Model-independent Analysis Research Articles

Model-independent analysis of new physics effects in $$B\rightarrow K^*_2(1430)\mu ^+ \mu ^-$$ decay

AbstractRecently, the LHCb Collaboration provided updated measurements for the lepton flavour ratios $$R_K$$ R K and $$R_{K^*}$$ R K ∗ . The currently observed values align with the predictions of the standard model. In light of these recent updates, our investigation delves into the repercussions of new physics characterized by universal couplings to electrons and muons. We specifically focus on their impact on various observables within the $$B\rightarrow K_2^*(1430)(\rightarrow K\pi )\mu ^+ \mu ^-$$ B → K 2 ∗ ( 1430 ) ( → K π ) μ + μ - decay. These observables include the differential branching ratio, forward-backward asymmetry ($$A_{FB}$$ A FB ), longitudinal polarization asymmetry ($$F_L$$ F L ), and a set of optimized observables ($$P_i$$ P i ). Our findings indicate that the branching ratio of $$B\rightarrow K_2^*(\rightarrow K\pi )\mu ^+ \mu ^-$$ B → K 2 ∗ ( → K π ) μ + μ - decay can be suppressed up to $$25\%$$ 25 % for various new physics solutions. Furthermore, all permissible new physics scenarios demonstrate finite enhancement in the muon forward-backward asymmetry $$(A_{FB})$$ ( A FB ) as well as an increase in the value of the optimized angular observable $$P_2$$ P 2 . Moreover, in the presence of new physics zero crossing points for $$A_{FB}$$ A FB and $$P_2$$ P 2 shift towards higher $$q^2$$ q 2 . The current data have a mild deviation from SM predictions in $$P_5'$$ P 5 ′ observable in the low-$$q^2$$ q 2 bin. We also explored massive $$Z'$$ Z ′ models, which can generate universal 1D new physics scenarios, characterized by $$C_9^{NP}<0$$ C 9 NP < 0 , $$C_9^{NP}=-C_{10}^{NP}$$ C 9 NP = - C 10 NP , and $$C_9^{NP}=-C_9'$$ C 9 NP = - C 9 ′ . Using additional constraints coming from $$B_s-\overline{B_s}$$ B s - B s ¯ mixing and neutrino trident process, we find that the conclusions of the model-independent analysis remain valid.

Hints of New Physics for the Hubble Tension: Violation of Cosmological Principle

Discrepancy between the measurements of Hubble constant H 0 from the cosmic microwave background and the local distance ladder is the most serious challenge to the standard ΛCDM model. Recent research has pointed out that it might be related with the violation of cosmological principle. Here, we investigate the impact of dipole–monopole correction on the constraints of H 0 utilizing the dipole-fitting method based on the ΛCDM model and cosmography method. Our results show that the dipole–monopole correction can reduce the constraints of H 0 from a larger value consistent with SH0ES results to a smaller value consistent with Planck results. This finding can effectively alleviate the Hubble tension. Through making redshift tomography and model-independent analyses, we confirm that our findings are independent of the redshift and cosmological model. In addition, the theoretical prediction of H(z)/(1 + z) reconstructed by the constraints of the ΛCDM model with the dipole correction is in agreement with baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) measurements, including five Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument BAOs within the 1σ range except a data point at z = 0.51. Our research suggests that the Hubble tension originates from new physics beyond the standard ΛCDM model, which might lead to a violation of the cosmological principle.

The First Detection of X-Ray Polarization in a Newly Discovered Galactic Transient Swift J151857.0-572147

We study the spectropolarimetric properties of a newly discovered black hole (BH) X-ray binary Swift J151857.0-572147 jointly using Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and NuSTAR observations during 2024 March. The analysis of IXPE data reports the first detection of X-ray with a polarization degree (PD) of 1.34 ± 0.27 and a polarization angle (PA) of −13.°69 ± 5.°85 using a model-independent approach, while the model-dependent analysis gives a PD of 1.18 ± 0.23 and a PA of −14.°01 ± 5.°80. The joint spectral analysis of the broadband data and NuSTAR analysis in isolation constrain the mass of the central BH between ∼9.2 ± 1.6 and 10.1 ± 1.7M ⊙ and a moderate spin parameter of ∼0.6 ± 0.1–0.7 ± 0.2 with a disk inclination of ∼35° ± 7°–46° ± 15°. The power-law photon index and cutoff energy are 2.19 ± 0.03–2.47 ± 0.06 and ∼36 ± 4–78 ± 10 keV, suggesting a transition to the soft spectral state. Additionally, a relatively lower corona size of 6 ± 1–9 ± 2r S , a low mass outflow rate ( <3%ṀEdd ), and the best-fitted halo accretion is less compared to the disk accretion rate further confirm the same state. The low PD detected in the soft state can be due to repeated scattering inside the dense corona, and the dominant emission from the disk agrees with the low spin and low disk inclination. The hydrogen column density obtained from the fit is relatively high at ∼4–5 × 1022 cm−2.

