES/70/1

Advanced European Re-Entry System Based on Inflatable Heat Shields: Detailed Design (EFESTO project)

The European Union H2020 EFESTO project is coordinated by DEIMOS Space with the end goals of improving the European TRL of Inflatable Heat Shields for re-entry vehicles (from 3 to 4/5) and paving the way towards further improvements (TRL 6 with a future In-Orbit Demonstrator, IOD). This paper presents the project objectives and the initial results of the detailed design of atmospheric entry missions based on the applications of advanced thermal protection systems implementing inflatable heat shields (flexible TPS and inflatable structures), according to aerothermodynamics constraints for future in-orbit demonstration. Placing the future IOD mission in the context of ongoing and future efforts in the European context is also one of the project goals. Two key applications, Mars Robotic Exploration and Reusable Small Launchers Upper Stages, have been identified. For the Mars Application, the robotic exploration mission class resulted in a 10 m diameter Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) class, combined with Supersonic Retro-Propulsion (SRP, activated about Mach 2.3) to deliver about 2800 kg of payload at MOLA +2 km. For the Earth Application, the VEGA upper stage (AVUM) has been selected as baseline case study. The current mission foresees a deorbiting from SSO orbit, a controlled entry phase (BC of about 30 kg/m2) and combines the use of a HIAD (4.5m diameter class) with parachutes and parafoil for Mid-Air-Capturing (MAR) with a helicopter. Beyond feasibility of the entry mission phase and system design with an inflated IAD, integration aspects have a key impact in the specific design solutions adopted, due to the nature of an inflatable heatshield. For both considered application cases feasible architectures are developed responding to the challenge of integrating the HIAD into the system in compliance with geometric and functional requirements. While the HIAD in folded state prior to inflation must fit in the available volume, it has limitations with respect to the density imposing a minimum cross section of the stowage volume. Simultaneously requirements with respect to the centre of gravity position during re-entry with an inflated HIAD must be respected for stability and controllability reasons. Other architectural considerations such as payload integration for the application on a launcher upper stage must be considered. Finally, heat loads constraints are considered for the trajectory and TPS deign choices due to important fluid-structure interactions. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 821801