Aspects of beyond MSSM Higgs physics: implications for the Higgs spectrum and processes and a full set of BMSSM Feynmanrules

Beyond MSSM (BMSSM) Models provide natural solutions to the little hierarchy problem in minimal SUSY theories. Well studied extensions of the MSSM can be organised in an effective operator approach utilising the merrits of an Effective Field Theory to study BMSSM effects. Lifting the lightest Higgs mass to the current LHC bound of 126 ± 0.4 ± 0.4 GeV [8] [9] through the stop loop contribution, BMSSM effects can make significant changes to the upper bounds of Higgs and top squark masses. BMSSM corrections to MSSM Feynman rules are leading to new processes but also significant contributions to in leading order 1 [over] tan β to the MSSM amplitudes. In this work we are exploring effects on the Higgs sector mass spectrum and also Higgs interactions in the setup of [1]. The theoretical foundation for Supersymmetry is presented and a motivation for Beyond minimal SUSY models is outlined. The MSSM Higgs sector is presented, followed by an elaborate demonstration how BMSSM contributions in the effective operator approach [1] affect the MSSM Higgs mass spectrum and processes. Finally as an original contribution a full list of Feynman rules for all cubic and quartic BMSSM tree level vertices is presented and discussed

Smart grids for rural conditions and e-mobility - Applying power routers, batteries and virtual power plants

Significant reductions of greenhouse gas emission by use of renewable energy sources belong to the common targets of the European Union. Smart grids address intelligent use and integration of conventional and renewable generation in combination with controllable loads and storages. Two special aspects have also to be considered for smart grids in future: rural conditions and electric vehicles. Both, the increasing share of renewable energy sources and a rising demand for charging power by electrical vehicles lead to new challenges of network stability (congestion, voltage deviation), especially in rural distribution grids. This paper describes two lighthouse projects in Europe (“Well2Wheel” and “Smart Rural Grid”) dealing with these topics. The link between these projects is the implementation of the same virtual power plant technology and the approach of cellular grid cells. Starting with an approach for the average energy balance in 15 minutes intervals in several grid cells in the first project, the second project even allows the islanded operation of such cells as a microgrid. The integration of renewable energy sources into distribution grids primary takes place in rural areas. The lighthouse project “Smart Rural Grid”, which is founded by the European Union, demonstrates possibilities to use the existing distribution system operator infrastructure more effectively by applying an optimised and scheduled operation of the assets and using intelligent distribution power routers, called IDPR. IDPR are active power electronic devices operating at low voltage in distribution grids aiming to reduce losses due to unbalanced loads and enabling active voltage and reactive power control. This allows a higher penetration of renewable energy sources in existing grids without investing in new lines and transformers. Integrated in a virtual power plant and combined with batteries, the IDPR also allows a temporary islanded mode of grid cells. Both projects show the potential of avoiding or postponing investments in new primary infrastructure like cables, transformers and lines by using a forward-looking operation which controls generators, loads and batteries (mobile and stationary) by using new grid assets like power routers. While primary driven by physical restrictions as voltage-band violations and energy balance, these cells also define and allow local smart markets. In consequence the distribution system operators could avoid direct control access by giving an incentive to the asset owners by local price signals according to the grid situation and forecasted congestions.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Seasonal cycle of precipitation over major river basins in South and Southeast Asia: a review of the CMIP5 climate models data for present climate and future climate projections

We review the skill of thirty coupled climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) in terms of reproducing properties of the seasonal cycle of precipitation over the major river basins of South and Southeast Asia (Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and Mekong) for the historical period (1961–2000). We also present how these models represent the impact of climate change by the end of century (2061–2100) under the extreme scenario RCP8.5. First, we assess the models' ability to reproduce the observed timings of the monsoon onset and the rate of rapid fractional accumulation (RFA) slope — a measure of seasonality within the active monsoon period. Secondly, we apply a threshold-independent seasonality index (SI) — a multiplicative measure of precipitation (P) and extent of its concentration relative to uniform distribution (relative entropy — RE). We apply SI distinctly over the monsoonal precipitation regime (MPR), westerly precipitation regime (WPR) and annual precipitation. For the present climate, neither any single model nor the multi-model mean performs best in all chosen metrics. Models show overall a modest skill in suggesting right timings of the monsoon onset while the RFA slope is generally underestimated. One third of the models fail to capture the monsoon signal over the Indus basin. Mostly, the estimates for SI during WPR are higher than observed for all basins. When looking at MPR, the models typically simulate an SI higher (lower) than observed for the Ganges and Brahmaputra (Indus and Mekong) basins, following the pattern of overestimation (underestimation) of precipitation. Most of the models are biased negative (positive) for RE estimates over the Brahmaputra and Mekong (Indus and Ganges) basins, implying the extent of precipitation concentration for MPR and number of dry days within WPR lower (higher) than observed for these basins. Such skill of the CMIP5 models in representing the present-day monsoonal hydroclimatology poses some caveats on their ability to represent correctly the climate change signal. Nevertheless, considering the majority-model agreement as a measure of robustness for the qualitative scale projected future changes, we find a slightly delayed onset, and a general increase in the RFA slope and in the extent of precipitation concentration (RE) for MPR. Overall, a modest inter-model agreement suggests an increase in the seasonality of MPR and a less intermittent WPR for all basins and for most of the study domain. The SI-based indicator of change in the monsoonal domain suggests its extension westward over northwest India and Pakistan and northward over China. These findings have serious implications for the food and water security of the region in the future

