Nowadays neutrino physics is undergoing a change of perspective: the discovery period is almost over and the phase of precise measurements is starting. Despite the limited statistics collected for ...some variables, the three–flavor oscillation neutrino framework is strengthening well. In this framework a new method has been developed to determine the neutrino mass ordering, one of the still unknown and most relevant parameters. The method is applied to the 2015 results of the NOvA experiment for νμ→νe appearance, including its systematic errors. A substantial gain in significance is obtained compared to the traditional Δχ2 approach. Perspectives are provided for future results obtainable by NOvA with larger exposures. Assuming the number of the 2015 νe observed events scales with the exposure, an increase in only a factor three would exclude the inverted hierarchy at more than 95% C.L. over the full range of the CP violating phase. The preliminary 2016 NOvA measurement on νμ→νe appearance has also been analyzed.
In physically realistic, scalar-field-based dynamical dark energy models (including, e.g., quintessence), one naturally expects the scalar field to couple to the rest of the model’s degrees of ...freedom. In particular, a coupling to the electromagnetic sector leads to a time (redshift) dependence in the fine-structure constant and a violation of the weak equivalence principle. Here we extend the previous
Euclid
forecast constraints on dark energy models to this enlarged (but physically more realistic) parameter space, and forecast how well
Euclid
, together with high-resolution spectroscopic data and local experiments, can constrain these models. Our analysis combines simulated
Euclid
data products with astrophysical measurements of the fine-structure constant,
α
, and local experimental constraints, and it includes both parametric and non-parametric methods. For the astrophysical measurements of
α
, we consider both the currently available data and a simulated dataset representative of Extremely Large Telescope measurements that are expected to be available in the 2030s. Our parametric analysis shows that in the latter case, the inclusion of astrophysical and local data improves the
Euclid
dark energy figure of merit by between 8% and 26%, depending on the correct fiducial model, with the improvements being larger in the null case where the fiducial coupling to the electromagnetic sector is vanishing. These improvements would be smaller with the current astrophysical data. Moreover, we illustrate how a genetic algorithms based reconstruction provides a null test for the presence of the coupling. Our results highlight the importance of complementing surveys like
Euclid
with external data products, in order to accurately test the wider parameter spaces of physically motivated paradigms.
A new measurement of inclusive-jet cross sections in the Breit frame in neutral current deep inelastic scattering using the ZEUS detector at the HERA collider is presented. The data were taken in the ...years 2004–2007 at a centre-of-mass energy of
318
GeV
and correspond to an integrated luminosity of
347
pb
-
1
. The jets were reconstructed using the
k
t
-algorithm in the Breit reference frame. They have been measured as a function of the squared momentum transfer,
Q
2
, and the transverse momentum of the jets in the Breit frame,
p
⊥
,
Breit
. The measured jet cross sections are compared to previous measurements and to perturbative QCD predictions. The measurement has been used in a next-to-next-to-leading-order QCD analysis to perform a simultaneous determination of parton distribution functions of the proton and the strong coupling, resulting in a value of
α
s
(
M
Z
2
)
=
0.1142
±
0.0017
(experimental/fit)
-
0.0007
+
0.0006
(model/parameterisation)
-
0.0004
+
0.0006
(scale)
, whose accuracy is improved compared to similar measurements. In addition, the running of the strong coupling is demonstrated using data obtained at different scales.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
Can traceability of gametes and embryos be ensured during IVF?
