Abstract: In this paper we investigate the (g – 2)(mu) discrepancy in the context of the R-parity conserving next-to minimal supersymmetric Standard Model plus right-handed neutrinos superfields. The model has the ability to reproduce neutrino physics data and includes the interesting possibility to have the right-handed sneutrino as the lightest supersymmetric particle and a viable dark matter candidate. Since right-handed sneutrinos are singlets, no new contributions for delta a(mu) with respect to the MSSM and NMSSM are present. However, the possibility to have the right-handed sneutrino as the lightest supersymmetric particle opens new ways to escape Large Hadron Collider and direct detection constraints. In particular, we find that dark matter masses within 10 less than or similar to m((upsilon) over tildeR) less than or similar to 600 GeV are fully compatible with current experimental constraints. Remarkably, not only spectra with light sleptons are needed, but we obtain solutions with m((mu) over tilde) greater than or similar to 600 GeV in the entire dark matter mass range that could be probed by new (g – 2)(mu) data in the near future. In addition, dark matter direct detection experiments will be able to explore a sizable portion of the allowed parameter space with mvR < 300 GeV, while indirect detection experiments will be able to probe a much smaller fraction within 200 less than or similar to m((nu)over tilde>R) less than or similar to 350 GeV.

Abstract: We consider special classes of Palatini f(R) theories, featured by additional Loop Quantum Gravity inspired terms, with the aim of identifying a set of modified Ashtekar canonical variables, which still preserve the SU(2) gauge structure of the standard theory. In particular, we allow for affine connection to be endowed with torsion, which turns out to depend on the additional scalar degree affecting Palatini f( R) gravity, and in this respect we successfully construct a novel Gauss constraint. We analyze the role of the additional scalar field, outlining as it acquires a dynamical character by virtue of a non vanishing Immirzi parameter, and we describe some possible effects on the area operator stemming from such a revised theoretical framework. Finally, we compare our results with earlier studies in literature, discussing differences between metric and Palatini approaches. It is worth noting how the Hamiltonian turns out to be different in the two cases. The results can be reconciled when the analysis is performed in the Einstein frame.

Abstract: We propose superfield equations in tensorial N-extended superspaces to describe the N = 2,4,8 supersymmetric generalizations of free conformal higher spin theories. These can be obtained by quantizing a superparticle model in N-extended tensorial superspace. The N-extended higher spin supermultiplets just contain scalar and 'spinor' fields in tensorial space so that, in contrast with the standard (super)space approach, no nontrivial generalizations of the Maxwell or Einstein equations to tensorial space appear when N > 2. For N = 4,8, the higher spin-tensorial components of the extended tensorial superfields are expressed through additional scalar and spinor fields in tensorial space which obey the same free higher spin equations, but that are axion-like in the sense that they possess Peccei-Quinn-like symmetries.

Abstract: The production of D*(+/-), D-+/- and D-S(+/-) charmed mesons has been measured with the ATLAS detector in pp collisions at,/7s = 7 TeV at the LHC, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 280 nb(-)1(.) The charmed mesons have been reconstructed in the range of transverse momentum 3.5 < p(T)(D) < 100 GeV and pseudorapidity vertical bar eta(D)vertical bar < 2.1. The differential cross sections as a function of transverse momentum and pseudorapidity were measured for D*(+/-) and D-+/- production. The next-to-leading-order QCD predictions are consistent with the data in the visible kinematic region within the large theoretical uncertainties. Using the visible D cross sections and an extrapolation to the full kinematic phase space, the strangeness -suppression factor in charm fragmentation, the fraction of charged non -strange D mesons produced in a vector state, and the total cross section of charm production at root s = 7 TeV were derived.

Abstract: We consider a model in which dark matter is stable as it is charged under a Z(2) symmetry that is residual after an A(4) flavour symmetry is broken. We consider the possibility to generate the quark masses by charging the quarks appropriately under A(4). We find that it is possible to generate the CKM mixing matrix by an interplay of renormalisable and dimension-six operators. In this set-up, we predict the third neutrino mixing angle to be large and the dark matter relic density to be in the correct range. Low energy observables – in particular meson-antimeson oscillations – are hard to facilitate. We find that only in a situation where there is a strong cancellation between the Standard Model contribution and the contribution of the new Higgs fields, B meson oscillations are under control.