Abstract: We analyze theoretically the coupled-channel meson-baryon interaction with global flavor c<overline>cssn and c<overline>csss, where mesons are pseudoscalars or vectors, and baryons have JP = 1/2+ or 3/2+. The aim is to explore whether the nonlinear dynamics inherent in the unitarization process within coupled channels can dynamically generate double- and triple-strange pentaquark-type states (Pcss and Pcsss, respectively), for which there is no experimental evidence to date. We evaluate the s-wave scattering matrix by implementing unitarity in coupled channels, using potential kernels obtained from t-channel vector meson exchange. The required PPV and VVV vertices are obtained from Lagrangians derived through appropriate extensions of the local hidden gauge symmetry approach to the charm sector, while capitalizing on the symmetry of the spin and flavor wave function to evaluate the BBV vertex. We find four different poles in the double strange sector, some of them degenerate in spin. For the triple-strange channel, we find the meson-baryon interaction insufficient to generate a bound or resonance state through the unitary coupled-channel dynamics.

Abstract: We analyse a model that connects the neutrino sector and the dark sector of the universe via a mediator 41., stabilised by a discrete Z4 symmetry that breaks to a remnant Z2 upon 41. acquiring a non -zero vacuum expectation value (v phi). The model accounts for the observed baryon asymmetry of the universe via additional contributions to the canonical Type -I leptogenesis. The Z4 symmetry breaking scale (v phi) in the model not only establishes a connection between the neutrino sector and the dark sector, but could also lead to gravitational wave signals that are within the reach of current and future experimental sensitivities.

Abstract: Urgent theoretical progress is needed in order to provide an estimate in the Standard Model of the recent measurement by LHCb of direct CP violation in charm-meson two-body decays. Rescattering effects must be taken into account for a meaningful theoretical description of the amplitudes involved in such category of observables, as signaled by the presence of large strong phases. We discuss the computation of the latter effects based on a two-channel coupled dispersion relation, which exploits isospin-zero phase shifts and inelasticity parametrizations of data coming from the rescattering processes ππ→ππ, πK→πK, and ππ→K¯K. The determination of the subtraction constants of the dispersive integrals relies on the leading contributions to the transition amplitudes from the 1/NC counting, where NC is the number of QCD colors. Furthermore, we use the measured values of the branching ratios to help in selecting the nonperturbative inputs in the isospin limit, from which we predict values for the CP asymmetries. We find that the predicted level of CP violation is much below the experimental value.

Abstract: Treatment planning systems at proton-therapy centres entirely use X-ray computed tomography (CT) as primary imaging technique to infer the proton treatment doses to tumour and healthy tissues. However, proton stopping powers in the body, as derived from X-ray images, suffer from important proton-range uncertainties. In order to reduce this uncertainty in range, one could use proton-CT images instead. The main goal of this work is to test the capabilities of a newly-developed proton-CT scanner, based on the use of a set of tracking detectors and a high energy resolution scintillator for the residual energy of the protons. Different custom-made phantoms were positioned at the field of view of the scanner and were irradiated with protons at the CCB proton-therapy center in Krakow. We measured with the phantoms at different angles and produced sinograms that were used to obtain reconstructed images by Filtered Back-Projection. The obtained images were used to determine the capabilities of our scanner in terms of spatial resolution and proton Relative Stopping Power (RSP) mapping and validate its use as proton-CT scanner. The results show that the scanner can produce medium-high quality images, with spatial resolution better than 2 mm in radiography, below 3 mm in tomography and resolving power in the RSP comparable to other state-of-the-art pCT scanners.

Abstract: This work investigates the classical and quantum duality between the SIM (1)-Maxwell-Chern-Simons (MCS) model and its self -dual counterpart. Initially, we focus on free -field cases to establish equivalence through two distinct approaches: comparing the equations of motion and utilizing the master Lagrangian method. In both instances, the classical correspondence between the self -dual and MCS dual fields undergoes modifications due to very special relativity (VSR). Specifically, the duality is established when the associated VSR-mass parameters are identical, and the dual field is introduced through a non -local VSR correction. Furthermore, we analyze the duality when the self -dual model is minimally coupled to fermions. As a result, we demonstrate that Thirring-like interactions, corrected for non -local VSR contributions, are included in the MCS model. Additionally, we establish the quantum equivalence of the models by performing a functional integration of the fields and comparing the resulting effective Lagrangians.