Abstract: We propose an extension of the Standard Model (SM) based on the SU(3)(C) circle times SU(3)(L) circle times U(1)(X) (3-3-1) gauge symmetry and scale invariance. Maintaining the main features of the so-called 3-3-1 models, such as the cancellation of gauge anomalies related to the number of chiral fermion generations, this model exhibits a very compact scalar sector. Only two scalar triplets and one singlet are necessary and sufficient to break the symmetries dynamically via the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism. With the introduction of an Abelian discrete symmetry and assuming a natural hierarchy among the vacuum expectation values of the neutral scalar fields, we show that all particles in the model can get phenomenologically consistent masses. In particular, most of the standard fermion masses are generated via a seesaw mechanism involving some extra heavy fermions introduced for consistency. This mechanism provides a partial solution for the fermion mass hierarchy problem in the SM. Furthermore, the simplicity of the scalar sector allows us to analytically find the conditions for the potential stability up to one-loop level and show how they can be easily satisfied. Some of the new particles, such as the scalars H, H-+/- and all the non-SMvector bosons, are predicted to get masses around the TeV scale and, therefore, could be produced at the high-luminosity LHC. Finally, we show that the model features a residual symmetry, which leads to the stability of a heavy neutral particle; the latter is expected to show up in experiments as missing energy.

Abstract: Background: Shape coexistence in the Z approximate to 82 region has been established in mercury, lead, and polonium isotopes. For even-even mercury isotopes with 100 <= N <= 106 multiple fingerprints of this phenomenon are observed, which seems to be no longer present for N >= 110. According to a number of theoretical calculations, shape coexistence is predicted in the Hg-188 isotope. Purpose: The aim of this work was to measure lifetimes of excited states in Hg-188 to infer their collective properties, such as the deformation. Extending the investigation to higher-spin states, which are expected to be less affected by band-mixing effects, can provide additional information on the coexisting structures. Methods: The Hg-188 nucleus was populated using two different fusion-evaporation reactions with two targets, Gd-158 and Gd-160, and a beam of S-34 provided by the Tandem-ALPI accelerator complex at the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro. The channels of interest were selected using the information from the Neutron Wall array, while the gamma rays were detected using the GALILEO gamma-ray spectrometer. Lifetimes of excited states were determined using the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method, employing the dedicated GALILEO plunger device. Results: Lifetimes of the states up to spin 16 (h) over bar were measured and the corresponding reduced transition probabilities were calculated. Assuming two-band mixing and adopting, as done commonly, the rotational model, the mixing strengths and the deformation parameters of the unperturbed structures were obtained from the experimental results. In order to shed light on the nature of the observed configurations in the Hg-188 nucleus, the extracted transition strengths were compared with those resulting from state-of-the-art beyond-mean-field calculations using the symmetry-conserving configuration-mixing approach, limited to axial shapes, and the five-dimensional collective Hamiltonian, including the triaxial degree of freedom. Conclusions: The first lifetime measurement for states with spin >= 6 suggested the presence of an almost spherical structure above the 12(1)(+) isomer and allowed elucidating the structure of the intruder band. The comparison of the extracted B(E2) strengths with the two-band mixing model allowed the determination of the ground-state band deformation. Both beyond-mean-field calculations predict coexistence of a weakly deformed band with a strongly prolate-deformed one, characterized by elongation parameters similar to those obtained experimentally, but the calculated relative position of the bands and their mixing strongly differ.

Abstract: The structure of the doubly magic Sn-132(50)82 has been investigated at the ISOLDE facility at CERN, populated both by the beta(-) decay of In-132 and beta(-)-delayed neutron emission of In-133. The level scheme of Sn-13(2) is greatly expanded with the addition of 68 gamma transitions and 17 levels observed for the first time in the beta decay. The information on the excited structure is completed by new gamma transitions and states populated in the beta-n decay of In-133. Improved delayed neutron emission probabilities are obtained both for In-132 and In-133. Level lifetimes are measured via the advanced time-delayed beta gamma gamma(t) fast-timing method. An interpretation of the level structure is given based on the experimental findings and the particle-hole configurations arising from core excitations both from the N = 82 and Z = 50 shells, leading to positive- and negative-parity particle-hole multiplets. The experimental information provides new data to challenge the theoretical description of Sn-132.

Abstract: A summary of recent precise results in tau and charm physics is presented. Topics include leptonic and hadronic tau decays, lepton flavour and lepton number violation, charm mixing and CP violation, leptonic and semileptonic charm decays, rare decays and spectroscopy.

Abstract: We discuss the possibility to predict the QCD axion mass in the context of grand unified theories. We investigate the implementation of the DFSZ mechanism in the context of renormalizable SU(5) theories. In the simplest theory, the axion mass can be predicted with good precision in the range m(a) = (2-16) neV, and there is a strong correlation between the predictions for the axion mass and proton decay rates. In this context, we predict an upper bound for the proton decay channels with antineutrinos, tau(p -> K+(nu) over bar) less than or similar to 4 x 10(37) yr and tau(p -> pi(+)(nu) over bar) less than or similar to 2 x 10(36) yr. This theory can be considered as the minimal realistic grand unified theory with the DFSZ mechanism and it can be fully tested by proton decay and axion experiments.