Improved Electronics for the Hall A Detectors at JLab: Summing Modules and VDC Amplifier/Discriminator Cards

Testing of summing electronics and VDC A/D Cards was performed to assure proper functioning and operation within defined parameters. In both the summing modules and the VDC A/D cards, testing for minimum threshold voltage for each channel and crosstalk between neighboring channels was performed. Additionally, the modules were installed in Hall A with input signals from shower detectors arranged to establish a trigger by summing signals together with the use of tested modules. Testing involved utilizing a pulser to mimic PMT signals, a discriminator, an attenuator, a scaler, a level translator, an oscilloscope, a high voltage power supply, and a special apparatus used to power and send signal to the A/D cards. After testing, modules were obtained that meet necessary criteria for use in the APEX experiment, and the A/D cards obtained were determined to have adequate specifications for their utilization, with specific results included in the appendix.

Application of Deep Learning techniques in the search for BSM Higgs bosons in the $\mu\mu$ final state in CMS

The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics predicts the existence of a Higgs field responsible for the generation of particles' mass. However, some aspects of this theory remain unsolved, supposing the presence of new physics Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) with the production of new particles at a higher energy scale compared to the current experimental limits. The search for additional Higgs bosons is, in fact, predicted by theoretical extensions of the SM including the Minimal Supersymmetry Standard Model (MSSM). In the MSSM, the Higgs sector consists of two Higgs doublets, resulting in five physical Higgs particles: two charged bosons $H^{\pm}$, two neutral scalars $h$ and $H$, and one pseudoscalar $A$. The work presented in this thesis is dedicated to the search of neutral non-Standard Model Higgs bosons decaying to two muons in the model independent MSSM scenario. Proton-proton collision data recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV are used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $35.9\ \text{fb}^{-1}$. Such search is sensitive to neutral Higgs bosons produced either via gluon fusion process or in association with a $\text{b}\bar{\text{b}}$ quark pair. The extensive usage of Machine and Deep Learning techniques is a fundamental element in the discrimination between signal and background simulated events. A new network structure called parameterised Neural Network (pNN) has been implemented, replacing a whole set of single neural networks trained at a specific mass hypothesis value with a single neural network able to generalise well and interpolate in the entire mass range considered. The results of the pNN signal/background discrimination are used to set a model independent 95\% confidence level expected upper limit on the production cross section times branching ratio, for a generic $\phi$ boson decaying into a muon pair in the 130 to 1000 GeV range.

Hybrid lead-halide perovskites as novel materials for thin film direct and flexible ionizing radiation detectors

Ionizing radiations are important tools employed every day in the modern society. For example, in medicine they are routinely used for diagnostic and therapy. The large variety of applications leads to the need of novel, more efficient, low-cost ionizing radiation detectors with new functionalities. Personal dosimetry would benefit from wearable detectors able to conform to the body surfaces. Traditional semiconductors used for ionizing radiation direct detectors offer high performance but they are intrinsically stiff, brittle and require high voltages to operate. Hybrid lead-halide perovskites emerged recently as a novel class of materials for ionizing radiation detection. They combine high absorption coefficient, solution processability and high charge transport capability, enabling efficient and low-cost detection. The deposition from solution allows the fabrication of thin-film flexible devices. In this thesis, I studied the detection properties of different types of hybrid perovskites, deposited from solution in thin-film form, and tested under X-rays, gamma-rays and protons beams. I developed the first ultraflexible X-ray detector with exceptional conformability. The effect of coupling organic layers with perovskites was studied at the nanoscale giving a direct demonstration of trap passivation effect at the grain boundaries. Different perovskite formulations were deposited and tested to improve the film stability. I report about the longest aging studies on perovskite X-ray detectors showing that the addition of starch in the precursors’ solution can improve the stability in time with only a 7% decrease in sensitivity after 630 days of storage in ambient conditions. 2D perovskites were also explored as direct detector for X-rays and gamma-rays. Detection of 511 keV photons by a thin-film device is here demonstrated and was validated for monitoring a radiotracer injection. At last, a new approach has been used: a 2D/3Dmixed perovskite thin-film demonstrated to reliably detect 5 MeV protons, envisioning wearable dose monitoring during proton/hadron therapy treatments.

