Finite temperature QCD phase transition and its scaling window from Wilson twisted mass fermions

We study the properties of finite temperature QCD using lattice simulations with Nf = 2 + 1 + 1 Wilson twisted mass fermions for pion masses from physical up to heavy quark regime. In particular, we investigate the scaling properties of the chiral phase transition close to the chiral limit. We found compatibility with O(4) universality class for pion masses up to physical and in the temperature range [120 : 300] MeV. We also discuss other alternatives, including mean field behaviour or Z2 scaling. We provide an estimation of the critical temperature in the chiral limit, T0 = 134−4+6 MeV, which is stable against various scaling scenarios.

Gliding Down the QCD Transition Line, from Nf = 2 till the Onset of Conformality

We review the hot QCD transition with varying number of flavours, from two till the onset of the conformal window. We discuss the universality class for Nf=2, along the critical line for two massless light flavours, and a third flavour whose mass serves as an interpolator between Nf=2 and Nf=3. We identify a possible scaling window for the 3D O(4) universality class transition, and its crossover to a mean field behaviour. We follow the transition from Nf=3 to larger Nf, when it remains of first order, with an increasing coupling strength; we summarise its known properties, including possible cosmological applications as a model for a strong electroweak transition. The first order transition, and its accompanying second order endpoint, finally morphs into the essential singularity at the onset of the conformal window, following the singular behaviour predicted by the functional renormalisation group.

Coplanar Capacitive Sensing as a New Electromagnetic Technique for Non-Destructive Evaluation

Coplanar capacitive technique is a relatively novel electro-magnetic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) method that could be applied to the evaluation of materials by moving a set of electrodes on the surface of the specimen. In addition to the design-related parameters such as electrode shape, size, and the separation distance between the main electrodes, the material of the specimen affects the coplanar capacitive probe performance. In this paper, a 3D Finite Element Modeling (FEM) was employed to assess and identify the electric field behaviour as a function of material under test for non-conducting and conducting specimens with/without defect. Physical experiments were carried out by a pair of rectangular coplanar electrodes on an aluminium specimen with surface defects covered by a 5 mm thick plexiglass insulation layer to verify the simulation results and evaluate the performance of the probe. A good qualitative agreement was observed between the numerical simulations and experimental results.

Indoor environmental quality of the Valli Theatre: outcomes on sound, light and thermo-hygrometry

The characteristics of a performing arts space have a great influence on the experience that both artists and audiences have during a show. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the sound field behaviour, the lighting, and the thermo-hygrometry of the ambient conditions existing inside this cultural heritage. The aim of this paper is the presentation of a complete assessment in relation to the comfort of an Opera theatre on its whole. As such, it has been undertaken a study in relation to the acoustic listening situations other than to the parameters related to the light level and temperature comfort of the Valli Theatre of Reggio Emilia. The acoustic characterization has been undertaken in line with the ISO 3382 standard measurements procedure by capturing the room impulse response (RIR), while the light intensity has been studied by using the lux meter. In addition, the thermo-hygrometer has been used to photograph the comfort related to temperature and relative humidity inside the main hall.