arXiv subjects

Marco Muccino

Publications and source records attributed to Marco Muccino.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2023

Quasi-periodic oscillations for spherically symmetric regular black holes

We consider the recent data sets of quasi-periodic oscillations from eight different low mass X-ray binaries. We here interpret their physical features in the context of given regular black hole solutions and verify their applicability to neutron star configurations. We evaluate the numerical constraints over the free parameters of Bardeen, Hayward and Dymnikova regular solutions by performing a set of Markov chain Monte Carlo analyses, based on the Metropolis algorithm. For each source, we evaluate the best-fit parameters, among which mass and magnetic charge, and compare and contrast them with the current literature. We also infer the corresponding innermost stable circular orbit radii and the radial extents of the accretion disks. Focusing on how to identify discrepancies among theoretical models and observations, our results show that, in most of the cases, regular black holes, in particular the Bardeen and Hayward spacetimes are slightly more suitable to describe neutron stars than Schwarzschild geometry, whereas the Dymnikova metric is ruled out.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Numerical analysis of quasi-periodic oscillations with spherical spacetimes

We numerically test quasi-periodic oscillations using three theoretically-motivated models of spacetime adopting neutron star sources. Then, we compare our findings with a spherically-symmetric spacetime inferred from $F(R)$ gravity, with constant curvature, showing that it fully-degenerates with our previous metrics, that have been adopted in the context of general relativity. To do so, we work out eight neutron stars in low mass X-ray binary systems and consider a Reisser-Nordström solution plus a de Sitter phase with unspecified sign for the cosmological constant term. In particular, we investigate three hierarchies, \textit{i.e.}, the first dealing with a genuine Schwarzschild spacetime, the second with de Sitter phase whose sign is not fixed \emph{a priori} and, finally, a Reisser-Nordström spacetime with an additional cosmological constant contribution. We perform Markov chain Monte Carlo analyses, based on the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, and infer 1--$σ$ and 2--$σ$ error bars. For all the sources, we find suitable agreement with spherical solutions with non-zero cosmological constant terms, \textit{i.e.}, with either de Sitter or anti-de Sitter solutions. From our findings, we notice that the existence of topological contribution to the net charge, suggested from $F(R)$ extensions of gravity, seems to be disfavored. Finally, we focus on the physics of the cosmological constant term here involved, investigating physical consequences and proposing possible extensions to improve our overall treatments.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Numerical analyses of M31 dark matter profiles

We reproduce the rotation curve of the Andromeda galaxy (M31) by taking into account its bulge, disk, and halo components, considering the last one to contain the major part of dark matter mass. Hence, our prescription is to split the galactic bulge into two components, namely, the inner and main bulges, respectively. Both bulges are thus modeled by exponential density profiles since we underline that the widely accepted de Vaucouleurs law fails to reproduce the whole galactic bulge rotation curve. In addition, we adopt various well-known phenomenological dark matter profiles to estimate the dark matter mass in the halo region. Moreover, we apply the least-squares fitting method to determine from the rotation curve the model free parameters, namely, the characteristic (central) density, scale radius, and consequently the total mass. To do so, we perform Markov chain Monte Carlo statistical analyses based on the Metropolis algorithm, maximizing our likelihoods adopting velocity and radii data points of the rotation curves. We do not fit separately the components for bulges, disk and halo, but we perform an overall fit including all the components and employing all the data points. Thus, we critically analyze our corresponding findings and, in particular, we employ the Bayesian Information Criterion to assess the most accredited model to describe M31 dark matter dynamics.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Healing the cosmological constant problem during inflation through a unified quasi-quintessence matter field

We heal the cosmological constant problem by means of a \emph{cancellation mechanism} that adopts a phase transition during which quantum fluctuations are eliminated. To this purpose, we propose that a generalized scalar (dark) matter field with a non-vanishing pressure term can remove the vacuum energy contribution, if its corresponding thermodynamics is written in terms of a \emph{quasi-quintessence} representation. In such a picture, pressure differs from quintessence as it shows a zero kinetic contribution. Using this field, we investigate a metastable transition phase, in which the universe naturally passes through an inflationary phase. To reach this target, we single out a double exponential potential, describing the metastable inflationary dynamics by considering suitable boundaries and thermodynamic conditions. We analyze stability investigating saddle, stable and unstable points and we thus predict a chaotic inflation that mimics the Starobinsky exponential potential. Consequently, the role of the proposed dark matter field is investigated throughout the overall universe evolution. To do so, we provide a physical explanation on unifying the dark sector with inflation by healing the cosmological constant problem.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Intermediate redshift calibration of Gamma-ray Bursts and cosmic constraints in non-flat cosmology

