NLO QCD+EW predictions for tHj and tZj production at the LHC

In this work we calculate the cross sections for the hadroproduction of a single top quark or antiquark in association with a Higgs (tHj) or Z boson (tZj) at NLO QCD+EW accuracy. In the case of tZj production we consider both the case of the Z boson undecayed and the complete final state tℓ+ℓ−j, including off-shell and non-resonant effects. We perform our calculation in the five-flavour-scheme (5FS), without selecting any specific production channel (s-, t- or tW associated). Moreover, we provide a more realistic estimate of the theory uncertainty by carefully including the differences between the four-flavour-scheme (4FS) and 5FS predictions. The difficulties underlying this procedure in the presence of EW corrections are discussed in detail. We find that NLO EW corrections are in general within the NLO QCD theory uncertainties only if the flavour scheme uncertainty (4FS vs. 5FS) is taken into account. For the case of tℓ+ℓ−j production we also investigate differences between NLO QCD+EW predictions and NLO QCD predictions matched with a parton shower simulation including multiple photon emissions.

Development of an In-House Test for Nut Integrity in F-Type Wheels

Nut embedded disc grinding wheels, also known as disc grinding or F-Type wheels, are required for many production jobs. Nut pull-out is a common problem encountered in disc grinding wheels. The present work proposes a simple fixture, using which the integrity of the nut in the grinding wheel can be assessed. This method can be adopted by any grinding wheel manufacturer for a realistic estimate of nut pull out strength in double disc grinding wheels.

Predicting impacts of global climate change on intraspecific genetic diversity benefits from realistic dispersal estimates

Global climates are rapidly changing, which for many species will require dispersal to higher altitudes and latitudes to maintain favourable conditions. Changes in distribution for less mobile species is likely to be associated with losses to genetic diversity, yet this cannot be quantified without understanding which parts of a species distribution will colonise favourable regions in the future. To address this we adopted a realistic estimate of dispersal with predicted changes in species distributions to estimate future levels of intraspecific genetic diversity. Using 740 geckos (Gehyra variegata) collected across their distribution in central and eastern inland Australia, we predict genetic loss within phylogenetically distinct units at both mtDNA and microsatellite markers between 2010 and 2070. We found that using a quantified and realistic estimate of dispersal resulted in significant declines to allelic richness (5.114 to 4.052), haplotype richness (7.215 to 4.589) and phylogenetic diversity (0.012 to 0.005) (P < 0.01). In comparison, predicted losses were substantially over- or underestimated when commonly applied dispersal scenarios were utilised. Using biologically relevant estimates of dispersal will help estimate losses of intraspecific genetic diversity following climate change impacts. This approach will provide critical information for the management of species in the near future.