Moduli stabilisation and soft supersymmetry breaking in string compactifications

In this thesis, we shall work in the framework of type IIB Calabi-Yau flux compactifications and present a detailed review of moduli stabilisation studying in particular the phenomenological implications of the LARGE-volume scenario (LVS). All the physical relevant quantities such as moduli masses and soft-terms, are computed and compared to the phenomenological constraints that today guide the research. The structure of this thesis is the following. The first chapter introduces the reader to the fundamental concepts that are essentially supersymmetry-breaking, supergravity and string moduli, which represent the basic framework of our discussion. In the second chapter we focus our attention on the subject of moduli stabilisation. Starting from the structure of the supergravity scalar potential, we point out the main features of moduli dynamics, we analyse the KKLT and LARGE-volume scenario and we compute moduli masses and couplings to photons which play an important role in the early-universe evolution since they are strictly related to the decay rate of moduli particles. The third chapter is then dedicated to the calculation of soft-terms, which arise dynamically from gravitational interactions when moduli acquire a non-zero vacuum expectation value (VeV). In the last chapter, finally, we summarize and discuss our results, underling their phenomenological aspects. Moreover, in the last section we analyse the implications of the outcomes for standard cosmology, with particular interest in the cosmological moduli problem.

Axion-like particles and the 3.5 keV line in 4D string models

This work is focused on axions and axion like particles (ALPs) and their possible relation with the 3.55 keV photon line detected, in recent years, from galaxy clusters and other astrophysical objects. We focus on axions that come from string compactification and we study the vacuum structure of the resulting low energy 4D N=1 supergravity effective field theory. We then provide a model which might explain the 3.55 keV line through the following processes. A 7.1 keV dark matter axion decays in two light axions, which, in turn, are transformed into photons thanks to the Primakoff effect and the existence of a kinetic mixing between two U(1)s gauge symmetries belonging respectively to the hidden and the visible sector. We present two models, the first one gives an outcome inconsistent with experimental data, while the second can yield the desired result.

The Equidistant Method - a novel hip joint simulation algorithm for detection of femoroacetabular impingement

A novel computerized algorithm for hip joint motion simulation and collision detection, called the Equidistant Method, has been developed. This was compared to three pre-existing methods having different properties regarding definition of the hip joint center and behavior after collision detection. It was proposed that the Equidistant Method would be most accurate in detecting the location and extent of femoroacetabular impingement.

Algorithm for femoral and periacetabular osteotomies in complex hip deformities

Residual acetabular dysplasia of the hip in most patients can be corrected by periacetabular osteotomy. However, some patients have intraarticular abnormalities causing insufficient coverage, containment or congruency after periacetabular osteotomy, or extraarticular abnormalities that limit either acetabular correction or hip motion. For these patients, we believe an additional proximal femoral osteotomy can improve coverage, containment, congruency and/or motion.

2010 International consensus algorithm for the diagnosis, therapy and management of hereditary angioedema

ABSTRACT:

Assessing the efficiency of a pharmacokinetic-based algorithm for target-controlled infusion of ketamine in ponies

The objective of this study was to assess a pharmacokinetic algorithm to predict ketamine plasma concentration and drive a target-controlled infusion (TCI) in ponies. Firstly, the algorithm was used to simulate the course of ketamine enantiomers plasma concentrations after the administration of an intravenous bolus in six ponies based on individual pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from a previous experiment. Using the same pharmacokinetic parameters, a TCI of S-ketamine was then performed over 120 min to maintain a concentration of 1 microg/mL in plasma. The actual plasma concentrations of S-ketamine were measured from arterial samples using capillary electrophoresis. The performance of the simulation for the administration of a single bolus was very good. During the TCI, the S-ketamine plasma concentrations were maintained within the limit of acceptance (wobble and divergence <20%) at a median of 79% (IQR, 71-90) of the peak concentration reached after the initial bolus. However, in three ponies the steady concentrations were significantly higher than targeted. It is hypothesized that an inaccurate estimation of the volume of the central compartment is partly responsible for that difference. The algorithm allowed good predictions for the single bolus administration and an appropriate maintenance of constant plasma concentrations.

Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm for Abdominal Multidetector CT at Different Tube Voltages: Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy, Image Quality, and Radiation Dose in a Phantom Study

To assess the diagnostic accuracy, image quality, and radiation dose of an iterative reconstruction algorithm compared with a filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm for abdominal computed tomography (CT) at different tube voltages.

Low-tube-voltage, high-tube-current multidetector abdominal CT: improved image quality and decreased radiation dose with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm--initial clinical experience

To investigate whether an adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) algorithm improves the image quality at low-tube-voltage (80-kVp), high-tube-current (675-mA) multidetector abdominal computed tomography (CT) during the late hepatic arterial phase.

Infectiological, functional, and radiographic outcome after revision for prosthetic hip infection according to a strict algorithm

Successful treatment of prosthetic hip joint infection (PI) means elimination of infection and restored hip function. However, functional outcome is rarely studied. We analyzed the outcome of the strict use of a treatment algorithm for PI.