We propose how to calibrate long gamma-ray burst (GRB) correlations employing intermediate redshift data sets, instead of limiting to $z\simeq0$ catalogs. To do so, we examine the most updated observational Hubble data (OHD) and baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO). We exploit the model-independent technique of Bézier polynomial interpolation, alleviating de facto the well-known circularity problem affecting GRB correlations. To get constraints on cosmic parameters, using Markov chain Monte Carlo Metropolis algorithm, we distinguish the influence on BAO scale, $r_{\rm s}$, Hubble constant $H_0$, luminosity distance $D_{\rm L}(z)$ and spatial curvature $Ω_k$. Inspired by the fact that a few 0.4$\%$ error on $r_{\rm s}$ is got from Planck results, utterly small compared with current BAO measurement errors, we discern two main cases, namely $(r_{\rm s}/r_{\rm s}^{\rm fid})=1$ and $(r_{\rm s}/r_{\rm s}^{\rm fid})\neq1$. For each occurrence, we first fix and then leave free the Universe's spatial curvature. In all our treatments, we make use of the well-consolidated \textit{Amati} correlation, furnishing tighter constraints on the mass density than previous literature. In particular, our findings turn out to be highly more compatible with those got, adopting the $Λ$CDM paradigm, with standard candle indicators. Finally, we critically re-examine the recent $H_0$ tension in view of our outcomes.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

On Larger $H_0$ Values in the CMB Dipole Direction

On the assumption that quasars (QSO) and gamma-ray bursts (GRB) represent \textit{standardisable candles}, we provide evidence that the Hubble constant $H_0$ adopts larger values in hemispheres aligned with the CMB dipole direction. If substantiated, this trend signals a departure from FLRW cosmology. In particular, QSOs show a definite trend, whereas our findings in GRBs are consistent with an isotropic Universe, but we show in a sample of GRBs calibrated with Type Ia supernovae (SN) that this conclusion may change as one focuses on GRBs more closely (mis)aligned with the CMB dipole direction. The statistical significance in QSOs alone is $\gtrsim 2 σ$ and when combined with similar trends in strong lensing, Type Ia SN and calibrated GRBs, this increases to $\sim 3 σ$. Our findings are consistent with reported discrepancies in the cosmic dipole and anisotropies in galaxy cluster scaling relations. The reported variations in $H_0$ across the sky suggest that Hubble tension may be a symptom of a deeper cosmological malaise.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Unifying baryogenesis with dark matter production

We here propose a mechanism that predicts, at early times, both baryon asymmetry and dark matter origin and that recovers the spontaneous baryogenesis during the reheating. Working with $U(1)$-invariant quark $Q$ and lepton $L$ effective fields, with an interacting term that couples the evolution of Universe's environment field $ψ$, we require a spontaneous symmetry breaking and get a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson $θ$. The pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson speeds the Universe up during inflation, playing the role of inflaton, enabling baryogenesis to occur. Thus, in a quasi-static approximation over $ψ$, we impressively find both baryon and dark matter quasi-particle production rates, unifying \emph{de facto} the two scenarios. Moreover, we outline particle mixing and demonstrate dark matter takes over baryons. Presupposing that $θ$ field energy density dominates as baryogenesis stops and employing recent limits on reheating temperature, we get numerical bounds over dark matter constituent, showing that the most likely dark matter boson would be consistent with MeV-scale mass candidates. Finally, we briefly underline our predictions are suitable to explain the the low-energy electron recoil event excess between $1$ and $7$~keV found by the \texttt{XENON1T} collaboration.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Cassini and extra force constraints to nonminimally coupled gravity with screening mechanism

We consider a nonminimally coupled curvature-matter gravity theory at the Solar System scale. Both a fifth force of Yukawa type and a further non-Newtonian extra force that arises from the nonminimal coupling are present in the solar interior and in the solar atmosphere up to interplanetary space. The extra force depends on the spatial gradient of space-time curvature R. The conditions under which the effects of such forces can be screened by the chameleon mechanism and be made consistent with Cassini measurement of PPN parameter $γ$ are examined. This consistency analysis requires a specific study of Sun's dynamical contribution to the arising forces at all its layers.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

