The LHC Grid Challenge

Proc. on Lin

CP violation and rare B-decays at ATLAS

The primary goal of ATLAS experiment at LHC is to search for the Higgs boson and supersymmetry. However, other physics sectors like CP violation and rare B-decays, can be explored. The full proper-time and angular analyses allow several parameters of physics interest to be investigated using the $B_s^0\to J/\psi\phi$ decays. In the $B_s$ sector measurements, special emphasis is made on the $\Delta M_s$. ATLAS will be able to reach $\Delta M_s$-regions that are today covered by the fit combining all existing data. By investigating rare decays of beauty mesons and baryons, ATLAS will be capable of performing sensitive tests of physics phenomena beyond the Standard Model. The effort concentrate especially on those rare B decays that can be identified already at the first and second trigger level

Le calcul scientifique des expériences LHC. La grille de calcul LCG

Rapport commandé par le ministère de la recherche: "Recueil d'études de cas permettant d'aborder les principaux enjeux soulevés par les données numériques de la recherche et leurs infrastructures

Nature-inspired Cuckoo Search Algorithm for Side Lobe Suppression in a Symmetric Linear Antenna Array

In this paper, we proposed a newly modified cuckoo search (MCS) algorithm integrated with the Roulette wheel selection operator and the inertia weight controlling the search ability towards synthesizing symmetric linear array geometry with minimum side lobe level (SLL) and/or nulls control. The basic cuckoo search (CS) algorithm is primarily based on the natural obligate brood parasitic behavior of some cuckoo species in combination with the Levy flight behavior of some birds and fruit flies. The CS metaheuristic approach is straightforward and capable of solving effectively general N-dimensional, linear and nonlinear optimization problems. The array geometry synthesis is first formulated as an optimization problem with the goal of SLL suppression and/or null prescribed placement in certain directions, and then solved by the newly MCS algorithm for the optimum element or isotropic radiator locations in the azimuth-plane or xy-plane. The study also focuses on the four internal parameters of MCS algorithm specifically on their implicit effects in the array synthesis. The optimal inter-element spacing solutions obtained by the MCS-optimizer are validated through comparisons with the standard CS-optimizer and the conventional array within the uniform and the Dolph-Chebyshev envelope patterns using MATLABTM. Finally, we also compared the fine-tuned MCS algorithm with two popular evolutionary algorithm (EA) techniques include particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithms (GA)

Enhanced Andreev reflection in gapped graphene

We theoretically demonstrate unusual features of superconducting proximity effect in gapped graphene which presents a pseudospin symmetry-broken ferromagnet with a net pseudomagnetization. We find that the presence of a band gap makes the Andreev conductance of graphene superconductor/pseudoferromagnet (S/PF) junction to behave similar to that of a graphene ferromagnet-superconductor junction. The energy gap $\Delta_N$ enhance the pseudospin inverted Andreev conductance of S/PF junction to reach a limiting maximum value for $\Delta_N\gg \mu$, which depending on the bias voltage can be larger than the value for the corresponding junction with no energy gap. We further demonstrate a damped-oscillatory behavior for the local density of states of the PF region of S/PF junction and a long-range crossed Andreev reflection process in PF/S/PF structure with antiparallel alignment of pseudomagnetizations of PFs, which confirm that, in this respect, the gapped normal graphene behaves like a ferromagnetic graphene.Comment: 7.2 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Examination and Comparison of the Performance of Common Non-Parametric and Robust Regression Models

ABSTRACT Examination and Comparison of the Performance of Common Non-Parametric and Robust Regression Models By Gregory Frank Malek Stephen F. Austin State University, Masters in Statistics Program, Nacogdoches, Texas, U.S.A. [email protected] This work investigated common alternatives to the least-squares regression method in the presence of non-normally distributed errors. An initial literature review identified a variety of alternative methods, including Theil Regression, Wilcoxon Regression, Iteratively Re-Weighted Least Squares, Bounded-Influence Regression, and Bootstrapping methods. These methods were evaluated using a simple simulated example data set, as well as various real data sets, including math proficiency data, Belgian telephone call data, and faculty salaries at the University of South Florida. In addition, simulations were conducted of common error scenarios to test and evaluate each method. These simulations involved simple regression models in which the error terms were contaminated normal distributions with different amounts and magnitudes of contamination. The models were evaluated based on confidence interval coverage of regression coefficients, as well as bias and confidence interval width. Finally, results were summarized, conclusions drawn, and suggestions for future applications of the results have been provided

The thermal dehydration of magnesium sulfate hexahydrate (MgSO3.6H2O) and magnesium sulfite trihydrate (MgSO3.3H2O)

The thermal dehydration of MgSO3.3H2O and MgSO3.6H2O have been studied by differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. Similar studies by other groups led to contradictory conclusions. In this investigation, these results were reconciled and it was concluded that MgSO3.6H2O, under equilibrium conditions, dehydrates in two steps through the intermediate formation of MgSO3.3H2O. One consequence of this work is the development of a simple analytical procedure, using TGA, for the quantitative determination of both hydrates in mixtures and in the presence of thermally inactive material

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi and aerobic actinomycetes from park soils in Gorgan, North of Iran

Background: Keratinophilic fungi are a group of fungi that colonize in various keratinous substrates and degrade them to the components with low molecular weight. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of keratinophilic fungi and aerobic Actinomycetes in soil of city parks in Gorgan. Objectives: In this study, we surveyed the city park soils of Gorgan (a northern province of Iran) to determine the identities and diversity of soil aerobic Actinomycetes, keratinophilic and non-keratinophilic fungi. Materials and Methods: A total of 244 soil samples were collected from 22 diferent parks of Gorgan, North of Iran. The samples were collected from the superfcial layer with depth not exceeding than 0-10 cm in sterile polyethylene bags. We used hair bait technique for isolation keratinophilic fungi. The colonies identifed by macroscopic and microscopic characterization after slide culturing. Actinomycetes were isolated by antibiotic dilution methods and detected by using physiological tests such as Lysozyme, Casein, Xanthine, Hypoxanthine, Gelatin, Urea Broth, and modifed acid-fast stain. Results: Totally, 75 isolates of aerobic Actinomycetes were detected that Actinomadura madurae and Nocardia asteroides were the most prevalent strains, with 14.66 and 28% prevalence respectively. Microsporum gypseum was more frequent than other keratinophilic fungi (22.96%) and Aspergillus spp. was the most species of saprophyte fungi (15.92%). Conclusions: This study showed that the collected soil from studied areas was rich of keratinophilic fungi and Actinomycetes, therefore hygiene protocol should be taken to prevent the spread of pathogenic and saprophytes fungi in the environment of susceptible person. © 2013, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Development of a solid state thermostat final report

Solid state thermostat for space and airborne application