Search for heavy neutrinos in $D_s$ decays with the CMS detector at LHC

This thesis presents a search for a sterile right-handed neutrino $N$ produced in $D_s$ meson decays, using proton-proton collisions collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The data set used for the analysis, the B-Parking data set, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $41.7\,\textrm{fb}^{-1}$ and was collected during the 2018 data-taking period. The analysis is targeting the $D_s^+\rightarrow N(\rightarrow\mu^{\pm}\pi^{\mp})\mu^{+}$ decays, where the final state muons can have the same electric charge allowing for a lepton flavor violating decay. To separate signal from background, a cut-based analysis is optimized using requirements on the sterile neutrino vertex displacement, muon and pion impact parameter, and impact parameter significance. The expected limit on the active-sterile neutrino mixing matrix parameter $|V_{\mu}|^2$ is extracted by performing a fit of the $\mu\pi$ invariant mass spectrum for two sterile neutrino mass hypotheses, 1.0 and 1.5 GeV. The analysis is currently blinded, following the internal CMS review process. The expected limit ranges between approximately $10^{-4}$ for a 1.0 GeV neutrino to $7\times10^{-5}$ for a 1.5 GeV neutrino. This is competitive with the best existing results from collider experiments over the same mass range.

Machine learning "as a service" for high energy physics (MLaaS4HEP): evolution of a framework for ML-based physics analyses

The scientific success of the LHC experiments at CERN highly depends on the availability of computing resources which efficiently store, process, and analyse the amount of data collected every year. This is ensured by the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid infrastructure that connect computing centres distributed all over the world with high performance network. LHC has an ambitious experimental program for the coming years, which includes large investments and improvements both for the hardware of the detectors and for the software and computing systems, in order to deal with the huge increase in the event rate expected from the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) phase and consequently with the huge amount of data that will be produced. Since few years the role of Artificial Intelligence has become relevant in the High Energy Physics (HEP) world. Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning algorithms have been successfully used in many areas of HEP, like online and offline reconstruction programs, detector simulation, object reconstruction, identification, Monte Carlo generation, and surely they will be crucial in the HL-LHC phase. This thesis aims at contributing to a CMS R&D project, regarding a ML "as a Service" solution for HEP needs (MLaaS4HEP). It consists in a data-service able to perform an entire ML pipeline (in terms of reading data, processing data, training ML models, serving predictions) in a completely model-agnostic fashion, directly using ROOT files of arbitrary size from local or distributed data sources. This framework has been updated adding new features in the data preprocessing phase, allowing more flexibility to the user. Since the MLaaS4HEP framework is experiment agnostic, the ATLAS Higgs Boson ML challenge has been chosen as physics use case, with the aim to test MLaaS4HEP and the contribution done with this work.

Construction and test of a cosmic ray telescope based on CMS Drift Tube chambers and data acquisition prototypes of the Phase-2 upgrade

In this thesis work, a cosmic-ray telescope was set up in the INFN laboratories in Bologna using smaller size replicas of CMS Drift Tubes chambers, called MiniDTs, to test and develop new electronics for the CMS Phase-2 upgrade. The MiniDTs were assembled in INFN National Laboratory in Legnaro, Italy. Scintillator tiles complete the telescope, providing a signal independent of the MiniDTs for offline analysis. The telescope readout is a test system for the CMS Phase-2 upgrade data acquisition design. The readout is based on the early prototype of a radiation-hard FPGA-based board developed for the High Luminosity LHC CMS upgrade, called On Board electronics for Drift Tubes. Once the set-up was operational, we developed an online monitor to display in real-time the most important observables to check the quality of the data acquisition. We performed an offline analysis of the collected data using a custom version of CMS software tools, which allowed us to estimate the time pedestal and drift velocity in each chamber, evaluate the efficiency of the different DT cells, and measure the space and time resolution of the telescope system.