Designing assisted living technologies 'in the wild' : preliminary experiences with cultural probe methodology

Background There is growing interest in assisted living technologies to support independence at home. Such technologies should ideally be designed ‘in the wild’ i.e. taking account of how real people live in real homes and communities. The ATHENE (Assistive Technologies for Healthy Living in Elders: Needs Assessment by Ethnography) project seeks to illuminate the living needs of older people and facilitate the co-production with older people of technologies and services. This paper describes the development of a cultural probe tool produced as part of the ATHENE project and how it was used to support home visit interviews with elders with a range of ethnic and social backgrounds, family circumstances, health conditions and assisted living needs. Method Thirty one people aged 60 to 98 were visited in their homes on three occasions. Following an initial interview, participants were given a set of cultural probe materials, including a digital camera and the ‘Home and Life Scrapbook’ to complete in their own time for one week. Activities within the Home and Life Scrapbook included maps (indicating their relationships to people, places and objects), lists (e.g. likes, dislikes, things they were concerned about, things they were comfortable with), wishes (things they wanted to change or improve), body outline (indicating symptoms or impairments), home plan (room layouts of their homes to indicate spaces and objects used) and a diary. After one week, the researcher and participant reviewed any digital photos taken and the content of the Home and Life Scrapbook as part of the home visit interview. Findings The cultural probe facilitated collection of visual, narrative and material data by older people, and appeared to generate high levels of engagement from some participants. However, others used the probe minimally or not at all for various reasons including limited literacy, physical problems (e.g. holding a pen), lack of time or energy, limited emotional or psychological resources, life events, and acute illness. Discussions between researchers and participants about the materials collected (and sometimes about what had prevented them completing the tasks) helped elicit further information relevant to assisted living technology design. The probe materials were particularly helpful when having conversations with non-English speaking participants through an interpreter. Conclusions Cultural probe methods can help build a rich picture of the lives and experiences of older people to facilitate the co-production of assisted living technologies. But their application may be constrained by the participant’s physical, mental and emotional capacity. They are most effective when used as a tool to facilitate communication and development of a deeper understanding of older people’s needs

Forming a Mutually Respectful University-Community Partnership through a “Family as Faculty” Project

In this paper, we, a university special education professor and an executive director of a parent-to-parent non-profit organization, describe our collaborative partnership built on a common understanding that parents of children with disabilities are educational leaders. We address how we work collaboratively to locate and establish families as co-educators in an undergraduate special education course on families for pre-service special education teachers. In line with the Individuals with Disabilities Education and Improvement Act (IDEIA), we understand that parents have the right to make educational decisions regarding their child with a disability [Section 300.300(a)(2)(iii)]. Through a “Family as Faculty” (FAF) approach, families’ voices and expertise are positioned centrally in special education teacher preparation university courses. In this paper, we detail the ways in which we have worked together to construct a solid foundation for the first and subsequent FAF projects. We highlight the ways in which our partnership began through establishing trust, respect, and clear, common goals. These mutually created goals, built on the premise that we were committed to sustainable efforts to support the parents and families involved in FAF projects, are fundamental in ensuring that all stakeholders involved receive long-term support

Executive MBA Capstone Projects at RIT Saunders College of Business: An Enriching Experience for All

Education of managers in academic programs such as Executive MBA programs presents a unique challenge to college administrators and faculty. Executive students are more demanding and critical and value experiential education more than students in undergraduate or MBA programs. Also compared to regular MBA students, executive students want to understand management in a more holistic way. They want to see the linkages between subject matter taught by different academic disciplines and understand how experienced managers can sort through the details, see the big picture, and make effective decisions. Over the years Executive MBA programs have used a variety of innovative pedagogy to introduce students to “real world” business problems. Methods used include case studies, simulations, field visits, guest lectures by business executives, and international trips. None of these approaches adequately provided the experiential learning desired by executive students. The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Saunders College of Business (SCB) Executive MBA program requires that all EMBA students complete a team-based capstone project that engages external clients. EMBA capstone teams analyze the problem defined by the client and recommend required action