A roadmap to gamma-ray bursts: new developments and applications to cosmology

Gamma-ray bursts are the most powerful explosions in the universe and are mainly placed at very large redshifts, up to $z\simeq 9$. In this short review, we first discuss gamma-ray burst classification and morphological properties. We then report the likely relations between gamma-ray bursts and other astronomical objects, such as black holes, supernovae, neutron stars, etc., discussing in detail gamma-ray burst progenitors. We classify long and short gamma-ray bursts, working out their timescales, and introduce the standard fireball model. Afterwards, we focus on direct applications of gamma-ray bursts to cosmology and underline under which conditions such sources would act as perfect standard candles if correlations between photometric and spectroscopic properties were not jeopardized by the \emph{circularity problem}. In this respect, we underline how the shortage of low-$z$ gamma-ray bursts prevents anchor gamma-ray bursts with primary distance indicators. Moreover, we analyze in detail the most adopted gamma-ray burst correlations, highlighting their main differences. We therefore show calibration techniques, comparing such treatments with non-calibration scenarios. For completeness, we discuss the physical properties of the correlation scatters and systematics occurring during experimental computations. Finally, we develop the most recent statistical methods, star formation rate and high-redshift gamma-ray burst excess and show the most recent constraints got from experimental analyses.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Do gamma-ray burst measurements provide a useful test of cosmological models?

We study eight different gamma-ray burst (GRB) data sets to examine whether current GRB measurements -- that probe a largely unexplored part of cosmological redshift ($z$) space -- can be used to reliably constrain cosmological model parameters. We use three Amati-correlation samples and five Combo-correlation samples to simultaneously derive correlation and cosmological model parameter constraints. The intrinsic dispersion of each GRB data set is taken as a goodness measurement. We examine the consistency between the cosmological bounds from GRBs with those determined from better-established cosmological probes, such as baryonic acoustic oscillation (BAO) and Hubble parameter $H(z)$ measurements. We use the Markov chain Monte Carlo method implemented in \textsc{MontePython} to find best-fit correlation and cosmological parameters, in six different cosmological models, for the eight GRB samples, alone or in conjunction with BAO and $H(z)$ data. For the Amati correlation case, we compile a data set of 118 bursts, the A118 sample, which is the largest -- about half of the total Amati-correlation GRBs -- current collection of GRBs suitable for constraining cosmological parameters. This updated GRB compilation has the smallest intrinsic dispersion of the three Amati-correlation GRB data sets we examined. We are unable to define a collection of reliable bursts for current Combo-correlation GRB data. Cosmological constraints determined from the A118 sample are consistent with -- but significantly weaker than -- those from BAO and $H(z)$ data. They also are consistent with the spatially-flat $Λ$CDM model as well as with dynamical dark energy models and non-spatially-flat models. Since GRBs probe a largely unexplored region of $z$, it is well worth acquiring more and better-quality burst data which will give a more definitive answer to the question of the title.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Testing generalized logotropic models with cosmic growth

We check the dynamical and observational features of four typologies of logotropic dark energy models, leading to a \emph{thermodynamic cosmic speed up} fueled by a single fluid that unifies dark energy and dark matter. We first present two principal Anton-Schmidt fluids where the Grüneisen parameter $γ_{\rm G}$ is free to vary and then fixed to the special value $γ_{\rm G}=\tfrac{5}{6}$. We also investigate the pure logotropic model, corresponding to $γ_{\rm G}=-\frac{1}{6}$. Finally, we propose a new logotropic paradigm that works as a generalized logotropic fluid, in which we split the role of dark matter and baryons. We demonstrate that the logotropic paradigms may present drawbacks in perturbations, showing a negative adiabatic sound speed which make perturbations unstable. The Anton-Schmidt model with $γ_{\rm G}=\frac{5}{6}$ is ruled out while the generalized logotropic fluid seems to be the most suitable one, albeit weakly disfavored than the $Λ$CDM model. We combine low- and higher-redshift domains through experimental fits based on Monte Carlo Markov Chain procedures, taking into account supernovae Ia catalogue, Hubble measurements and $σ_8$ data points. We consider two model selection criteria to infer the statistical significance of the four models. We conclude there is statistical advantage to handle the Anton-Schmidt fluid with the Grüneisen parameter free to vary and/or fixed to $γ_{\rm G}=-\frac{1}{6}$. The generalized logotropic fluid indicates suitable results, statistically favored than the other models, until the sound speed is positive, becoming unstable in perturbations elsewhere. We emphasize that the $Λ$CDM paradigm works statistically better than any kinds of logotropic and generalized logotropic models, while the Chevallier-Polarski-Linder parametrization is statistically comparable with logotropic scenarios.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Model independent calibrations of gamma ray bursts using machine learning

