Combining exclusive semi-leptonic and hadronic B decays to measure |V_ub|

The Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_ub| can be extracted from the rate for the semi-leptonic decay B -> pi + l + antineutrino_l, with little theoretical uncertainty, provided the hadronic form factor for the B -> pi transition can be measured from some other B decay. In here, we suggest using the decay B -> pi J\psi. This is a color suppressed decay, and it cannot be properly described within the usual factorization approximation; we use instead a simple and very general phenomenological model for the b d J\psi vertex. In order to relate the hadronic form factors in the B -> pi J\psi and B -> pi + l + antineutrino_l decays, we use form factor relations that hold for heavy-to-light transitions at large recoil.Comment: Latex, 7 pages, no figure

Kinetic approach to reactive mixtures : theory, modelling and applications

This paper reviews some previous studies published in other papers.Some recent studies arising in the kinetic theory of chemically reactive mixtures will be revisited here, with the aim of describing some methods and tools of the kinetic theory used to model reactive mixtures and investigate some mathematical and physical problems.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Initial-boundary value problem for the Broadwell model of a gas mixture with bimolecular reaction

Classificação AMS: 76P05, 35A05, 35L50In this paper an initial-boundary value problem in one space dimension is studied for the Broadwell model extended to a gas mixture undergoing to bimolecular reactions. Techniques of semigroup of bounded positive operators in a suitable Banach space are used to prove existence and uniqueness of the solution on bounded time intervals whose length depends on the initial data.Junta Nacional de Investigação Científica e Tecnológica (JNICT)

Servitization and co-opetition in the pharmaceutical distribution: Back to Basics?

This paper discusses how the pharmaceutical distribution sector has evolved in the past decades and the role of servitization in an ever changing market led by big players. An empirical analysis was conducted on Portuguese and Spanish distributors which enabled the identification of a detailed portfolio of services currently offered by the industry. These companies were compared in terms of current service provision, levels of implementation of added-value services, main reasons for implementation and levels of co-opetion within the sector. Some differences between both countries have been found in terms of their level and reasons for the implementation of value adding services. Major findings refer to the tendency of distributors to further develop their base services provision in the future aiming at achieving increased competitive advantage and loyalty. This raises concerns given that it can be interpreted as a “back to basics” strategy of low differentiation which may not be consistent with long term competitiveness

Servitization and Co-opetition in pharmaceutical industry

Purpose: The present paper aims at providing an outlook of the portfolio of services developed by the pharmaceutical distribution in Spain and Portugal by looking at the different types and levels of implementation. This paper also provides the research framework that is currently the base for the ongoing data collection, exploring the rationale behind the implementation of different types of services and co-opetitive relationships in relation to the pursuit of profit, the creation of barriers with competitors and the reinforcement of customer loyalty. The impact of these factors on the intention to increase the delivery of services in the future will also be analysed. Design/methodology/approach: In order to address the research framework presented, a quantitative research methodology is suggested through the use of web-based questionnaires. After the identification and categorization of services in this industry, a questionnaire was developed in order to measure the presence of the identified services and their impact on the pursuit of profit, the creation of competitive advantages the improvement of customer loyalty, willingness to further develop these services and co-opetitive relationships. The sample includes Portuguese and Spanish pharmaceutical cooperatives and private companies, operating as wholesalers. Findings: The empirical data is currently being collected therefore the present paper provides solely the analysis of the pharmaceutical industry in both countries and the classification of the services offered in this industry which was used as the basis to develop the questionnaire. The paper discusses how the pharmaceutical distribution sector has evolved in the past decades and how the concentration process has changed the rules of the market owned by big players who are taking the lead. Additionally, the portfolio of new services that have recently been developed throughout the industry are identified. Some differences between both countries have been found mainly in IT services. The recent establishment of second degree cooperatives generates new perspectives to the suggested influence of co-opetitive relationships. Originality/value: The present paper is part of an ongoing research project which aims at providing both theoretical and practical implications: 1) The analysis of pharmaceutical wholesalers from a servitization perspective; 2) Application of Baines et al. (2013) classification to the pharmaceutical sector; 3) The adaptation and measurement of co-opetitive relationships within the servitization delivery; 4) Development of instruments to measure the level of implementation and the type of services which can be used in the future to make compared studies in other countries