244 research outputs found
Dirac Fermions in Inhomogeneous Magnetic Field
We study a confined system of Dirac fermions in the presence of inhomogeneous
magnetic field. Splitting the system into different regions, we determine their
corresponding energy spectrum solutions. We underline their physical properties
by considering the conservation energy where some interesting relations are
obtained. These are used to discuss the reflexion and transmission coefficients
for Dirac fermions and check the probability condition for different cases. We
generalize the obtained results to a system with gap and make some analysis.
After evaluating the current-carrying states, we analyze the Klein paradox and
report interesting discussions.Comment: 28 pages, 15 figures. Version to appear in JP
Stoichiometry and particle morphology effects on the aptitude to compaction of apatitic structure powders
Symposium on Powder Science and Technology - Powders and Sintered Material, Albi, FRANCE, MAY 23-25, 2007International audienceApatitic calcium phosphates powders with Ca/P molar ratio of 1.5 to 1.8 were synthesized at 25 degrees C using the neutralization method. These powders, differing by stoichiometry and particle morphology, were compacted in similar conditions. For a similar morphology of particles, compacts of the non-stoichiometric powders have better cohesion than those of the stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (Ca-10(PO4)(6)(OH)(2): Ca/P=11.67). The lacunar structure, with deficiency of calcium (Ca10-x (HPO4)(x)(PO4)(6-x)(OH)(2-x): 1.5 <Ca/P<1.67), seems to favour the densification process and cohesion between particles during the compaction. The better tensile strength (0.79 MPa) was obtained for the powder with the lowest atomic ratio (Ca/P=1.5, x=1). The apatite powder (Ca/P = 1.78), which has a smooth and porous structure, presented the best transmission load ratio (95.5%), the lowest die-wall friction (mu=0.1) and the highest strength (3.12 MPa). These results show the importance of chemical composition and morphological properties of synthesized particles in the development of better hydroxyapatite powders for the compaction process
Mathematical analysis, forecasting and optimal control of HIV/AIDS spatiotemporal transmission with a reaction diffusion SICA model
We propose a mathematical spatiotemporal epidemic SICA model with a control strategy. The spatial behavior is modeled by adding a diffusion term with the Laplace operator, which is justified and interpreted both mathematically and physically. By applying semigroup theory on the ordinary differential equations, we prove existence and uniqueness of the global positive spatiotemporal solution for our proposed system and some of its important characteristics. Some illustrative numerical simulations are carried out that motivate us to consider optimal control theory. A suitable optimal control problem is then posed and investigated. Using an effective method based on some properties within the weak topology, we prove existence of an optimal control and develop an appropriate set of necessary optimality conditions to find the optimal control pair that minimizes the density of infected individuals and the cost of the treatment program
Robot-assisted rehabilitation architecture supported by a distributed data acquisition system
Rehabilitation robotics aims to facilitate the rehabilitation procedure for patients and physical therapists. This field has a relatively long history dating back to the 1990s; however, their implementation and the standardisation of their application in the medical field does not follow the same pace, mainly due to their complexity of reproduction and the need for their approval by the authorities. This paper aims to describe architecture that can be applied to industrial robots and promote their application in healthcare ecosystems. The control of the robotic arm is performed using the software called SmartHealth, offering a 2 Degree of Autonomy (DOA). Data are gathered through electromyography (EMG) and force sensors at a frequency of 45 Hz. It also proves the capabilities of such small robots in performing such medical procedures. Four exercises focused on shoulder rehabilitation (passive, restricted active-assisted, free active-assisted and Activities of Daily Living (ADL)) were carried out and confirmed the viability of the proposed architecture and the potential
of small robots (i.e., the UR3) in rehabilitation procedure accomplishment. This robot can perform the majority of the default exercises in addition to ADLs but, nevertheless, their limits were also uncovered, mainly due to their limited Range of Motion (ROM) and cost.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Updated Big Bang Nucleosynthesis confronted to WMAP observations and to the Abundance of Light Elements
We improve Standard Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (SBBN) calculations taking into
account new nuclear physics analyses (Descouvemont et al. 2003). Using a
Monte-Carlo technique, we calculate the abundances of light nuclei versus the
baryon to photon ratio.The results concerning omegab are compared to relevant
astrophysical and cosmological observations. Consistency between WMAP, SBBN
results and D/H data strengthens the deduced baryon density and has interesting
consequences on cosmic chemical evolution. A significant discrepancy between
the calculated Li-7 deduced from WMAP and the Spite plateau is clearly
revealed. To explain this discrepancy three possibilities are invoked :
