Strongly Interacting Dynamics beyond the Standard Model on a Spacetime Lattice

Strong theoretical arguments suggest that the Higgs sector of the Standard Model of the Electroweak interactions is an effective low-energy theory, with a more fundamental theory that is expected to emerge at an energy scale of the order of the TeV. One possibility is that the more fundamental theory be strongly interacting and the Higgs sector be given by the low-energy dynamics of the underlying theory. We review recent works aimed to determining observable quantities by numerical simulations of strongly interacting theories proposed in the literature for explaining the Electroweak symmetry breaking mechanism. These investigations are based on Monte Carlo simulations of the theory formulated on a spacetime lattice. We focus on the so-called Minimal Walking Technicolour scenario, a SU(2) gauge theory with two flavours of fermions in the adjoint representation. The emerging picture is that this theory has an infrared fixed point that dominates the large distance physics. We shall discuss the first numerical determinations of quantities of phenomenological interest for this theory and analyse future directions of quantitative studies of strongly interacting beyond the Standard Model theories with Lattice techniques. In particular, we report on a finite size scaling determination of the chiral condensate anomalous dimension $\gamma$, for which we find $0.05 \le \gamma \le 0.25$.Comment: Minor corrections and clarifications of some points, conclusions unchange

Clinical Psychologists’ Usage and Experiences of Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytically-Informed Approaches Within the NHS

Background Psychoanalytic approaches have decreased in use as a therapy in the UK. After an initial growth in Britain post World War One, the subsequent emphasis on using empirically supported treatments resulted in cognitive and behavioural approaches being prioritized. Neoliberalism and austerity measures have led to an emphasis on short-term, low cost treatments, and the further marginalization of psychoanalytic approaches. There is no research exploring its use within clinical psychology in the NHS, despite increased research supporting its utility and a policy emphasis on patient choice. Aims This research will aim to explore how clinical psychologists use the psychoanalytic approach within the NHS and their experience of the approach. Methods A mixed methods approach was used. A quantitative online survey of clinical psychologists working within the NHS in the UK (N=189) collected demographic data as well as information about modalities used and their services, clients and training characteristics. An interview was used to explore the experiences of clinical psychologists of using the psychoanalytic approach within the NHS. Results It was found that a higher percentage of participants (18%) used the psychoanalytic approach than expected from previous research. A greater majority used CBT and third wave approaches. Most participants using psychoanalytic approaches worked with adults with severe and enduring difficulties in secondary care settings. From the interviews, participants spoke about having little space and practical time to use psychoanalytic approaches within services. Participants spoke about how the approach was useful to provide space for clinicians and clients to reflect and build a therapeutic relationship. However, some participants expressed concern that it could be regarded as elitist and inaccessible to some client groups. There was debate about the future of psychoanalytic approaches within the NHS. Conclusions Some clinical psychologists use psychoanalytic approaches in practice and find it useful, although there are service barriers that constrain its use within the NHS that should be addressed. Strengths and limitations of the study are discussed and recommendations made for future research

Energy-dependent quenching adjusts the excitation diffusion length to regulate photosynthetic light harvesting

An important determinant of crop yields is the regulation of photosystem II (PSII) light harvesting by energy-dependent quenching (qE). However, the molecular details of excitation quenching have not been quantitatively connected to the PSII yield, which only emerges on the 100 nm scale of the grana membrane and determines flux to downstream metabolism. Here, we incorporate excitation dissipation by qE into a pigment-scale model of excitation transfer and trapping for a 200 nm x 200 nm patch of the grana membrane. We demonstrate that single molecule measurements of qE are consistent with a weak-quenching regime. Consequently, excitation transport can be rigorously coarse-grained to a 2D random walk with an excitation diffusion length determined by the extent of quenching. A diffusion-corrected lake model substantially improves the PSII yield determined from variable chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and offers an improved model of PSII for photosynthetic metabolism.Comment: 19 pages, 4 figures, 3 supplementary figure

Target Premia and Exchange Rates: Australian Evidence

This paper documents exchange rate and cross-border effects on Australian target premia. A significant relationship between changes in the real exchange rate and target premia for successful domestic and crossborder acquisitions is identified and shown to be robust to bid characteristics and relatedness of bidder and target. Exchange rate effects on domestic target premia are sensitive to measurement of the exchange rate and to the level of economic exposure experienced by the target. However, exchange rate and US crossborder effect on cross-border acquired targets are robust to model specifications and various definitions of the real and nominal exchange rate

Corporate governance in Australia

The state of corporate governance in Australia has received media and policy attention in the last eighteen months as the social and financial implications of major corporate collapses come to light. Most prominent in the local financial press have been the investigations of governance irregularities (and allegations of illegal management behaviour) in HIH and OneTel, with supporting roles from companies such as Harris Scarfe and AMP. Overseas players in the unfolding governance drama have included the US corporations Tyco, Enron and Global Crossing

Asymptotic analysis of silicon based Bragg fibers

We developed an asymptotic formalism that fully characterizes the propagation and loss properties of a Bragg fiber with finite cladding layers. The formalism is subsequently applied to miniature air-core Bragg fibers with Silicon-based cladding mirrors. The fiber performance is analyzed as a function of the Bragg cladding geometries, the core radius and the material absorption. The problems of fiber core deformation and other defects in Bragg fibers are also addressed using a finite-difference time-domain analysis and a Gaussian beam approximation, respectively