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With the advent of TeV-energy colliding machines, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the possibility has opened up to test predictions of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) and, more in general, of the Standard Model (SM), in new, and so far unexplored, kinematical regimes. Among the many reactions that can be investigated at LHC, the Higgs production is one of the most important and challenging for the entire high-energy physics Community. Beside usual studies in the Higgs sector, it has recently been highlighted how differential Higgs distributions can be effectively used as ``stabilizers'' of the high-energy dynamics of QCD. The definition and the study of observables sensitive to high-energy dynamics in Higgs production has the double advantage of (i) allowing us to clearly disentangle the high-energy dynamics from the fixed-order one and (ii) providing us with an auxiliary tool to extend Higgs studies in wider kinematical regimes. In this work, we will show how a general hybrid collinear/high energy factorization can be built up for the inclusive production of a Higgs in association with a jet. Then, we will present some phenomenological analyses that corroborate the underlying assumption that this reaction can be used to investigate the semi-hard regime of QCD. Finally, we will focus on more formal developments, such as the inclusion of subleading corrections to previous studies, via the calculation of the forward next-to-leading order Higgs impact factor., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figures; Presented by M. Fucilla at the Particles and Nuclei International Conference (PANIC 2021), 5-10 September 2021; to be published in the conference proceedings by PoS

Heavy-flavored emissions have been always considered as an excellent channel to test properties of Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) at present and future colliders. Among different regimes, in which heavy-flavor production can be investigated, we focus our attention on the semi-hard one, where $s \gg \{ Q^2 \} \gg \Lambda_{QCD}$ ($s$ is the squared center-of-mass energy, $\{ Q^2 \}$ a (set of) hard scale(s) characteristic of the process and $\Lambda_{QCD}$ the QCD mass scale). Here, we build predictions in a hybrid collinear/high-energy factorization, in which the standard collinear description is supplemented by the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov resummation of large energy logarithms. The definition and the study of observables sensitive to high-energy dynamics in the context of heavy-flavor physics has the double advantage of (i) allowing to get a stabilization of the BFKL series under higher-order corrections and (ii) providing us with an auxiliary tool to investigate heavy-flavor production in wider kinematical ranges. Hence, we propose a scientific program on heavy-flavor physics at high-energy with the goal of considering both open (heavy-jet) and bound states ($\Lambda$ baryons, heavy-light mesons and quarkonia)., Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures; Presented by M, Fucilla at the European Physical Society Conference on High Energy Physics (EPS-HEP2021), 26-30 July 2021; to be published in the conference proceedings by PoS

We present recent phenomenological studies, tailored on kinematic configurations typical of current and forthcoming analyses at the LHC, for two novel probe channels of the BFKL resummation of energy logarithms. Particular attention is drawn to the behavior of distributions differential in azimuthal angle and rapidity, where significant high-energy effects are expected., Comment: Submission to SciPost

We investigate the inclusive hadroproduction of a Higgs boson in association with a jet, featuring large transverse momenta and separated by a large rapidity distance. We propose this reaction, that can be studied at the LHC as well as at new-generation colliding machines, as a novel probe channel for the manifestation of the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov (BFKL) dynamics. We bring evidence that high-energy resummed distributions in rapidity and transverse momentum exhibit a solid stability under higher-order corrections, thus offering us a faultless chance to gauge the feasibility of precision calculations of these observables at high energies. We come out with the message that future, exhaustive analyses of the inclusive Higgs-boson production, would benefit from the inclusion of high-energy effects in a multi-lateral formalism where distinct resummations are concurrently embodied. We propose these studies with the aim of inspiring synergies with other Communities, and pursuing the goal of widening common horizons in the exploration of the Higgs-physics sector., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure. Presented by F.G. Celiberto at the European Physical Society Conference on High Energy Physics (EPS-HEP2021), 26-30 July 2021; version accepted for publication in the conference proceedings by PoS

We propose the inclusive semi-hard production, in proton-proton collisions, of two bottom-flavored hadrons, as well as of a single bottom-flavored hadron accompanied by a light jet, as novel channels for the manifestation of stabilization effects of the high-energy resummation under next-to-leading-order corrections. Our formalism relies on a hybrid high-energy and collinear factorization, where the BFKL resummation of leading and next-to-leading energy logarithms is used together with collinear factorization. We present results for cross sections and azimuthal correlations differential in rapidity, which are widely recognized as standard observables where to hunt for distinctive signals of the BFKL dynamics. We propose the study of double differential distributions in the transverse momenta of final-state particles as a common basis to investigate the interplay of different kinds of resummation mechanisms., Comment: 40 pages, 10 figures; improved layout of 3D surface plots in Figs. 7 and 8, small text improvements, added four more reference, version published in Phys. Rev. D