Simultaneous X-Ray and Optical Polarization Observations of the Blazar Mrk 421

We present near-simultaneous X-ray and optical polarization measurements in the high synchrotron peaked (HSP) blazar Mrk 421. The X-ray polarimetric observations were carried out using Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) on 2023 December 6. During IXPE observations, we also carried out optical polarimetric observations using 104 cm Sampurnanand telescope at Nainital and multiband optical imaging observations using 2 m Himalayan Chandra Telescope at Hanle. From model-independent analysis of IXPE data, we detected X-ray polarization with degree of polarization (ΠX) of 8.5% ± 0.5% and an electric vector position angle (ΨX) of 10.°6 ± 1.°7 in the 2−8 keV band. From optical polarimetry on 2023 December 6, in B, V, and R bands, we found values of Π B = 4.27% ± 0.32%, Π V = 3.57% ± 0.31%, and Π R = 3.13% ± 0.25%. The value of Π B is greater than that observed at longer optical wavelengths, with the degree of polarization suggesting an energy-dependent trend, gradually decreasing from higher to lower energies. This is consistent with that seen in other HSP blazars and favors a stratified emission region encompassing a shock front. The emission happening in the vicinity of the shock front will be more polarized due to the ordered magnetic field resulting from shock compression. The X-ray emission, involving high-energy electrons, originates closer to the shock front than the optical emission. The difference in the spatial extension could plausibly account for the observed variation in polarization between X-ray and optical wavelengths. This hypothesis is further supported by the broadband spectral energy distribution modeling of the X-ray and optical data.

Disentangling SMEFT and UV contributions in h→Zγ and h→γγ decays

LHC searches have revealed that the Higgs boson decay to a photon pair is nearly consistent with the Standard Model (SM), whereas recently, there is evidence for the decay of the Higgs boson to a Z boson and a photon. These decays are governed by the same set of Wilson coefficients at the tree level in Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT). In this study, we aim to explain this potential discrepancy between the decays h→γγ and h→Zγ. We conduct a model-independent analysis in SMEFT to determine the magnitude and features of the Wilson coefficients required to account for the observed distinction between the two signal strengths. Following this, we adopt a top-down approach, considering all single- and two-field extensions of the SM, including scalars and fermions, as candidates for new interactions. We perform the matching of these models to one loop using automated packages and compare the models’ predictions regarding h→Zγ. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

CP asymmetries in τ→KSπντ decays

We present here the CP asymmetries in the decay rate and angular distributions of [Formula: see text] decays in the Standard Model (SM) and beyond (BSM). The CP asymmetries in the SM are induced by the CP violation in [Formula: see text] mixing. To investigate the BSM CP-violating (CPV) effects, a model-independent analysis is performed by using the low-energy effective field theory (LEFT) framework at [Formula: see text] GeV. If one further assumes the BSM physics to stem from above the electroweak scale, the LEFT shall then be matched onto the SM effective field theory (SMEFT), the operators of which contributing to [Formula: see text] decays will also contribute to the neutron electric dipole moment (EDM) and [Formula: see text] mixing. The stringent bounds from the latter suggest that no remarkable CPV effects can be observed in either the decay rate or the angular distributions. The prospects for future measurements of these observables are also mentioned.

Exploring Urban Sustainability: The Role of Geology and Hydrogeology in Numerical Aquifer Modelling for Open-Loop Geothermal Energy Development, the Case of Torino (Italy)

This research examines the integration of geological and hydrogeological data in numerical aquifer model simulations, with a particular focus on the urban area of Torino, Italy. The role of groundwater resources in urban sustainability is analysed. The objective is to integrate open-loop geothermal plants into the district heating network of IREN S.p.A. Two case studies are examined: the Torino Nord area and the Moncalieri area, both of which host district heating plants. The work entails the collection and analysis of data from a variety of sources, including geognostic surveys and permeability tests, in order to construct a three-dimensional numerical model of the surface aquifer. Models were built using the public MODFLOW 6 (model of groundwater flow) code and calibrated using PESTHP (High Performance of Model Independent Parameter Estimation and Uncertainty Analysis). Results indicate the potential of urban aquifers as renewable energy sources and the necessity of comprehensive geological and hydrogeological assessments for optimal ground water heat pump (GWHP) system installation. This paper emphasises the significance of sustainable water management in the context of climate change and urbanisation challenges.

