Bound on Hardy's non-locality from the principle of Information Causality

Recently,the principle of nonviolation of information causality [Nature 461,1101 (2009)], has been proposed as one of the foundational properties of nature. We explore the Hardy's nonlocality theorem for two qubit systems, in the context of generalised probability theory, restricted by the principle of nonviolation of information causality. Applying, a sufficient condition for information causality violation, we derive an upper bound on the maximum success probability of Hardy's nonlocality argument. We find that the bound achieved here is higher than that allowed by quantum mechanics,but still much less than what the nosignaling condition permits. We also study the Cabello type nonlocality argument (a generalization of Hardy's argument) in this context.Comment: Abstract modified, changes made in the conclusion, throughout the paper we clarified that the condition used by us is protocal based and is only a sufficient condition for the violation of information causalit

Nonlocality without inequality for almost all two-qubit entangled state based on Cabello's nonlocality argument

Here we deal with a nonlocality argument proposed by Cabello which is more general than Hardy's nonlocality argument but still maximally entangled states do not respond. However, for most of the other entangled states maximum probability of success of this argument is more than that of the Hardy's argument.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figur

Direct cost variance analysis of peroral endoscopic myotomy vs Heller myotomy for management of achalasia: A tertiary referral center experience

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has been the traditional surgical treatment for achalasia. Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes with shorter procedure times. Studies comparing the direct cost-effectiveness of POEM AIM: To compare costs of POEM METHODS: This retrospective chart review aimed to compare the outcomes and cost of clinical care between patients who underwent POEM and LHM procedures for achalasia. The study was conducted at a tertiary academic center from January 2019 to December 2020. Clinical outcomes, including post-operative Eckardt scores and adverse events, were assessed and compared between the two groups. Direct cost variance analysis was utilized to evaluate the cost of clinical care incurred by patients undergoing POEM in the year preceding the procedure, during the index admission, and one year post-procedure, in comparison to patients undergoing LHM. RESULTS: Of 30 patients were included (15 POEM and 15 LHM) in the study. Patients in the POEM group had a mean Eckardt score of 0.5 ± 0.5 post-procedure, which was no different from patients in the LHM group (0.7 ± 0.6, CONCLUSION: Despite similar clinical outcomes, the cost of the index procedure admission for POEM was significantly lower than for LHM. The difference was primarily related to shorter time increments utilized in the operating room during the index procedure, and shorter length of hospital stay following POEM

Radiation pattern reconfigurable fm antenna

In this work, a radiation pattern reconfigurable antenna design using compact printed spiral monopoles that operates at 102 MHz is reported. The proposed antenna changes its radiation behaviour that responds towards a desired direction with the use of RF switches. The antenna is printed on a 76.6mm × 50mm PCB layer providing more than 20MHz bandwidth at -10 dB threshold and is easily fabricated with low manufacturing cost. The antenna was also simulated on 500mm × 500mm ground plane that represents the roof top of a vehicl

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein as a marker for intra-abdominal pressure-related complications in patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Background: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have detrimental effects on all organ systems and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Intra-bladder measurement of the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is currently the gold standard. However, IAH is not always indicative of intestinal ischemia, which is an early and rapidly developing complication. Sensitive biomarkers for intestinal ischemia are needed to be able to intervene before damage becomes irreversible. Gut wall integrity loss, including epithelial cell disruption and tight junctions breakdown, is an early event in intestinal damage. Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (I-FABP) is excreted in urine and blood specifically from damaged intestinal epithelial cells. Claudin-3 is a specific protein which is excreted in urine following disruption of intercellular tight junctions. This study aims to investigate if I-FABP and Claudin-3 can be used as a diagnostic tool for identifying patients at risk for IAP-related complications. Methods/Design: In a multicenter, prospective cohort study 200 adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit with at least two risk factors for IAH as defined by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) will b

Computing the zeros of the Szegö kernel for doubly connected regions using conformal mapping

An explicit formula for the zero of the Szegö kernel for an annulus region is well-known. There exists a transformation formula for the Szegö kernel from a doubly connected region onto an annulus. Based on conformal mapping, we derive an analytical formula for the zeros of the Szegö kernel for a general doubly connected region with smooth boundaries. Special cases are the explicit formulas for the zeros of the Szegö kernel for doubly connected regions bounded by circles, limacons, ellipses, and ovals of Cassini. For a general doubly connected region with smooth boundaries, the zero of the Szegö kernel must be computed numerically. This paper describes the application of conformal mapping via integral equation with the generalized Neumann kernel for computing the zeros of the Szegö kernel for smooth doubly connected regions. Some numerical examples and comparisons are also presented. It is shown that the conformal mapping approach also yields good accuracy for a narrow region or region with boundaries that are close to each other

