Factorization effects in a model of unstable particles

The effects of factorization are considered within the framework of the model of unstable particles with a smeared mass. It is shown that two-particle cross section and three-particle decay width can be described by the universal factorized formulae for an unstable particles of an arbitrary spin in an intermediate state. The exact factorization is caused by the specific structure of the model unstable-particle propagators. This result is generalized to complicated scattering and decay-chain processes with unstable particles in intermediate states. We analyze applicability of the method and evaluate its accuracy.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figure

Near-threshold boson pair production in the model of smeared-mass unstable particles

Near-threshold production of boson pairs is considered within the framework of the model of unstable particles with smeared mass. We describe the principal aspects of the model and consider the strategy of calculations including the radiative corrections. The results of calculations are in good agreement with LEP II data and Monte-Carlo simulations. Suggested approach significantly simplifies calculations with respect to the standard perturbative one.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures, minor corrections, references adde

Factorization in the model of unstable particles with continuous masses

We study processes with unstable particles in intermediate time-like states. It is shown that the amplitudes squared of such processes factor exactly in the framework of the model of unstable particles with continuous masses. Decay widths and cross sections can then be represented in a universal factorized form for an arbitrary set of interacting particles. This exact factorization is caused by specific structure of propagators in the model. We formulate the factorization method and perform a phenomenological analysis of the factorization effects. The factorization method considerably simplifies calculations while leading to compact and reasonable results.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figure

Personalisation and identity in fashion

The aim of this research is to explore the concept of personalisation, the relationship between the consumers and producers of personalised fashion and its ethical implications. Although individualisation in fashion consumption is well known, personalisation is less understood. A significant part of the problem lies in the different uses of the term by producers and consumers and their dynamic interaction. Fashion producers are increasingly intent on acquiring personal data and new uses of big data that contribute to the ability to micro-market and to personalise individual products, services and experiences. However, the rise of co-created designs, looks and communities with consumers challenges their ability to manage the process. The contribution of producers and consumers is less clear as both sides exploit new channels of distribution and communication and create new fashion communities. As identity is fundamentally defined by distinctiveness, more complex forms of personalisation may create more - and alternative - forms of identity. The paper examines the problem of personalisation from two theoretical perspectives. First, as a social rather than a transactional activity. Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) recognises the fragmentation of markets and the primacy of the consumer as a socially-connected being. It positions personalisation in consumer culture as providing meaningful ways of life and material resources on which consumers depend and their mediation through markets. Second, taking an ethical position on personalisation, the argument focuses on the boundaries of fashion consumption, the problems of ownership and permission to personalise and the ways personalisation can be understood in a value system. The paper concludes with a summary of personalisation defined by consumer and producer interactivity, temporality and ownership to advance the conceptualisation of personalised and personal fashion identities

Multi- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in Latvia : Trends, characteristics and treatment outcomes

Publisher Copyright: © 2014, The Union.Setting: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is an important public health problem in Latvia. Objective: To document trends, characteristics and treatment outcomes of registered patients with multidrug- resistant (MDR-) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-) TB in Latvia from 2000 to 2010. Design: A retrospective national cohort study. Results: Of 1779 patients, 1646 (92%) had MDR- and 133 (8%) XDR-TB. Over 11 years, the proportion of XDR-TB among MDR-TB patients increased from 2% to 18%. Compared to MDR-TB patients, those with XDR-TB were significantly more likely to have failed MDR-TB treatment (OR 8.4, 95%CI 4.3–16.2), have human immunodeficiency virus infection (OR 3.2, 95%CI 1.8–5.7), be illegal drug users (OR 5.7, 95%CI 2.6–11.6) or have had contact with MDR-TB patients (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.3– 2.8). Cure rates for XDR-TB were 50%. Compared with MDR-TB patients, those with XDR-TB had a higher risk of treatment failure (29% vs. 8%, respectively, P < 0.001). Unfavourable treatment outcomes were significantly associated with being male; having smear-positive disease; pulmonary cavities; failure, default or relapse after previous MDR-TB treatment; and a history of incarceration. Conclusion: More MDR-TB in Latvia is now also XDR-TB. This study identified several risk factors for XDR-TB and, for unfavourable treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of MDR-/XDR-TB.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Diagonalization of the neutralino mass matrix and boson-neutralino interaction

We analyze a connection between neutralino mass sign, parity and structure of the neutralino-boson interaction. Correct calculation of spin-dependent and spin-independent contributions to neutralino-nuclear scattering should consider this connection. A convenient diagonalization procedure, based on the exponetial parametrization of unitary matrix, is suggested.Comment: 21 pages, RevTex