Construction and detectors’ characterization of a new detection system for FAMU Experiment

From 2010, the Proton Radius has become one of the most interest value to determine. The first proof of not complete understanding of its internal structure was the measurement of the Lamb Shift using the muonic hydrogen, leading to a value 7σ lower. A new road so was open and the Proton Radius Puzzle epoch begun. FAMU Experiment is a project that tries to give an answer to this Puzzle implementing high precision experimental apparatus. The work of this thesis is based on the study, construction and first characterization of a new detection system. Thanks to the previous experiments and simulations, this apparatus is composed by 17 detectors positioned on a semicircular crown with the related electronic circuit. The detectors' characterization is based on the use of a LabView program controlling a digital potentiometer and on other two analog potentiometers, all three used to set the amplitude of each detector to a predefined value, around 1.2 V, set on the oscilloscope by which is possible to observe the signal. This is the requirement in order to have, in the final measurement, a single high peak given by the sum of all the signals coming from the detectors. Each signal has been acquired for almost half of an hour, but the entire circuit has been maintained active for more time to observe its capacity to work for longer periods. The principal results of this thesis are given by the spectra of 12 detectors and the corresponding values of Voltages, FWHM and Resolution. The outcomes of the acquisitions show also another expected behavior: the strong dependence of the detectors from the temperature, demonstrating that an its change causes fluctuations in the signal. In turn, these fluctuations will affect the spectrum, resulting in a shifting of the curve and a lower Resolution. On the other hand, a measurement performed in stable conditions will lead to accordance between the nominal and experimental measurements, as for the detectors 10, 11 and 12 of our system.

Detectors in black hole quantum coherent states

The corpuscular model describes black holes as leaky bound states of gravitons. To account for the role of matter, a coherent state is built and a semiclassical description is given to the gravitational field by connecting the classical source with the quantum state for gravitons. The properties of this state can be analysed with the help of an Unruh-DeWitt detector, coupled to the quantum state of the system. The presence of a detector in general regularises the usual diverging behaviour of the field in the deep ultraviolet region, and will allow us to probe the coherent state structure and the graviton emission. In particular, a Newtonian analogue of the Unruh effect will be discussed and the coherent state will be modified to properly account for the spherical symmetry of the potential at the level of the quantum state. This correction will ensure that vacuum contributions responsible for the Unruh thermal spectrum are present in a coherent state emission process.

The FAMU experiment: characterization of innovative detectors for high precision spectroscopy

The incompatibility between the proton radius values measured in recent years has given rise to what is now called the proton radius puzzle. This discrepancy is nowadays without explanation. In order to find a solution to the proton radius puzzle a new experiment has been proposed. The aim of this experiment, called FAMU, is to obtain a new and more precise measure of the Zemach radius of the proton, ie the quantity that has the highest uncertainty in high precision spectroscopy. If this measurement confirmed the results obtained before 2010, the starting date of the puzzle, then the discrepancy would be caused by procedural errors or ignored corrections. Otherwise, the new value would indicate the presence of new physics still unkown.

Intervenção Educativa sobre câncer de mama em uma equipe de saúde da família do CMS Alemão.