The Structural Stability of Membrane Proteins Revisited: Combined Thermodynamic and Spectral Phasor Analysis of SDS-induced Denaturation of a Thermophilic Cu(I)-transport ATPase

Assessing membrane protein stability is among the major challenges in protein science due to their inherent complexity, which complicates the application of conventional biophysical tools. In this work, sodium dodecyl sulfate-induced denaturation of AfCopA, a Cu(I)-transport ATPase from Archaeoglobus fulgidus, was explored using a combined model-free spectral phasor analysis and a model-dependent thermodynamic analysis. Decrease in tryptophan and 1-anilino-naphthalene-8-sulfonate fluorescence intensity, displacements in the spectral phasor space, and the loss of ATPase activity were reversibly induced by this detergent. Refolding from the SDS-induced denatured state yields an active enzyme that is functionally and spectroscopically indistinguishable from the native state of the protein. Phasor analysis of Trp spectra allowed us to identify two intermediate states in the SDS-induced denaturation of AfCopA, a result further supported by principal component analysis. In contrast, traditional thermodynamic analysis detected only one intermediate state, and including the second one led to overparameterization. Additionally, ANS fluorescence spectral analysis detected one more intermediate and a gradual change at the level of the hydrophobic transmembrane surface of the protein. Based on this evidence, a model for acquiring the native structure of AfCopA in a membrane-like environment is proposed.

Radiative corrections to the muon polarization in the semileptonic decay of a neutral kaon

A model-independent expression for the Dalitz plot of the semileptonic decays of a neutral kaon Kμ30\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ {K}_{\\mu 3}^0 $$\\end{document}, including radiative corrections to order O\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{O} $$\\end{document}[(α/π)(q/M1)], where q is the four-momentum transfer and M1 is the mass of the decaying kaon, is presented. In this paper the emitted muon is considered to be polarized so the analysis is centered on numerically evaluating the radiative corrections to the longitudinal, transverse, and normal polarization muon components. The model dependence of radiative corrections is kept in general form within this approximation, which is useful for model-independent experimental analyses. The final expressions, with the triple integration of the bremsstrahlung photon variables are ready to be evaluated numerically, they are free of the infrared divergence or ultraviolet cutoff. The radiative corrections to the components of the muon polarization are found to be very small compared to their respective uncorrected values.

Model dependent analysis of decays in beyond standard model

Motivated by the recent experimental results of branching fractions for decays, which deviate from their SM predictions, we hve investigated these decays in model and scalar leptoquark model to determine potential signatures of new physics (NP) in semileptonic charm decays induced by transitions. Using recent experimental results of branching fractions for semileptonic meson decays, new coupling parameters are predicted for the aforementioned NP models. Branching fraction, forward-backward asymmetry, and lepton polarization asymmetry are examined by considering the predicted NP coupling parameters. The results of branching fractions in scalar leptoquark model are found very close to the experimental results and exist around the range of deviation. We presented a comparative study of the NP models to check their sensitivity on these decays. We anticipate that further research on these decays will significantly support our findings.

[formula omitted] form factors in HQEFT and model independent analysis of relevant semileptonic decays with NP effects

[formula omitted] form factors in HQEFT and model independent analysis of relevant semileptonic decays with NP effects

Ensemble power spectral density of SDSS quasars in UV/optical bands

Context. Quasar variability has proven to be a powerful tool to constrain the properties of their inner engine and the accretion process onto supermassive black holes. Correlations between UV/optical variability and physical properties have been long studied with a plethora of different approaches and time-domain surveys, although the detailed picture is not yet clear. Aims. We analysed archival data from the SDSS Stripe-82 region to study how the quasar power spectral density (PSD) depends on the black hole mass, bolometric luminosity, accretion rate, redshift, and rest-frame wavelength. We developed a model-independent analysis framework that could be easily applied to upcoming large surveys such as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Methods. We used light curves of 8042 spectroscopically confirmed quasars, observed in at least six yearly seasons in five filters ugriz. We split the sample into bins of similar physical properties containing at least 50 sources, and we measured the ensemble PSD in each of them. Results. We find that a simple power law is a good fit to the power spectra in the frequency range explored. Variability does not depend on the redshift at a fixed wavelength. Instead, both PSD amplitude and slope depend on the black hole mass, accretion rate, and rest-frame wavelength. We provide scaling relations to model the observed variability as a function of the physical properties, and discuss the possibility of a universal PSD shape for all quasars, where frequencies scale with the black hole mass, while normalization and slope(s) are fixed (at any given wavelength and accretion rate).