uncertainties on the Li abundance, surface alteration of Li in the course of
stellar evolution or poor knowledge of the reaction rates related to Be-7
destruction. In particular, the possible role of the up to now neglected
Be-7(d,p)2He-4 and Be-7(d,alpha)Li5 reactions is considered. The impressive
advances in CMB observations provide a strong motivation for more efforts in
experimental nuclear physics and high quality spectroscopy to keep BBN in pace.Comment: accepted in ApJ, 22 pages, 5 figure
Angle assessment for upper limb rehabilitation: a novel light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based approach
The accurate measurement of joint angles during patient rehabilitation is crucial for informed decision making by physiotherapists. Presently, visual inspection stands as one of the prevalent methods for angle assessment. Although it could appear the most straightforward way to assess the angles, it presents a problem related to the high susceptibility to error in the angle estimation. In light of this, this study investigates the possibility of using a new approach to angle calculation: a hybrid approach leveraging both a camera and LiDAR technology, merging image data with point cloud information. This method employs AI-driven techniques to identify the individual and their joints, utilizing the cloud-point data for angle computation. The tests, considering different exercises with different perspectives and distances, showed a slight improvement compared to using YOLO v7 for angle calculation. However, the improvement comes with higher system costs when compared with other image-based approaches due to the necessity of equipment such as LiDAR and a loss of fluidity during the exercise performance. Therefore, the cost-benefit of the proposed approach could be questionable. Nonetheless, the results hint at a promising field for further exploration and the potential viability of using the proposed methodology.This work has been supported by SmartHealthâInteligĂȘncia Artificial para Cuidados
de SaĂșde Personalizados ao Longo da Vida, under the project number NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-
000045. The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for
financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CeDRI (UIDB/05757/2020
and UIDP/05757/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021). Arezki A. Chellal is grateful to the FCT
Foundation for its support through the FCT PhD scholarship with reference UI/BD/154484/2022.
JoĂŁo Braun is grateful to the FCT Foundation for its support through the FCT PhD scholarship with
reference 2023.04536.BD.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Epidermal growth factor receptor expression analysis in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with gefitinib or placebo in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy
The Qatar Biobank: background and methods
Background: The Qatar Biobank aims to collect extensive lifestyle, clinical, and biological information from up to
60,000 men and women Qatari nationals and long-term residents (individuals living in the country for â„15 years)
aged â„18 years (approximately one-fifth of all Qatari citizens), to follow up these same individuals over the long
term to record any subsequent disease, and hence to study the causes and progression of disease, and disease
burden, in the Qatari population.
Methods: Between the 11th-December-2012 and 20th-February-2014, 1209 participants were recruited into the pilot
study of the Qatar Biobank. At recruitment, extensive phenotype information was collected from each participant,
including information/measurements of socio-demographic factors, prevalent health conditions, diet, lifestyle,
anthropometry, body composition, bone health, cognitive function, grip strength, retinal imaging, total body dual
energy X-ray absorptiometry, and measurements of cardiovascular and respiratory function. Blood, urine, and saliva
were collected and stored for future research use. A panel of 66 clinical biomarkers was routinely measured on
fresh blood samples in all participants. Rates of recruitment are to be progressively increased in the coming period
and the recruitment base widened to achieve a cohort of consented individuals broadly representative of the
eligible Qatari population. In addition, it is planned to add additional measures in sub-samples of the cohort,
including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain, heart and abdomen.
Results: The mean time for collection of the extensive phenotypic information and biological samples from each
participant at the baseline recruitment visit was 179 min. The 1209 pilot study participants (506 men and 703
women) were aged between 28â80 years (median 39 years); 899 (74.4 %) were Qatari nationals and 310 (25.6 %)
were long-term residents. Approximately two-thirds of pilot participants were educated to graduate level or above.
Conclusions: The pilot has proven that recruitment of volunteers into the Qatar Biobank project with intensive
baseline measurements of behavioural, physical, and clinical characteristics is well accepted and logistically feasible.
Qatar Biobank will provide a powerful resource to investigate the major determinants of ill-health and well-being in
Qatar, providing valuable insights into the current and future public health burden that faces the country.Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and the Supreme Council of Healt
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