Diffractive Higgs boson photoproduction in peripheral collisions

An alternative process is proposed for the diffractive Higgs boson production in peripheral $pp$ collisions, exploring it through the photon-proton interaction by Double Pomeron Exchange. It is estimated the event rate of the diffractive Higgs production in central rapidity for Tevatron and LHC energies, being of the order of 1 fb, in agreement to the predictions from other diffractive processes. The results are confronted with those obtained from a similar approach of the Durham group.Comment: 4 pages, 7 figures, contribution to the proceedings of II Latin American Workshop on High Energy Physics [IILAWHEP], 3-7 Dec. 2007, Sao Miguel das Missoes, Brazi

Single and Central Diffractive Higgs Production at the LHC

The single and central diffractive production of the Standard Model Higgs boson is computed using the diffractive factorization formalism, taking into account a parametrization for the Pomeron structure function provided by the H1 Collaboration. We compute the cross sections at NLO accuracy for the gluon fusion process, since it is the leading mechanism for the Higgs boson production. The gap survival probability is also introduced to include the rescattering corrections due to spectator particles present in the interaction. The diffractive ratios are predicted for proton-proton collisions at the LHC, since the beam luminosity is favorable to the Higgs boson detection. These results provide updated estimations for the fraction of single and central diffractive events in the LHC kinematical regime.Comment: To appear in the proceedings of Diffraction 2010: International Workshop on Diffraction in High Energy Physics, Otranto, Italy, 10-15 Sep 201

Assessment of seismic performance of adobe structures in Pakistan and Portugal

Adobe buildings exist in different parts of the world. The construction of these buildings can be carried out economically, using locally available materials and skills that do not require use of modern machinery. Therefore, adobe buildings provide an economic housing option. The construction of adobe structures is carried out based on traditional construction practices which vary from region to region. This paper presents the results of a study which was conducted to study the construction practices of adobe buildings in Pakistan and Portugal in the context of their seismic vulnerability. The adobe buildings in both these countries were found to be subjected to seismic hazard levels which, although is low in some regions, may cause significant damages. Lack of essential elements or details for the adequate seismic performance was found in the adobe buildings in both regions