We calculate cross sections for the exclusive diffractive leptoproduction of $\rho$-mesons, $\gamma^*~p~\to~\rho~p$, within the framework of high-energy factorization. Cross sections for longitudinally and transversally polarized mesons are shown. We employ a wide variety of unintegrated gluon distributions available in the literature and compare to HERA data. The resulting cross sections strongly depend on the choice of unintegrated gluon distribution. We also present predictions for the proton target in the kinematics of the Brookhaven EIC., Comment: 21 pages, 8 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1808.02395; version published in Eur. Phys. J. C

Using the standard Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov (BFKL) approach, with partial inclusion of next-to-leading order effects, we propose the inclusive hadroproduction of a Higgs boson and of a jet, featuring large transverse momenta and well separated in rapidity, as a new channel to probe the BFKL dynamics. Predictions are presented for cross-sections and azimuthal angle correlations in different kinematics configurations for the final-state transverse momenta. We find that the large energy scales provided by the emission of a Higgs boson stabilize the BFKL series., Comment: Submission to SciPost

Exclusive emissions of vector mesons in forward directions of rapidity offer us a faultless chance to probe the proton structure at small-$x$. A high-energy factorization formula is established within BFKL, given as the convolution of an impact factor depicting the forward-meson emission and of an unintegrated gluon distribution (UGD) driving the gluon evolution at small-$x$. As a nonperturbative quantity, the UGD is not well known and several models for it exist. We present recent progresses on the study of the exclusive forward $\rho$-meson leptoproduction at HERA and EIC energies, showing how osbervables sensitive to different polarization states of the $\rho$-particle act as discriminators for the existing UGD models., Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure, contribution to the proceedings of the XXVIII International Workshop on Deep Inelastic Scattering and Related Subjects (DIS2021), Stony Brook, New York, USA, 12-16 April, 2021, version accepted for publication on SciPost Physics Proceedings

We propose the inclusive hadroproduction of a heavy-light dijet system, as a new channel for the investigation of high energy QCD. We build up a hybrid factorization that incorporates a partial next-to-leading BFKL resummation inside the standard collinear description of observables. We present a detailed analysis of different observables: cross-section summed over azimuthal angles and differential in rapidity and azimuthal distribution. The stability that these distributions show under higher-order corrections motivates our interest in future studies, doable at new generation colliding machines., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure, contribution to the proceedings of the XXVIII International Workshop on Deep Inelastic Scattering and Related Subjects (DIS2021), Stony Brook, New York, USA, 12-16 April, 2021, to appear on SciPost Physics Proceedings

We present a study on inclusive emissions of a double $\Lambda_c$ or of a $\Lambda_c$ plus a light-flavored jet system as probe channels in the semi-hard regime of QCD. Our formalism relies on the so-called hybrid high-energy/collinear factorization, where the standard collinear description is supplemented by the $t$-channel resummation \`a la BFKL of energy logarithms up to the next-to-leading accuracy. We make use of the JETHAD modular interface, suited to the analysis of different semi-hard reactions, employing the novel KKSS19 parameterization for the description of parton fragmentation into $\Lambda_c$ baryons. We provide predictions for rapidity distributions and azimuthal correlations, that can be studied at current and forthcoming LHC configurations, hunting for possible stabilizing effects of the high-energy series., Comment: 28 pages, 9 figures; updated references, version published in Eur. Phys. J. C

The Flatland competition aimed at finding novel approaches to solve the vehicle re-scheduling problem (VRSP). The VRSP is concerned with scheduling trips in traffic networks and the re-scheduling of vehicles when disruptions occur, for example the breakdown of a vehicle. While solving the VRSP in various settings has been an active area in operations research (OR) for decades, the ever-growing complexity of modern railway networks makes dynamic real-time scheduling of traffic virtually impossible. Recently, multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) has successfully tackled challenging tasks where many agents need to be coordinated, such as multiplayer video games. However, the coordination of hundreds of agents in a real-life setting like a railway network remains challenging and the Flatland environment used for the competition models these real-world properties in a simplified manner. Submissions had to bring as many trains (agents) to their target stations in as little time as possible. While the best submissions were in the OR category, participants found many promising MARL approaches. Using both centralized and decentralized learning based approaches, top submissions used graph representations of the environment to construct tree-based observations. Further, different coordination mechanisms were implemented, such as communication and prioritization between agents. This paper presents the competition setup, four outstanding solutions to the competition, and a cross-comparison between them., Comment: 28 pages, 8 figures

