Unitarity Triangle Analysis in the Standard Model and Sensitivity to New Physics

By using the most recent determinations of the several theoretical and experimental input parameters, we update the Unitarity Triangle analysis in the Standard Model and discuss the sensitivity to New Physics effects. We investigate the interest of measuring with a better precision the various physical quantities entering the Unitarity Triangle analysis and study in a model independent way whether, despite the undoubted success of the CKM mechanism in the Standard Model, the Unitarity Triangle analysis still allows the presence of New Physics.Comment: Invited talk at the Workshop on the CKM Unitarity Triangle, IPPP Durham, April 2003 (eConf C0304052). 9 pages LaTeX, 15 eps figures. Misprint corrected and references adde

Heavy Quark Parameters and Vcb from Spectral Moments in Semileptonic B Decays

We extract the heavy quark masses and non-perturbative parameters from the Delphi preliminary measurements of the first three moments of the charged lepton energy and hadronic mass distributions in semileptonic B decays, using a multi-parameter fit. We adopt two formalisms, one of which does not rely on a 1/mc expansion and makes use of running quark masses. The data are consistent and the level of accuracy of the experimental inputs largely determines the present sensitivity. The results allow to improve on the uncertainty in the extraction of Vcb.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figure

Investigating The Physics Case of Running a B-Factory at the Y(5S) Resonance

We discuss the physics case of a high luminosity B-Factory running at the Y(5S) resonance. We show that the coherence of the B meson pairs is preserved at this resonance, and that Bs can be well distinguished from Bd and charged B mesons. These facts allow to cover the physics program of a traditional B-Factory and, at the same time, to perform complementary measurements which are not accessible at the Y(4S). In particular we show how, despite the experimental limitations in performing time-dependent measurements of Bs decays, the same experimental information can be extracted, in several cases, from the determination of time-integrated observables. In addition, a few examples of the potentiality in measuring rare Bs decays are given. Finally, we discuss how the study of Bs meson will improve the constraints on New Physics parameters in the Bs sector, in the context of the generalized Unitarity Triangle analysis.Comment: 47 pages, 22 figure

Drivers and outcomes of branded mobile app usage intention

Purpose: This study examines the drivers and outcomes of the usage intention of branded mobile applications (apps), revealing findings of theoretical and practical relevance. First, it uncovers the specific technological features that underpin the perceived usefulness and ease of use of branded apps driving (directly and indirectly) usage intention. Second, it outlines two key outcomes that are relevant to the strategic management of branded apps: willingness to recommend the app and willingness to pay to continue using the app. Approach: This study uses data randomly derived from a panel of one million UK consumers, analyzed via structural equations modeling. The unit of analysis was individual apps prominently displaying a brand identity. The study tested indirect relationships between the key drivers considered and usage intention, via perceived usefulness and ease of use. Findings: Consumers who view branded apps as protecting their privacy, customizable and compatible with what they do, will have stronger perceptions of usefulness and ease of use, and greater intention to use the app. These effects also occur indirectly. Furthermore, usage intention drives the willingness to recommend the app and to pay to continue using it. Practical implications: To influence usage intention, managers can improve the perception of usefulness of branded apps by protecting consumer privacy, and improving the app’s design and its compatibility with people’s needs and lifestyle. Managers can also enhance the perception of ease of use of the branded app by heightening its security and ubiquity. Combined, these factors can enhance (directly and indirectly) the intention to use the app, which will lead to the willingness to recommend the app and pay for it. Originality/value: This study extends previous research by examining factors driving the intention to use branded apps and the resulting outcomes. It also offers a model that yields predictions for individual branded apps (not the brand powering the app), thus providing practical recommendations on how to manage, in general, apps with a brand identity

When are apps worth paying for? An analysis of the market performance of mobile apps

Through the use of established marketing laws such as the brand usage and image relationship and the Double Jeopardy effect, this research shows how to analyze the market performance of different types of mobile apps. The key empirical findings are as follows: apps linked to an offline/online brand attract more users and obtain stronger brand image if made available to consumers at no cost; apps branded independently attract more users and obtain stronger brand image if offered at a price. These outcomes significantly add to existing knowledge about branded apps, and demonstrate that longstanding marketing laws support the understanding and evaluation of market trends in the mobile digital context. These findings also translate into practical guidelines relevant to managers of existing brands wanting to launch an app, as well as managers wanting to market apps as stand-alone digital products

