Spectroscopy of higher bottomonia

In this contribution, we discuss our recent unquenched quark model results for the spectrum of $b \bar b$ mesons with self energy corrections, due to the coupling to the meson-meson continuum. Our unquenched quark model predictions for the masses of the recently discovered $\chi_b(3P)$ states are compared to those of a re-fit of Godfrey and Isgur's relativized quark model to the most recent experimental data. The possible importance of continuum effects in the $\chi_b(3P)$ states is discussed. Finally, we show our quark model results for the radiative decays of the $\chi_b(3P)$ system and the open-bottom decays of $b \bar b$ mesons.Comment: Talk given at the conference "Dark Matter, Hadron Physics and Fusion Physics", Messina (Italy), September 24-26, 201

On the Topology Maintenance of Dynamic P2P Overlays through Self-Healing Local Interactions

This paper deals with the use of self-organizing protocols to improve the reliability of dynamic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) overlay networks. We present two approaches, that employ local knowledge of the 2nd neighborhood of nodes. The first scheme is a simple protocol requiring interactions among nodes and their direct neighbors. The second scheme extends this approach by resorting to the Edge Clustering Coefficient (ECC), a local measure that allows to identify those edges that connect different clusters in an overlay. A simulation assessment is presented, which evaluates these protocols over uniform networks, clustered networks and scale-free networks. Different failure modes are considered. Results demonstrate the viability of the proposal.Comment: A revised version of the paper appears in Proc. of the IFIP Networking 2014 Conference, IEEE, Trondheim, (Norway), June 201

Data protection and the legitimate interest of data controllers: much ado about nothing or the winter of rights?

EU data protection law is in a process of reform to meet the challenges of the modern economy and rapid technological developments. This study analyses the legitimate interest of data controllers as a legal basis for processing personal data under both the current data protection legislation and its proposed reform. The relevant provision expands the scope of lawful processing, but is formulated ambiguously, creating legal uncertainty and loopholes in the law. The new proposed regime does not resolve the problem.Taking a“rights” perspective, the paper aims to show that the provision should be narrowly interpreted in light of the ECJ case law, and to give effect to the Charter of Fundamental Rights; a rephrasing of the norm is desirable. The provision on the legitimate interest of data controllers weakens the legal protection of data subjects

Self-Healing Protocols for Connectivity Maintenance in Unstructured Overlays

In this paper, we discuss on the use of self-organizing protocols to improve the reliability of dynamic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) overlay networks. Two similar approaches are studied, which are based on local knowledge of the nodes' 2nd neighborhood. The first scheme is a simple protocol requiring interactions among nodes and their direct neighbors. The second scheme adds a check on the Edge Clustering Coefficient (ECC), a local measure that allows determining edges connecting different clusters in the network. The performed simulation assessment evaluates these protocols over uniform networks, clustered networks and scale-free networks. Different failure modes are considered. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposal.Comment: The paper has been accepted to the journal Peer-to-Peer Networking and Applications. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12083-015-0384-

Re-thinking the regulatory environment of credit reporting: Could legislation stem privacy and discrimination concerns?

This paper examines the activities carried out in the UK by Credit Reference Agencies, current business practices, and the legal standing of credit reporting. It suggests areas and issues for further legal debate and policy consideration. Ultimately, this study puts forward the case for specific legislative intervention to strike a balance between privacy rights, discrimination concerns, and the needs of the credit industry

A European perspective on data processing consent through the re-conceptualization of European data protection’s looking glass after the Lisbon Treaty: Taking rights seriously

Copyright @ 2012 Kluwer Law International. Reprinted from European Review of Private Law, 20(2): 473 - 506, 2012, with permission of Kluwer Law International.EU data protection law is undergoing a process of reform to meet the challenges of the modern economy and rapid technological developments. This study re-conceptualizes data protection in the EU in light of the enactment of the Treaty of Lisbon and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. It focuses on data subjects' consent as a key component of data processing legislation - alongside the principles of purpose specification and data quality - to reinforce the view that it is a necessary, though not sufficient, tool to guarantee the declared high level of protection of individuals. To prevent confusion, conflation, or abuse of consent and safeguard the fundamental values to which it is tied, this paper puts forward that additional legal constraints and qualifications would be necessary for the enhancement of its application and enforcement. Soft or libertarian paternalism may be the key to nudge individuals towards the desired social outcome while preserving their individual autonomy. The ultimate suggestion is that EU policy makers should take rights seriously and not be seduced by and surrender to conflicting economic interests

A historical primer on consumer credit reporting systems: A lesson for EU policy makers?

This work investigates the cultural framework through the lens of history of consumer credit reporting in the lender-borrower relationship in order to inform European legislators when setting a future legal framework. It provides an historical primer of consumer credit reporting in the US where it first originated and how the system was transplanted in Europe without following that process of legitimisation and legislative procedure that was so crucial over more than 100 years of American history. This brings concerns that European countries need to contend with, especially in view of a future integrated single market in consumer credit in which consumers receive an adequate protection