Isospin analysis of D0 decay to three pions

The final state of the decay D0 --> pi+ pi- pi0 is analyzed in terms of isospin eigenstates. It is shown that the final state is dominated by the isospin-0 component. This suggests that isospin considerations may provide insight into this and perhaps other \Dz-meson decay. We also discuss the isospin nature of the nonresonant contribution in the decay, which can be further understood by studying the decay D0 --> pi0 pi0 pi0.Comment: 10 pages, 2 postscript figures, submitted to Phys Rev

Time-dependent CP asymmetries in D and B decays

The measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries in charm decays can provide a unique insight into the flavor changing structure of the Standard Model. We examine a number of different CP eigenstate decays of D mesons and describe a method that can be used to measure time-dependent CP asymmetries at existing and future experiments, with a preliminary assessment, based on statistical considerations, of their various capabilities. Any asymmetry observed in time-dependent analysis of neutral D mesons could signify new physics. We discuss the measurements required to perform direct and indirect tests of the charm unitarity triangle and the relationship between this and the B_d unitarity triangle. We also highlight that current experimental bounds on DeltaGamma(B_d) translate into a significant systematic uncertainty on the measurement of beta from b to c c-bar s decays.Comment: 19 pages, 7 figures, 3 table

Management of RFID Systems in Hospital Transfusion Services

Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) technology is used by hospital supply chains to track various medical products and monitor inventories. To improve overall operations, hospitals have implemented RFID as part of their supply chain processes. Hospitals have also have begun incorporating RFID technology as part of their transfusion services processes. The purpose of this review was to analyze how healthcare organization supply chains can benefit from the utilization of RFID systems in transfusion services departments. The methodology for this study was a literature review following the steps of a systematic review with a total of 51 sources referenced. RFID technology is being used to manage and track blood products from the initial donor phlebotomy to final disposition or product transfusion. Through RFID, transfusion departments and hospital supply chains have been able to manage blood samples and components to facilitate identification and transfusion of blood products to the correct patient. RFID-enabled transfusion practices have successfully increased provider productivity and product quality through work-reduction times and error reduction. A pilot study in one Iowa hospital system yielded a 3%-10% reduction in misidentification of patients and/or blood products during transfusion. A cost-benefit assessment reported showed a 5-year ROI of 2%, with an approximate pay-back period of four years. Cost of RFID tags can be 10-15 times more expensive than barcode systems. There are also risks of this technology involving privacy and the security of patient information. Findings of this research study suggest that RFID has provided improvements in quality of care and efficiency, while initial costs, security and privacy appeared as principal barriers of adoption