O câncer de mama é o segundo tipo de câncer mais frequente no mundo e o mais comum entre as mulheres. No Brasil representa a principal causa de morte por câncer em mulheres. Objetivou-se Propor um projeto de intervenção educativa para elevar os conhecimentos sobre câncer de mama em mulheres de uma equipe de saúde da família do CMS Alemão , pela elevada quantidade de mulheres que acudiam em demanda espontânea a realização de (ECM) , solicitação de mamografia por medo a ter câncer após diagnostico em cinco delas. Trata-se de um estudo de intervenção educativa com desenho quantitativo, bibliográfico e descritivo; a equipe vai a definir quais são os fatores de riscos reconhecidos é sua relação com o câncer de mama os resultados foram: baixos níveis de atividade física; idade maior de 50 anos; obesidade; dieta rica em alimentos gordurosos; antecedentes de neoplasia de mama e ovário em familiares de primeiro grau (mãe, irmã); ingestão de bebidas alcoólicas; exposição à radiação solar; é tem certeza de que o aleitamento materno maior de 06 meses e um fator protetor contra o câncer de mama na mulher.

Modificação dos fatores de riscos em pacientes hipertensos, equipe tio Paulinho do CMS Alemão.

A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica é uma das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis de mais prevalência a nível mundial, constitui o principal problema de saúde e fator de risco das doenças circulatórias e cardíacas encontradas em nossa área de abrangência, é a causa mais frequente das demandas da população adulta e precisa o desenvolvimento de uma series de ações para lograr seu controle. Trata- se de um projeto de intervenção educativa com desenho quantitativo, bibliográfica e descritiva, realizado pela equipe de saúde Tio Paulinho do CMS Alemão no Rio de Janeiro, com o objetivo de aumentar o conhecimento sobre esta doença, para manter o controle e evitar as complicações. Espero com esta intervenção caracterizar de forma geral dos pacientes hipertensos de minha comunidade e com as aulas desenvolvidas, aumentar o nível de conhecimentos sobre a doença, colocá-los em prática para assim lograr mudanças no estilo de vida dos pacientes, melhorando a qualidade de vida. Geramos também uma melhora significativa das relações profissionais pacientes para um direcionamento eficiente e eficaz das estratégias traçadas para o desenvolvimento do programa de controle da Hipertensão Arterial na Atenção Primária de Saúde.

Melhoria da Atenção à Saúde da Pessoa com Hipertensão e/ou com Diabetes Mellitus na Cms/ESF Mecejana, Boa Vista/RR

Resumo MORATON, Guido Alvarez. Melhoria da Atenção à Saúde da Pessoa com Hipertensão e/ou com Diabetes Mellitus na CMS/ESF Mecejana, Boa Vista/RR.88f. 2015. Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso - Especialização em Saúde da Família - Departamento de Medicina Social, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 2015. As doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) são as principais causas de morbimortalidade no mundo. A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é a mais prevalente de todas as doenças cardiovasculares afetando mais de 36 milhões de brasileiros adultos, sendo o maior fator de risco para lesões cardíacas e cerebrovasculares e a terceira causa de invalidez. A Diabetes Mellitus (DM) configura-se hoje como uma epidemia mundial, junto com a HAS. O centro de saúde Mecejana, localizado no mesmo bairro em Boa Vista, RR, apresenta relevantes dificuldades quanto à cobertura e a qualidade da atenção aos usuários com HAS e/ou DM. Analisando isso, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi melhorar a atenção à saúde desses usuários. Para isso, foi desenvolvida uma intervenção, no período de março a junho de 2015, durante 12 semanas e incorporada à rotina do serviço da unidade. Foram traçados objetivos, metas, indicadores e ações com a intenção de ampliar a cobertura, melhorar a qualidade da atenção, a adesão de hipertensos e diabéticos no programa, melhorar os registros das informações, avaliar o risco cardiovascular desses indivíduos e promover a saúde dos mesmos. As ações foram realizadas, considerando os seguintes eixos: monitoramento e avaliação, organização e gestão do serviço, engajamento público e qualificação da prática clínica. Utilizou-se a planilha de coleta de dados e as fichas-espelhos fornecidas pelo curso para registrar, monitorar e avaliar os resultados alcançados. Após a intervenção, identificamos que a cobertura do programa de hipertensão e diabetes atingiram 53,6% e 61,5% respectivamente. Quanto aos indicadores de qualidade, muitos alcançaram as metas ou ficaram muito próximos de 100% como o caso da busca ativa aos faltosos, registro adequado na ficha de acompanhamento além de ações relacionadas a promoção a saúde como as orientações nutricionais, sobre pratica de atividade física, risco de tabagismo e higiene bucal. Os indicadores que obtivemos maiores dificuldades foram a avaliação da necessidade de atendimentosodontológicos que atingiram cerca de 88% dos usuários, exame complementares 77,6% e exame clínico em dia que alcançaram aproximadamente 85% dos usuários. Podemos afirmar que a intervenção constituiu um aprendizado dinâmico, para a nossa equipe. Consideramos que foi uma proeza, mas graças ao esforço, motivação, integração da equipe e apoio de nossos gestores, comunidade e orientadores foram cumpridas todas as ações planejadas e apesar de não conseguirmos alcançar 100% de todas as metas propostas, os resultados da intervenção foram bons e hoje forma parte de nossa rotina de trabalho, com planejamento e organização dos serviços e assistências prestadas à saúde da população.