Carbomer Hydrogels with Microencapsulated α-Tocopherol: Focus on the Biocompatibility of the Microcapsules, Topical Application Attributes, and In Vitro Release Study.

The microencapsulation of α-tocopherol based on the complex coacervation of low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMWC) and sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) without harmful crosslinkers can provide biocompatible carriers that protect it from photodegradation and air oxidation. In this study, the influence of the microcapsule wall composition on carrier performance, compatibility with a high-water-content vehicle for topical application, and release of α-tocopherol were investigated. Although the absence of aldehyde crosslinkers decreased the encapsulation efficiency of α-tocopherol (~70%), the variation in the LMWC/SLES mass ratio (2:1 or 1:1) had no significant effect on the moisture content and microcapsule size. The prepared microcapsule-loaded carbomer hydrogels were soft semisolids with pseudoplastic flow behavior. The integrity of microcapsules embedded in the hydrogel was confirmed by light microscopy. The microcapsules reduced the pH, apparent viscosity, and hysteresis area of the hydrogels, while increasing their spreading ability on a flat inert surface and dispersion rate in artificial sweat. The in vitro release of α-tocopherol from crosslinker-free microcapsule-loaded hydrogels was diffusion-controlled. The release profile was influenced by the LMWC/SLES mass ratio, apparent viscosity, type of synthetic membrane, and acceptor medium composition. Better data quality for the model-independent analysis was achieved when a cellulose nitrate membrane and ethyl alcohol 60% w/w as acceptor medium were used.

Euclid preparation

In this paper we investigate the impact of lensing magnification on the analysis of Euclid’s spectroscopic survey using the multipoles of the two-point correlation function for galaxy clustering. We determine the impact of lensing magnification on cosmological constraints as well as the expected shift in the best-fit parameters if magnification is ignored. We considered two cosmological analyses: (i) a full-shape analysis based on the Λ cold dark matter (CDM) model and its extension w0waCDM and (ii) a model-independent analysis that measures the growth rate of structure in each redshift bin. We adopted two complementary approaches in our forecast: the Fisher matrix formalism and the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. The fiducial values of the local count slope (or magnification bias), which regulates the amplitude of the lensing magnification, have been estimated from the Euclid Flagship simulations. We used linear perturbation theory and modelled the two-point correlation function with the public code coffe. For a ΛCDM model, we find that the estimation of cosmological parameters is biased at the level of 0.4–0.7 standard deviations, while for a w0waCDM dynamical dark energy model, lensing magnification has a somewhat smaller impact, with shifts below 0.5 standard deviations. For a model-independent analysis aimed at measuring the growth rate of structure, we find that the estimation of the growth rate is biased by up to 1.2 standard deviations in the highest redshift bin. As a result, lensing magnification cannot be neglected in the spectroscopic survey, especially if we want to determine the growth factor, one of the most promising ways to test general relativity with Euclid. We also find that, by including lensing magnification with a simple template, this shift can be almost entirely eliminated with minimal computational overhead.

U(2) Is Right for Leptons and Left for Quarks.

We posit that the distinct patterns observed in fermion masses and mixings are due to a minimally broken U(2)_{q+e} flavor symmetry acting on left-handed quarks and right-handed charged leptons, giving rise to an accidental U(2)^{5} symmetry at the renormalizable level without imposing selection rules on the Weinberg operator. We show that the symmetry can be consistently gauged by explicit examples and comment on realizations in SU(5) unification. Via a model-independent analysis of a standard model viewed as an effective field theory, we find that selection rules due to U(2)_{q+e} enhance the importance of charged lepton flavor violation as a probe, where significant experimental progress is expected in the near future.

Iteration on the Higgs portal for vector dark matter and its effective field theory description

We reanalyze the effective field theory (EFT) approach for the scenario in which the particles that account for the dark matter (DM) in the universe are vector states that interact only through the Standard Model-like Higgs boson. These DM particles are searched for in direct and indirect detection in astrophysical experiments and in invisible Higgs decays at the LHC. The constraints obtained in these two search types are complementary and correlated. In recent years, it has been advocated that the EFT approach is problematic for small DM mass and that it does not capture all the aspects of vector DM; one should thus rather interpret the searches in ultraviolet complete theories that are more realistic. In this paper, we show that a more appropriate definition of the EFT with the introduction of an effective new physics scale parameter, can encompass such issues. We illustrate this by matching the EFT to two examples of ultraviolet completions for it: the U(1) model with a dark photon and a model that was recently adopted by the LHC experiments in which vectorlike fermions generate an effective interaction between the Higgs and the DM states at the one-loop level. Additionally, we find that the region of parameter space that is relevant for DM phenomenology is well inside the range of validity of the EFT. It thus provides a general parametrization of the effects of any ultraviolet model in the regime under exploration, making it the ideal framework for model-independent analyses of the vector DM Higgs-portal. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Comparative Fitting of Mathematical Models to Carvedilol Release Profiles Obtained from Hypromellose Matrix Tablets.