Methylphenidate improves executive functions in patients with traumatic brain injuries : a feasibility trial via the idiographic approach

Background: Road traffic accidents are known to be the main cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is also a leading cause of death and disability. This study, by means of the idiographic approach (single-case experimental designs using multiple-baseline designs), has examined whether methylphenidate (MPH - trade name Ritalin) had a differential effect on cognitive measures among patients with TBI with the sequel of acute and chronic post-concussion syndromes. The effect on gender was also explored. Methods: In comparison with healthy controls, patients with TBI (acute and chronic) and accompanying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were screened for their integrity of executive functioning. Twenty-four patients exhibiting executive dysfunction (ED) were then instituted with the pharmacological intervention methylphenidate (MPH). The methylphenidate was administered using an uncontrolled, open label design. Results: The administration of methylphenidate impacted ED in the TBI group but had no effect on mood. Attenuation of ED was more apparent in the chronic phases of TBI. The effect on gender was not statistically significant with regard to the observed changes. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first feasibility trial from the Arabian Gulf to report the performance of a TBI population with mild cognitive impairment according to the IQCODE Arabic version. This investigation confirms anecdotal observations of methylphenidate having the potential to attenuate cognitive impairment; particularly those functions that are critically involved in the integrity of executive functioning. The present feasibility trial should be followed by nomothetic studies such as those that adhere to the protocol of the randomized controlled trial. This evidence-based research is the foundation for intervention and future resource allocation by policy- or public health decision-makers

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Related to HIV Stigma and Discrimination Among Healthcare Workers in Oman

Objectives: Stigma and discrimination undermine the quality of life of people with HIV and their access to health services. This study aimed to assess HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place between July and November 2016. A questionnaire was distributed to 1,400 government HCWs to determine HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results: A total of 1,281 HCWs participated (response rate = 92%). Routine tasks, such as dressing wounds, drawing blood and touching clothes, were a cause of concern for 24–52% of HCWs. Only 69% correctly answered questions regarding the transmission of HIV via eating/drinking and mosquito bites. Compared to other HCWs, doctors had significantly higher knowledge (mean = 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19 to 0.73; P <0.001), attitude (mean = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.24; P = 0.001) and practice (mean = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.59 to 2.55; P <0.001) scores. Expatriates also scored significantly higher in knowledge (mean = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.23; P <0.001), attitude (mean = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.48; P <0.001) and practice (mean = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.34; P <0.001) compared to Omani nationals. Finally, those with >15 years’ work experience scored significantly higher on knowledge (mean = −0.60, 95% CI: −1.12 to −0.08; P = 0.025) and attitude (mean = −0.99, 95% CI: −1.87 to −0.10; P = 0.029) compared to those with less experience. Conclusion: The high rate of HIV-related stigma among HCWs in Oman should be rectified in order to achieve the 90-90-90 target set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.Keywords: HIV; Social Stigma; Social Discrimination; Knowledge; Attitude; Professional Practice; Healthcare Providers; Oman

Relation between intra-abdominal pressure and early intestinal ischemia in rats

Background: Little is known on early irreversible effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Therefore, timing of abdominal decompression among patients with abdominal compartment syndrome remains challenging. The study objective was to determine the relation between IAP and respiratory parameters, hemodynamic parameters, and early intestinal ischemia. Methods: Twenty-five anesthetized and ventilated male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups exposed to IAPs of 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mm Hg for 3 hours. Respiratory parameters, hemodynamic parameters, and serum albumin-cobalt binding (ACB) capacity as measure for systemic ischemia were determined. Intestines were processed for histopathology. Results: IAP was negatively associated with mean arterial pressure at 90 (Spearman correlation coefficient; Rs=-0.446, p=0.025) and 180 min (Rs=-0.466, p=0.019), oxygen saturation at 90 min (Rs=-0.673, p<0.001) and 180 min (Rs=-0.882, p<0.001), and pH value at 90 (Rs=-0.819, p<0.001) and 180 min (Rs=-0.934, p<0.001). There were no associations between IAP and lactate level or ACB capacity. No histological signs for intestinal ischemia were found. Discussion: Although increasing IAP was associated with respiratory and hemodynamic difficulties, no signs for intestinal ischemia were found. Level of evidence: Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level II