Ihwg-μnir: A Miniaturised Near-infrared Gas Sensor Based On Substrate-integrated Hollow Waveguides Coupled To A Micro-nir-spectrophotometer.

A miniaturised gas analyser is described and evaluated based on the use of a substrate-integrated hollow waveguide (iHWG) coupled to a microsized near-infrared spectrophotometer comprising a linear variable filter and an array of InGaAs detectors. This gas sensing system was applied to analyse surrogate samples of natural fuel gas containing methane, ethane, propane and butane, quantified by using multivariate regression models based on partial least square (PLS) algorithms and Savitzky-Golay 1(st) derivative data preprocessing. The external validation of the obtained models reveals root mean square errors of prediction of 0.37, 0.36, 0.67 and 0.37% (v/v), for methane, ethane, propane and butane, respectively. The developed sensing system provides particularly rapid response times upon composition changes of the gaseous sample (approximately 2 s) due the minute volume of the iHWG-based measurement cell. The sensing system developed in this study is fully portable with a hand-held sized analyser footprint, and thus ideally suited for field analysis. Last but not least, the obtained results corroborate the potential of NIR-iHWG analysers for monitoring the quality of natural gas and petrochemical gaseous products.

Desenvolvimento de um algoritmo para identificação e correção de spikes em espectroscopia Raman de imagem

Raman imaging spectroscopy is a highly useful analytical tool that provides spatial and spectral information on a sample. However, CCD detectors used in dispersive instruments present the drawback of being sensitive to cosmic rays, giving rise to spikes in Raman spectra. Spikes influence variance structures and must be removed prior to the use of multivariate techniques. A new algorithm for correction of spikes in Raman imaging was developed using an approach based on comparison of nearest neighbor pixels. The algorithm showed characteristics including simplicity, rapidity, selectivity and high quality in spike removal from hyperspectral images.

Evaluation of post-surgical healing in rats using a topical preparation based on extract of Musa sapientum L., Musaceae, epicarp

Considering that oral preparations made with peel green bananas (e.g. flour and extracts) demonstrated healing effects on mucous membranes and skin, this study evaluated the healing and the antimicrobial property of a topical preparation based on extract of Musa sapientum L., Musaceae, (apple banana) in surgically induced wounds in the skin of male Wistar rats, 100 g. The extract was obtained by decoction, the presence of tannins was detected by phytochemical screening and 10% of the extract was incorporated into the carbopol gel (CMS gel). The processes of healing and bacterial isolation were evaluated in the following experimental groups: control (no treatment), treatment with placebo or with the CMS gel. The healing of surgical wounds treated with the CMS gel was faster when compared with the control and placebo groups and the treatment with CMS gel also inhibited the growth of pyogenic bacteria and enterobacteria in the wounds. The results indicate that the extract of Musa sapientum epicarp has healing and antimicrobial properties (in vivo), probably, due to tannins.