The mathematical models available in DDSolver were applied to experimental dissolution data obtained by analysing carvedilol release from hypromellose (HPMC)-based matrix tablets. Different carvedilol release profiles were generated by varying a comprehensive selection of fillers and carvedilol release modifiers in the formulation. Model fitting was conducted for the entire relevant dissolution data, as determined by using a paired t-test, and independently for dissolution data up to approximately 60% of carvedilol released. The best models were selected based on the residual sum of squares (RSS) results used as a general measure of goodness of fit, along with the utilization of various criteria for visual assessment of model fit and determination of the acceptability of estimated model parameters indicating burst release or lag time concerning experimental dissolution results and previous research. In addition, a model-dependent analysis of carvedilol release mechanisms was carried out.

Development and Validation of New Discriminative Dissolution Method for Dapagliflozin Tablets

In this study, we aimed to find out how well dapagliflozin worked by creating and testing a new way to dissolve the pills. We considered a great many factors, including the quantity of dissolved liquid, the liquid’s composition, and the rotational speed of the paddle. Apparatus II, or the paddle, was employed to get the perfect in-vitro breakdown profile. The dissolving media consisted of 900 mL of phosphate buffer with a pH of 6.8, and the machine was spun at a speed of 50 revolutions per minute. For the purpose of assessing the drug release method’s properties, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used. Regarding the dissolving procedure, which was found to be in compliance with regulations, all applicable laws were followed, including those of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Extensive evaluation of several attributes, including precision, sensitivity, accuracy, and stability, led to the conclusion that the outcomes were satisfactory. We examined the patterns of breakdown for many entities using a range of methodologies, including model-dependent methodology, model-independent methodology, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). According to the results, there was a great deal of overlap between the two things. Dapagliflozin tablet production and quality control could benefit from the melting test that was given and shown. This is because it can distinguish among the examined commodities according to their unique release characteristics.

Search for Daily Modulation of MeV Dark Matter Signals with DAMIC-M.

Dark matter (DM) particles with sufficiently large cross sections may scatter as they travel through Earth's bulk. The corresponding changes in the DM flux give rise to a characteristic daily modulation signal in detectors sensitive to DM-electron interactions. Here, we report results obtained from the first underground operation of the DAMIC-M prototype detector searching for such a signal from DM with MeV-scale mass. A model-independent analysis finds no modulation in the rate of 1 e^{-} events with sidereal period, where a DM signal would appear. We then use these data to place exclusion limits on DM in the mass range [0.53,2.7] MeV/c^{2} interacting with electrons via a dark photon mediator. Taking advantage of the time-dependent signal we improve by ∼2 orders of magnitude on our previous limit obtained from the total rate of 1 e^{-} events, using the same dataset. This daily modulation search represents the current strongest limit on DM-electron scattering via ultralight mediators for DM masses around 1 MeV/c^{2}.

Anomalies in global SMEFT analyses. A case study of first-row CKM unitarity

Recent developments in the Standard Model analysis of semileptonic charged-current processes involving light quarks have revealed ~ 3σ tensions in Cabibbo universality tests involving meson, neutron, and nuclear beta decays. In this paper, we explore beyond the Standard Model explanations of this so-called Cabibbo Angle Anomaly in the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT), including not only low-energy charged current processes (‘L’), but also electroweak precision observables (‘EW’) and Drell-Yan collider processes (‘C’) that probe the same underlying physics across a broad range of energy scales. The resulting ‘CLEW’ framework not only allows one to test explanations of the Cabibbo Angle Anomaly, but is set up to provide near model-independent analyses with minimal assumptions on the flavor structure of the SMEFT operators. Besides the global analysis, we consider a large number of simpler scenarios, each with a subset of SMEFT operators, and investigate how much they improve upon the Standard Model fit. We find that the most favored scenarios, as judged by the Akaike Information Criterion, are those that involve right-handed charged currents. Additional interactions, namely oblique operators, terms modifying the Fermi constant, and operators involving right-handed neutral currents, play a role if the CDF determination of the W mass is included in the analysis.