We propose the study of the inclusive hadroproduction of a heavy-flavored jet in association with a light jet, as a probe channel of strong interactions at high energies. We build up a hybrid factorization that encodes genuine high-energy effects, provided by a partial next-to-leading BFKL resummation, inside the standard collinear structure of the cross section. We present a detailed analysis of different distributions, shaped on kinematic ranges typical of experimental analyses at the Large Hadron Collider, and differential in rapidity, azimuthal angle and transverse momentum. The fair stability that these distributions exhibit under higher-order corrections motivates our interest toward future studies. Here, the hybrid factorization could help to deepen our understanding of heavy-flavor physics in wider kinematic ranges, like the ones accessible at the Electron-Ion Collider., Comment: 32 pages, 10 figures; slight change in the title, four more references added, version published in Phys. Rev. D

We propose a model accounting for plasmons within a two temperature description, to investigate the role of surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) in the energy redistribution between laser excited electrons and the lattice, leading to surface restructuring of the material. This energy transfer can lead to the creation of laser induced surface structures in metals illuminated by an ultrashort laser pulse. The Two Temperature Model + Plasmon (TTM+P) equations are constructed by applying perturbation theory on the energy-, momentum- and density conservation equations of free electrons in metals. We consider three subsystems: the lattice, the thermalized electrons and the SPP, subject to an external laser field irradiation. The interference between the laser and SPP fields leads to spatially modulated energy absorption by the electronic system, and, through electron-phonon collisions, periodically shapes the lattice temperature. A numerical analysis is performed on a 1D model for gold. We show the emergence of a periodic modulation of the lattice temperature, which may contribute to laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS)., Comment: 23 pages, 5 figures

Recent reinforcement learning studies extensively explore the interplay between cooperative and competitive behaviour in mixed environments. Unlike cooperative environments where agents strive towards a common goal, mixed environments are notorious for the conflicts of selfish and social interests. As a consequence, purely rational agents often struggle to achieve and maintain cooperation. A prevalent approach to induce cooperative behaviour is to assign additional rewards based on other agents' well-being. However, this approach suffers from the issue of multi-agent credit assignment, which can hinder performance. This issue is efficiently alleviated in cooperative setting with such state-of-the-art algorithms as QMIX and COMA. Still, when applied to mixed environments, these algorithms may result in unfair allocation of rewards. We propose BAROCCO, an extension of these algorithms capable to balance individual and social incentives. The mechanism behind BAROCCO is to train two distinct but interwoven components that jointly affect each agent's decisions. Our meta-algorithm is compatible with both Q-learning and Actor-Critic frameworks. We experimentally confirm the advantages over the existing methods and explore the behavioural aspects of BAROCCO in two mixed multi-agent setups., Comment: Short version of this paper is accepted to AAMAS 2021

We propose the study of the inclusive production of two $\Lambda$ hyperons or a single $\Lambda$-particle in association with a jet, featuring high transverse momenta and large separation in rapidity, as a probe channel of the resummation of energy logarithms in the QCD perturbative series. We give predictions, shaped on kinematic ranges typical of CMS and of the backward CASTOR detector, for cross section and azimuthal-correlation moments between the two emitted objects, showing how considering the tag of $\Lambda$ baryons eases the comparison between theoretical results and experimental data in the phenomenological context of semi-hard reactions., Comment: 23 pages, 6 figures; updated references; slight changes in Eq. (14), updated Section 2.3, added 2 plots (Figs. 6 and 8), version published in Phys. Rev. D

The inclusive hadroproduction of a Higgs boson and of a jet, featuring large transverse momenta and well separated in rapidity, is proposed as a novel probe channel for the manifestation of the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov (BFKL) dynamics. Using the standard BFKL approach, with partial inclusion of next-to-leading order effects, predictions are presented for azimuthal Higgs-jet correlations and other observables, to be possibly compared with experimental analyses at the LHC and with theoretical predictions obtained in different schemes., Comment: 27 pages, 8 figures; added comparison with fixed-order NLO POWHEG results in Fig. 8, added in new Fig. 9 comparison with large top-mass limit predictions, updated diagram in Fig. 2, version published in Eur. Phys. J. C