Abstract: We perform a comprehensive analysis of scalar contributions in b -> c tau nu transitions including the latest measurements of R(D-(*)), the q(2) differential distributions in B -> D-(*) tau nu the tau polarization asymmetry for B -> D*tau nu, and the bound derived from the total width of the B-c meson. We find that scalar contributions with the simultaneous presence of both left- and right-handed couplings to quarks can explain the available data, specifically R(D-(*)) together with the measured differential distributions. However, the constraints from the total B-c width present a slight tension with the current data on B -> D*tau nu in this scenario, preferring smaller values for R(D*). We discuss possibilities to disentangle scalar new physics from other new-physics scenarios like the presence of only a left-handed vector current, via additional observables in B -> D(*)tau nu decays or additional decay modes like the baryonic Lambda(b) -> Lambda(c)tau nu and the inclusive B -> X-c tau nu decays. We also analyze scalar contributions in b -> u tau nu transitions, including the latest measurements of B -> tau nu providing predictions for Lambda(b) -> p tau nu and B -> pi tau nu decays. The potential complementarity between the b -> u and b -> c sectors is finally investigated once assumptions about the flavour structure of the underlying theory are made.

Abstract: We study Generalized Parton Distribution functions (GPDs) usually measured in hard exclusive processes and encoding information on the three dimensional partonic structure of hadrons and their spin decomposition, for non-zeroskewness within the AdS/QCD formalism. To this aim the canonical scheme to calculate GPDs at zero skewness has been properly generalized. Furthermore, we show that the latter quantities, in this non-forwardregime, are sensitive to non-trivialdetails of the hadronic light front wave function, such as a kind of parton correlations usually not accessible in studies of form factors and GPDs at zero skewness.

Abstract: We present a precise lattice computation of pseudoscalar and vector heavy-light meson masses for heavy-quark masses ranging from the physical charm mass up to similar or equal to 4 times the physical b-quark mass. We employ the gauge configurations generated by the European Twisted Mass Collaboration (ETMC) with N-f = 2 + 1 + 1 dynamical quarks at three values of the lattice spacing (a similar or equal to 0.062; 0.082; 0.089 fm) with pion masses in the range M-pi similar or equal to 210-450 MeV. The heavy-quark mass is simulated directly on the lattice up to similar or equal to 3 times the physical charm mass. The interpolation to the physical b-quark mass is performed using the ETMC ratio method, based on ratios of the meson masses computed at nearby heavy-quark masses, and adopting the kinetic mass scheme. The extrapolation to the physical pion mass and to the continuum limit yields m(b)(kin) (1 GeV) = 4.61(20) GeV, which corresponds to (m) over bar (b) ((m) over bar (b)) 4.26(18) GeV in the (MS) over bar scheme. The lattice data are analyzed in terms of the heavy-quark expansion (HQE) and the matrix elements of dimension-four and dimension-five operators are extracted with a good precision, namely,(Lambda) over bar = 0.552(26) GeV, mu(2)(pi) = 0.321(32) GeV2, and mu(2)(G)(m(b)) = 0.253(25) GeV2. The data also allow for a rough estimate of the dimension-six operator matrix elements. As the HQE parameters play a crucial role in the inclusive determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix elements V-ub and V-cb, their precise determination on the lattice may eventually validate and improve the analyses based on fits to the semileptonic moments.

Abstract: Using the fixed center approximation to Faddeev equations, we investigate the DKK and DK (K) over bar three-body systems, considering that the DK dynamically generates, through its I = 0 component, the D(so)(*()2317) molecule. According to our findings, for the DK (K) over bar interaction we find evidence of a state I(J(p)) = 1/2 (0(-)) just above the D-s0(*)(2317) (K) over bar threshold and around the Df(0)(980) threshold, with mass of about 2833-2858 MeV, made mostly of Df(0)(980). On the other hand, no evidence related to a state from the DKK interaction is found. The state found could be seen in the ppD invariant mass.

Abstract: The High Luminosity Upgrade of the LHC will require the replacement of the Inner Detector of ATLAS with the Inner Tracker (ITk) in order to cope with higher radiation levels and higher track densities. Prototype silicon strip detector modules are currently developed and their performance is studied in both particle test beams and X-ray beams. In previous test beam measurements of prototype modules, the response of silicon sensors has been studied in detailed scans across individual sensor strips. These scans found instances of sensor strips collecting charge across areas on the sensor deviating from the geometrical width of a sensor strip. The variations have been linked to local features of the sensor architecture. This paper presents results of detailed sensor measurements in both X-ray and particle beams investigating the impact of sensor features (metal pads and p-stops) on the sensor strip response.