Abstract: We demonstrate that a scotogenic dark symmetry can be obtained as a residual subgroup of the global U(1)(B-L) symmetry already present in the Standard Model. In addition, we propose a general framework in which the U(1)(B-L) symmetry is spontaneously broken into an even Z(2n) subgroup, setting the general conditions for neutrinos to be Majorana and for dark matter stability to exist in terms of the residual Z(2n). As an example, under this general framework, we build a class of simple models where, in a scotogenic manner, the dark matter candidate is the lightest particle running inside the mass loop of a neutrino. The global U(1)(B-L) symmetry in our framework, being anomaly free, can also be gauged in a straightforward manner leading to a richer phenomenology.

Abstract: Using lattice configurations for quantum chromodynamics (QCD) generated with three domain-wall fermions at a physical pion mass, we obtain a parameter-free prediction of QCD 's renormalisation-group-invariant process-independent effective charge, (alpha) over cap (k(2)). Owing to the dynamical breaking of scale invariance, evident in the emergence of a gluon mass-scale, m(0) = 0.43(1) GeV, this coupling saturates at infrared momenta: (alpha) over cap/pi = 0.97(4). Amongst other things: (alpha) over cap (k(2)) is almost identical to the process-dependent (PD) effective charge defined via the Bjorken sum rule; and also that PD charge which, employed in the one-loop evolution equations, delivers agreement between pion parton distribution functions computed at the hadronic scale and experiment. The diversity of unifying roles played by (alpha) over cap (k(2)) suggests that it is a strong candidate for that object which represents the interaction strength in QCD at any given momentum scale; and its properties support a conclusion that QCD is a mathematically well-defined quantum field theory in four dimensions.

Abstract: A production representation of partial-wave S matrix is utilized to construct low-energy elastic pion-nucleon scattering amplitudes from cuts and poles on complex Riemann sheets. Among them, the contribution of left-hand cuts is estimated using the O (p(3)) results obtained in covariant baryon chiral perturbation theory within the extendedon-nass-shell scheme. By fitting to data on partial-wave phase shifts, it is indicated that the existences of hidden poles in S-11 and P-11 channels, as conjectured in our previous paper [Eur. Phys. J. C, 78(7): 543 (2018)], are firmly established. Specifically, the pole mass of the S-11 hidden resonance is determined to be (895 +/- 81)-(164 +/- 23)i MeV, whereas, the virtual pole in the P-11 channel locates at (966 +/- 18) MeV. It is found that analyses at the O (p(3)) level improves significantly the fit quality, comparing with the previous O (p(2)) one. Quantitative studies with cautious physical discussions are also conducted for the other S- and P-wave channels.