Post glacial readjustment, sea level variations, subsidence and erosion along the Italian coasts

Ongoing sea level variations and vertical land movements measured by tide gauges and continuous GPS stations along the Italian coasts stem from several factors acting on different spatiotemporal scales. Conversely to tectonics and anthropogenic effects, which are characterized by a heterogeneous signal, the adjustment of solid Earth and geoid to the melting of the late– Pleistocene ice sheets results in a smooth long–wavelength pattern of sea level variation and vertical deformation across the Mediterranean, mostly driven by the melt water load added to the basin. In this work we define upper and lower bounds of the effects of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) on current sea level variations and vertical ground movements along the coasts of Italy. For plausible mantle viscosity profiles we explore to what extent the spatial variability of observed rates may be attributed to delayed isostatic recovery of both solid Earth and geoid. In addition, we show that long–wavelength patterns of sea level change are tuned by the effects of GIA, and that coastal retreat in Italy is broadly correlated with the expected ongoing rates of post–glacial sea level variations

TWO WEEKLY SESSIONS OF COMBINED AEROBIC AND RESISTANCE EXERCISE ARE SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS IN SUBJECTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

none10noThis study was performed to establish whether only 2 sessions per week of combined aerobic and resistance exercise are enough to reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c) and to induce changes in skeletal muscle gene expression in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) subjects with metabolic syndrome. Eight DM2 subjects underwent a 1-yr exercise program consisting of 2 weekly sessions of 140 min that combined aerobic [at 55-70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max))] and resistance circuit training [at 60-80% of 1 repetition maximum (RM)]. The training significantly improved VO(2max) (from 33.5 +/- 3.8 ml/kg/min to 38.2 +/- 3.5 ml/kg/min, p=0.0085) and muscle strength (p<0.05). Changes over baseline were significant for HbA(1c), reduced by 0.45% (p=0.0084), fasting blood glucose (from 8.8 +/- 1.5 to 6.9 +/- 2.2 mmol/l, p=0.0132), waist circumference (from 98.9 +/- 4.8 to 95.9 +/- 4.6 cm, p=0.0054), body weight (from 87.5 +/- 10.7 to 85.7 +/- 10.1 kg, p=0.0375), systolic blood pressure (from 137 +/- 15 to 126 +/- 8 mmHg, p=0.0455), total cholesterol (from 220 +/- 24 to 184 +/- 13 mg/dl, p=0.0057), and LDL-cholesterol (from 150 +/- 16 to 105 +/- 15 mg/dl, p=0.0004). Mitochondrial DNA/nuclear DNA ratio at 6 and 12 months did not change. There was a significant increase of mRNA of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma after 6 months of training (p=0.024); PPAR alpha mRNA levels were significantly increased at 6 (p=0.035) and 12 months (p=0.044). The mRNA quantification of other genes measured [mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (MTCO2), cytochrome c oxidase subunit Vb (COX5b), PPAR gamma coactivator l alpha (PGC1 alpha), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4), forkhead transcription factor BOX O1 (FOXO-1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1)] did not show significant changes at 6 and 12 months. This study suggests that a twice-per-week frequency of exercise is sufficient to improve glucose control and the expression of skeletal muscle PPAR gamma and PPAR alpha in DM2 subjects with metabolic syndrome.openC. FATONE; M. GUESCINI; S. BALDUCCI; S. BATTISTONI; A. SETTEQUATTRINI; R. PIPPI; L. STOCCHI; M. MANTUANO; V. STOCCHI; P. DE FEOC., Fatone; Guescini, Michele; S., Balducci; S., Battistoni; A., Settequattrini; R., Pippi; L., Stocchi; Mantuano, Michela; Stocchi, Vilberto; P., DE FE

Constraints on new physics from the quark mixing unitarity triangle

The status of the Unitarity Triangle beyond the Standard Model including the most recent results on Delta m_s, on dilepton asymmetries and on width differences is presented. Even allowing for general New Physics loop contributions the Unitarity Triangle must be very close to the Standard Model result. With the new measurements from the Tevatron, we obtain for the first time a significant constraint on New Physics in the B_s sector. We present the allowed ranges of New Physics contributions to Delta F=2 processes, and of the time-dependent CP asymmetry in B_s to J/Psi phi decays.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. v2: numerical error in Delta Gamma_s/Gamma_s corrected. Plots and tables updated. v3: update after ICHEP06, final version published in Phys Rev Letter