We alleviate the circularity problem, whereby gamma-ray bursts are not perfect distance indicators, by means of a new model-independent technique based on Bézier polynomials. To do so, we use the well consolidate \textit{Amati} and \textit{Combo} correlations. We consider improved calibrated catalogs of mock data from differential Hubble rate points. To get our mock data, we use those machine learning scenarios that well adapt to gamma ray bursts, discussing in detail how we handle small amounts of data from our machine learning techniques. In particular, we explore only three machine learning treatments, i.e. \emph{linear regression}, \emph{neural network} and \emph{random forest}, emphasizing quantitative statistical motivations behind these choices. Our calibration strategy consists in taking Hubble's data, creating the mock compilation using machine learning and calibrating the aforementioned correlations through Bézier polynomials with a standard chi-square analysis first and then by means of a hierarchical Bayesian regression procedure. The corresponding catalogs, built up from the two correlations, have been used to constrain dark energy scenarios. We thus employ Markov Chain Monte Carlo numerical analyses based on the most recent Pantheon supernova data, baryonic acoustic oscillations and our gamma ray burst data. We test the standard $Λ$CDM model and the Chevallier-Polarski-Linder parametrization. We discuss the recent $H_0$ tension in view of our results. Moreover, we highlight a further severe tension over $Ω_m$ and we conclude that a slight evolving dark energy model is possible.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Neutrino oscillation in the $q$-metric

We investigate neutrino oscillation in the field of an axially symmetric space-time, employing the so-called $q$-metric, in the context of general relativity. Following the standard approach, we compute the phase shift invoking the weak and strong field limits and small deformation. To do so, we consider neutron stars, white dwarfs and supernovae as strong gravitational regimes whereas the Solar System as weak field regime. We argue that the inclusion of the quadrupole parameter leads to the modification of the well-known results coming from the spherical solution due to the Schwarschild space-time. Hence, we show that in the Solar System regime, considering the Earth and Sun, there is a weak probability to detect deviations from the flat case, differently from the case of neutron stars and white dwarfs in which this probability is larger. Thus, we heuristically discuss some implications on constraining the free parameters of the phase shift by means of astrophysical neutrinos. A few consequences in cosmology and possible applications for future space experiments are also discussed throughout the text.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Kinematic constraints beyond $z\simeq0$ using calibrated GRB correlations

The dynamics of the Universe are revised using high-redshift data from gamma-ray bursts to constrain cosmographic parameters by means of model-independent techniques. Considering samples from four gamma-ray burst correlations and two hierarchies up to $j_0$ and $s_0$, respectively, we derived limits over the expansion history of the Universe. Since cosmic data span outside $z\simeq0$, we investigated additional cosmographic methods such as auxiliary variables and Padé approximations. Beziér polynomials were employed to calibrate our correlations and heal the circularity problem. Several Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations were performed on the model-independently calibrated Amati, Ghirlanda, Yonetoku, and combo correlations to obtain $1$--$σ$ and $2$--$σ$ confidence levels and to test the standard cosmological model. Reasonable results are found up to $j_0$ and $s_0$ hierarchies, respectively, only partially alleviating the tension on local $H_0$ measurements as $j_0$ hierarchy is considered. Discussions on systematic errors have been extensively reported here. Our findings show that the $Λ$CDM model is not fully confirmed using gamma-ray bursts. Indications against a genuine cosmological constant are summarized and commented on in detail.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2019

Constraining a nonminimally coupled curvature-matter gravity model with ocean experiments

We examine the constraints on the Yukawa regime from the non-minimally coupled curvature-matter gravity theory arising from deep underwater ocean experiments. We consider the geophysical experiment of Zumberge et al. of 1991 for searching deviations of Newton's inverse square law in ocean. In the context of non-minimally coupled curvature-matter theory of gravity the results of Zumberge et al. can be used to obtain an upper bound both on the strength $α$ and range $λ$ of the Yukawa potential arising from the non-relativistic limit of the non-minimally coupled theory. The existence of an upper bound on $λ$ is related to the presence of an extra force, specific of the nonminimally coupled theory, which depends on $λ$ and on the gradient of mass density, and has an effect in the ocean because of compressibility of seawater. These results can be achieved after a suitable treatment of the conversion of pressure to depth in the ocean by resorting to the equation of state of seawater and taking into account the effect of the extra force on hydrostatic equilibrium. If the sole Yukawa interaction were present the experiment would yield only a bound on $α$, while, in the presence of the extra force we find an upper bound on the range: $λ_{\rm max}= 57.4$ km. In the interval $1 \,{\rm m}<λ<λ_{\rm max}$ the upper bound on $α$ is consistent with the constraint $α<0.002$ found in Zumberge et al.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Addressing the circularity problem in the $E_\text{p}-E_\text{iso}$ correlation of Gamma-Ray Bursts