SUMMARY ANSWER
The use of a simple and comprehensive traceability system that includes the most susceptible ...phases during the IVF process minimizes the risk of mismatches.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Mismatches in IVF are very rare but unfortunately possible with dramatic consequences for both patients and health care professionals. Traceability is thus a fundamental aspect of the treatment. A clear process of patient and cell identification involving witnessing protocols has to be in place in every unit. To identify potential failures in the traceability process and to develop strategies to mitigate the risk of mismatches, previously failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) has been used effectively. The FMEA approach is however a subjective analysis, strictly related to specific protocols and thus the results are not always widely applicable. To reduce subjectivity and to obtain a widespread comprehensive protocol of traceability, a multicentre centrally coordinated FMEA was performed.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
Seven representative Italian centres (three public and four private) were selected. The study had a duration of 21 months (from April 2015 to December 2016) and was centrally coordinated by a team of experts: a risk analysis specialist, an expert embryologist and a specialist in human factor. Principal investigators of each centre were first instructed about proactive risk assessment and FMEA methodology. A multidisciplinary team to perform the FMEA analysis was then formed in each centre. After mapping the traceability process, each team identified the possible causes of mistakes in their protocol. A risk priority number (RPN) for each identified potential failure mode was calculated. The results of the FMEA analyses were centrally investigated and consistent corrective measures suggested. The teams performed new FMEA analyses after the recommended implementations.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
In each centre, this study involved: the laboratory director, the Quality Control & Quality Assurance responsible, Embryologist(s), Gynaecologist(s), Nurse(s) and Administration. The FMEA analyses were performed according to the Joint Commission International.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The FMEA teams identified seven main process phases: oocyte collection, sperm collection, gamete processing, insemination, embryo culture, embryo transfer and gamete/embryo cryopreservation. A mean of 19.3 (SD ± 5.8) associated process steps and 41.9 (SD ± 12.4) possible failure modes were recognized per centre. A RPN ≥15 was calculated in a mean of 6.4 steps (range 2–12, SD ± 3.60). A total of 293 failure modes were centrally analysed 45 of which were considered at medium/high risk. After consistent corrective measures implementation and re-evaluation, a significant reduction in the RPNs in all centres (RPN <15 for all steps) was observed. A simple and comprehensive traceability system was designed as the result of the seven FMEA analyses.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The validity of FMEA is in general questionable due to the subjectivity of the judgments. The design of this study has however minimized this risk by introducing external experts for the analysis of the FMEA results. Specific situations such as sperm/oocyte donation, import/export and pre-implantation genetic testing were not taken into consideration. Finally, this study is only limited to the analysis of failure modes that may lead to mismatches, other possible procedural mistakes are not accounted for.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Every single IVF centre should have a clear and reliable protocol for identification of patients and traceability of cells during manipulation. The results of this study can support IVF groups in better recognizing critical steps in their protocols, understanding identification and witnessing process, and in turn enhancing safety by introducing validated corrective measures.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This study was designed by the Italian Society of Embryology Reproduction and Research (SIERR) and funded by the Italian National Transplant Centre (CNT) of the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
Combined HERA data on charm production in deep-inelastic scattering have previously been used to determine the charm-quark running mass mc(mc) in the MS‾ renormalisation scheme. Here, the same data ...are used as a function of the photon virtuality Q2 to evaluate the charm-quark running mass at different scales to one-loop order, in the context of a next-to-leading order QCD analysis. The scale dependence of the mass is found to be consistent with QCD expectations.
A simultaneous fit of parton distribution functions (PDFs) and electroweak parameters to HERA data on deep inelastic scattering is presented. The input data are the neutral current and charged ...current inclusive cross sections which were previously used in the QCD analysis leading to the HERAPDF2.0 PDFs. In addition, the polarization of the electron beam was taken into account for the ZEUS data recorded between 2004 and 2007. Results on the vector and axial-vector couplings of the Z boson to u- and d-type quarks, on the value of the electroweak mixing angle and the mass of the W boson are presented. The values obtained for the electroweak parameters are in agreement with Standard Model predictions.
The OPERA experiment, designed to perform the first observation of
ν
μ
→
ν
τ
oscillations in appearance mode through the detection of the
τ
leptons produced in
ν
τ
charged current interactions, has ...collected data from 2008 to 2012. In the present paper, the procedure developed to detect
τ
particle decays, occurring over distances of the order of
1
mm
from the neutrino interaction point, is described in detail and applied to the search for charmed hadrons, showing similar decay topologies as the
τ
lepton. In the analysed sample, 50 charm decay candidate events are observed while
54
±
4
are expected, proving that the detector performance and the analysis chain applied to neutrino events are well reproduced by the OPERA simulation and thus validating the methods for
ν
τ
appearance detection.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The high-precision HERA data allows searches up to TeV scales for beyond the Standard Model contributions to electron–quark scattering. Combined measurements of the inclusive deep inelastic cross ...sections in neutral and charged current ep scattering corresponding to a luminosity of around 1 fb−1 have been used in this analysis. A new approach to the beyond the Standard Model analysis of the inclusive ep data is presented; simultaneous fits of parton distribution functions together with contributions of “new physics” processes were performed. Results are presented considering a finite radius of quarks within the quark form-factor model. The resulting 95% C.L. upper limit on the effective quark radius is 0.43⋅10−16 cm.
Euclid is an ESA mission designed to understand why the expansion of the Universe is accelerating and what is the nature of the dark energy responsible for this acceleration. By measuring two ...cosmological probes simultaneously, the Weak Gravitational Lensing and the Galaxy Clustering (BAO and Redshift-Space distorsions), Euclid will constrain dark energy, general relativity, dark matter and the initial conditions of the Universe with unprecedented accuracy. Euclid will be equipped with a 1.2 m diameter SiC mirror telescope feeding 2 instruments: the visible imager and the Near-Infrared Spectro-Photometer. Here the Euclid's observation probes and main aims are recalled, and the NISP instrument and expected performances are presented.
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