Measurements of b hadron lifetimes and effective lifetimes at LHCb

Precision measurements of b-hadron lifetimes are a key goal of the LHCb experiment. In the B_s sector, the measurement of the effective lifetimes for B_s mesons decaying to CP-odd, CP-even and flavor specific final states are essential for constraining the B_s mixing parameters, $\Delta \Gamma_s$, the average width, $\Gamma_s$, and the CP-violating phase, $\phi_s$. Measurements of $b$ baryon lifetimes are also important to test theoretical models. We present the latest results from LHCb on these topics.Comment: Presented at DPF 2013, Santa Cruz, California, November 13-17 2013, 8 pages, 6 figure

Globalization, Regionalization and Information-Communication Convergence of Africa

Globalization is characterized by many accomplishments of the world economy: from regional trade agreements proliferation to the acceptance of international standards. One way of integrating Africa into globalization trends is through regional integrations. However, Africa's dependence upon its colonial leaders has not reflected well on the process of regional integration. Regionalism in Africa was led by public sector organizations and it was done without the public support and the support of private sector. Information-communication technology represents another limiting factor to Africa's integration into the globalization and regionalization processes. This paper analyses Africa's position in the global economy and the level of involvement in regionalization trends. Special focus is given to the analyses of the role of information-communication technology in a successful development of Africa and its inclusion into the global trends. Classification-ACM-1998: J.4 [Computer Applications]; Social and behavioral sciences - Sociologyglobalization, regionalization, Africa, ICT

Challenges for health care development in Croatia [Izazovi razvoja zdravstvenog sustava Republike Hrvatske]

The main aim of the research done in this paper was to establish key challenges and perspectives for health care development in the Republic of Croatia in the next two decades. Empirical research was conducted in the form of semi-structured interviews involving 49 subjects, representatives of health care professionals from both, public and private sectors, health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, drug wholesalers, and non-governmental organisations (patient associations). The results have shown that key challenges and problems of Croatian health care can be divided into three groups: functioning of health care systems, health care personnel, and external factors. Research has shown that key challenges related to the functioning of health care are inefficiency, financial unviability, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of system transparency. Poor governance is another limiting factor. With regard to health care personnel, they face the problems of low salaries, which then lead to migration challenges and a potential shortage of health care personnel. The following external factors are deemed to be among the most significant challenges: ageing population, bad living habits, and an increase in the number of chronic diseases. However, problems caused by the global financial crisis and consequential macroeconomic situation must not be neglected. Guidelines for responding to challenges identified in this research are the backbone for developing a strategy for health care development in the Republic of Croatia. Long-term vision, strategy, policies, and a regulatory framework are all necessary preconditions for an efficient health care system and more quality health services

Propagation of a Dark Soliton in a Disordered Bose-Einstein Condensate

We consider the propagation of a dark soliton in a quasi 1D Bose-Einstein condensate in presence of a random potential. This configuration involves nonlinear effects and disorder, and we argue that, contrarily to the study of stationary transmission coefficients through a nonlinear disordered slab, it is a well defined problem. It is found that a dark soliton decays algebraically, over a characteristic length which is independent of its initial velocity, and much larger than both the healing length and the 1D scattering length of the system. We also determine the characteristic decay time.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Smart specialisation concept as a tool for improving innovation performance of the European Union member countries

Globalisation brings significant challenges to economies worldwide. Smart specialisation is one of the tools that helps countries improve their innovation potential, thus improving their economic performance and competitiveness. Smart specialisation involves identifying a country’s competitive advantages in order to develop targeted strategies aimed at enhancing its competitiveness. The main objective of the paper is to identify innovation and smart specialisation challenges the European Union economies are facing. The paper aims to provide an overview of current innovation performance of the European Union Member States, as well as their smart specialisation strategies, focusing on their chosen thematic priority areas. In doing so, the contribution of the paper is twofold. First, it gives an overview of the main features of smart specialisation concept. Second, it provides an overview of innovation performance of the European Union Member States and their smart specialisation strategies

Smart specialisation concept as a tool for improving innovation performance of the European Union member countries

Globalisation brings significant challenges to economies worldwide. Smart specialisation is one of the tools that helps countries improve their innovation potential, thus improving their economic performance and competitiveness. Smart specialisation involves identifying a country’s competitive advantages in order to develop targeted strategies aimed at enhancing its competitiveness. The main objective of the paper is to identify innovation and smart specialisation challenges the European Union economies are facing. The paper aims to provide an overview of current innovation performance of the European Union Member States, as well as their smart specialisation strategies, focusing on their chosen thematic priority areas. In doing so, the contribution of the paper is twofold. First, it gives an overview of the main features of smart specialisation concept. Second, it provides an overview of innovation performance of the European Union Member States and their smart specialisation strategies