We here propose a new model-independent technique to overcome the circularity problem affecting the use of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) as distance indicators through the use of $E_{\rm p}$--$E_{\rm iso}$ correlation. We calibrate the $E_{\rm p}$--$E_{\rm iso}$ correlation and find the GRB distance moduli that can be used to constrain dark energy models. We use observational Hubble data to approximate the cosmic evolution through Bézier parametric curve obtained through the linear combination of Bernstein basis polynomials. In so doing, we build up a new data set consisting of 193 GRB distance moduli. We combine this sample with the supernova JLA data set to test the standard $Λ$CDM model and its $w$CDM extension. We place observational constraints on the cosmological parameters through Markov Chain Monte Carlo numerical technique. Moreover, we compare the theoretical scenarios by performing the AIC and DIC statistics. For the $Λ$CDM model we find $Ω_m=0.397^{+0.040}_{-0.039}$ at the $2σ$ level, while for the $w$CDM model we obtain $Ω_m=0.34^{+0.13}_{-0.15}$ and $w=-0.86^{+0.36}_{-0.38}$ at the $2σ$ level. Our analysis suggests that $Λ$CDM model is statistically favoured over the $w$CDM scenario. No evidence for extension of the $Λ$CDM model is found.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2018

Speeding up the universe using dust with pressure

We revise the cosmological standard model presuming that matter, i.e. baryons and cold dark matter, exhibits a non-vanishing pressure mimicking the cosmological constant effects. In particular, we propose a scalar field Lagrangian $\mathcal L_1$ for matter with the introduction of a Lagrange multiplier as constraint. We also add a symmetry breaking effective potential accounting for the classical cosmological constant problem, by adding a second Lagrangian $\mathcal{L}_2$. Investigating the Noether current due to the shift symmetry on the scalar field, $φ\rightarrowφ+c^0$, we show that $\mathcal{L}_1$ turns out to be independent from the scalar field $φ$. Further we find that a positive Helmotz free-energy naturally leads to a negative pressure without introducing by hand any dark energy term. To face out the fine-tuning problem, we investigate two phases: before and after transition due to the symmetry breaking. We propose that during transition dark matter cancels out the quantum field vacuum energy effects. This process leads to a negative and constant pressure whose magnitude is determined by baryons only. The numerical bounds over the pressure and matter densities are in agreement with current observations, alleviating the coincidence problem. Finally assuming a thermal equilibrium between the bath and our effective fluid, we estimate the mass of the dark matter candidate. Our numerical outcomes seem to be compatible with recent predictions on WIMP masses, for fixed spin and temperature. In particular, we predict possible candidates whose masses span in the range $0.5-1.7$ TeV.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Kinematic and statistical inconsistencies of Ho$\check{\textrm{r}}$ava-Lifshitz cosmology

We investigate the validity of a \emph{minimal} cosmological model derived from the renormalizable Ho$\check{\textrm{r}}$ava action at low redshift scales by using different cosmological and statistical tests. Assuming pure attractive gravity, i.e., $λ>1/3$ in the Ho$\check{\textrm{r}}$ava action, we compare the Union 2.1 supernova type Ia data with the kinematics following from a model-independent approach. The two approaches, although compatible, lead to explicit cosmographic constraints on the free parameters of the Ho$\check{\textrm{r}}$ava action, which turn out to be in strong disagreement with the $Λ$CDM, $w$CDM and Chevallier-Polarski-Linder scenarios. To show this, we use standard diagnostic tools of regression models, namely the Akaike and the Bayesian Information Criteria. Using such model-independent statistical methods, we show that Ho$\check{\textrm{r}}$ava-Lifshitz cosmology differs from the standard dark energy scenarios, \emph{independently} of the number of free parameters involved in the model. Since this result is valid at small redshift domains, it indicates the presence of inconsistencies in the minimal version of Ho$\check{\textrm{r}}$ava-Lifshitz cosmology even at the level of background cosmology.

gr-qc↗