Search for new physics in Bs→μ+μ−B_s \rightarrow \mu^+ \mu^- and B→K(∗)μ+μ−B \rightarrow K^{(*)} \mu^+ \mu^-

Transitions of the type $b \to s l^+ l^-$ are flavour changing neutral current processes where new physics can enter in competing loop diagrams with respect to the Standard Model contributions. In these decays several observables sensitive to new physics, and where theoretical uncertainties are under control, can be constructed. Particularly interesting are the angular asymmetries in the decay $B_d \to K^* \mu^+ \mu^-$ and the measurement of the branching fraction of the decays $B_{s,d} \to \mu^+ \mu^-$. Recent measurements of these observables and the measurement of the isospin asymmetry in the decays $B \to K^{(*)} \mu^+ \mu^-$ are presented.Comment: Presented at Flavor Physics and CP Violation (FPCP 2012), Hefei, China, May 21-25, 201

Continental visions: Ann Seidman, Reginald H. Green and the economics of African unity in 1960s Ghana

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Beyond the Minimal Top Partner Decay

Light top partners are the prime sign of naturalness in composite Higgs models. We explore here the possibility of non-standard top partner phenomenology. We show that even in the simplest extension of the minimal composite Higgs model, featuring an extra singlet pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson, the branching ratios of the top partners into standard channels can be significantly altered, with no substantial change in the generated Higgs potential. Together with the variety of possible final states from the decay of the pseudo-scalar singlet, this motivates more extensive analyses in the search for the top partners.Comment: 30 pages, 6 figures, JHEP versio

Cσ+αC^{\sigma+\alpha} regularity for concave nonlocal fully nonlinear elliptic equations with rough kernels

We establish $C^{\sigma+\alpha}$ interior estimates for concave nonlocal fully nonlinear equations of order $\sigma\in(0,2)$ with rough kernels. Namely, we prove that if $u\in C^{\alpha}(\mathbb R^n)$ solves in $B_1$ a concave translation invariant equation with kernels in $\mathcal L_0(\sigma)$, then $u$ belongs to $C^{\sigma+\alpha}(\overline{ B_{1/2}})$, with an estimate. More generally, our results allow the equation to depend on $x$ in a $C^\alpha$ fashion. Our method of proof combines a Liouville theorem and a blow-up (compactness) procedure. Due to its flexibility, the same method can be useful in different regularity proofs for nonlocal equations

Top Quark Compositeness: Feasibility and Implications

In models of electroweak symmetry breaking in which the SM fermions get their masses by mixing with composite states, it is natural to expect the top quark to show properties of compositeness. We study the phenomenological viability of having a mostly composite top. The strongest constraints are shown to mainly come from one-loop contributions to the T-parameter. Nevertheless, the presence of light custodial partners weakens these bounds, allowing in certain cases for a high degree of top compositeness. We find regions in the parameter space in which the T-parameter receives moderate positive contributions, favoring the electroweak fit of this type of models. We also study the implications of having a composite top at the LHC, focusing on the process pp-> t\bar t t\bar t (b\bar b) whose cross-section is enhanced at high-energies.Comment: 26 pages, 11 figure

BREVE TRATTATO / A SHORT TREATISE, NAPOLI 1613

In his monumental History of Economic Analysis, Joseph A. Schumpeter calls Serra “the first to compose a scientific treatise … on economic principles and policy.” This working paper, available only hardcopy and upon request, brings the first ever English translation of Antonio Serra’s Breve Trattato. However, the translation is designed to be used in a workshop to take place in Venice in 2007, sponsored by The Other Canon Foundation, which will produce a final English translation of the text for publication.