Experimental realization of the Yang-Baxter Equation via NMR interferometry

The Yang-Baxter equation is an important tool in theoretical physics, with many applications in different domains that span from condensed matter to string theory. Recently, the interest on the equation has increased due to its connection to quantum information processing. It has been shown that the Yang-Baxter equation is closely related to quantum entanglement and quantum computation. Therefore, owing to the broad relevance of this equation, besides theoretical studies, it also became significant to pursue its experimental implementation. Here, we show an experimental realization of the Yang-Baxter equation and verify its validity through a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) interferometric setup. Our experiment was performed on a liquid state Iodotrifluoroethylene sample which contains molecules with three qubits. We use Controlled-transfer gates that allow us to build a pseudo-pure state from which we are able to apply a quantum information protocol that implements the Yang-Baxter equation.Comment: 10 pages and 6 figure

Data-driven model of the power-grid frequency dynamics

The energy system is rapidly changing to accommodate the increasing number of renewable generators and the general transition towards a more sustainable future. Simultaneously, business models and market designs evolve, affecting power-grid operation and power-grid frequency. Problems raised by this ongoing transition are increasingly addressed by transdisciplinary research approaches, ranging from purely mathematical modelling to applied case studies. These approaches require a stochastic description of consumer behaviour, fluctuations by renewables, market rules, and how they influence the stability of the power-grid frequency. Here, we introduce an easy-to-use, data-driven, stochastic model for the power-grid frequency and demonstrate how it reproduces key characteristics of the observed statistics of the Continental European and British power grids. Using data analysis tools and a Fokker–Planck approach, we estimate parameters of our deterministic and stochastic model. We offer executable code and guidelines on how to use the model on any power grid for various mathematical or engineering applications

Potential of wireless power transfer for dynamic charging of electric vehicles

Wireless power transfer (WPT) offers a viable means of charging electric vehicles (EVs) whilst in a dynamic state (DWPT), mitigating issues concerning vehicle range, the size of on-board energy storage and the network distribution of static based charging systems. Such charge while driving technology has the capability to accelerate EV market penetration through increasing user convenience, reducing EV costs and increasing driving range indefinitely, dependent upon sufficient charging infrastructure. This study reviews current traction battery technologies, conductive and inductive charging processes, influential parameters specific to the dynamic charging state as well as highlighting notable work within the field of WPT charging systems. DWPT system requirements, specific to the driver, vehicle and infrastructure interaction environment are summarised and international standards highlighted to acknowledge the work that must be done within this area. It is important to recognise that the gap is not currently technological; instead, it is an implementation issue. Without necessary standardisation, system architectures cannot be developed and implemented without fear of interoperability issues between systems. For successful deployment, the technologies impact should be maximised with the minimum quantity of infrastructure and technology use, deployment scenarios and locations are discussed that have the potential to bring this to fruition

Sometimes you have to take the person and show them how : adapting behavioral activation for peer recovery specialist-delivery to improve methadone treatment retention

BACKGROUND: Despite efficacy of medication for opioid use disorder, low-income, ethno-racial minoritized populations often experience poor opioid use disorder treatment outcomes. Peer recovery specialists, individuals with lived experience of substance use and recovery, are well-positioned to engage hard-to-reach patients in treatment for opioid use disorder. Traditionally, peer recovery specialists have focused on bridging to care rather than delivering interventions. This study builds on research in other low-resource contexts that has explored peer delivery of evidence-based interventions, such as behavioral activation, to expand access to care. METHODS: We sought feedback on the feasibility and acceptability of a peer recovery specialist-delivered behavioral activation intervention supporting retention in methadone treatment by increasing positive reinforcement. We recruited patients and staff at a community-based methadone treatment center and peer recovery specialist working across Baltimore City, Maryland, USA. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups inquired about the feasibility and acceptability of behavioral activation, recommendations for adaptation, and acceptability of working with a peer alongside methadone treatment. RESULTS: Participants (N = 32) shared that peer recovery specialist-delivered behavioral activation could be feasible and acceptable with adaptations. They described common challenges associated with unstructured time, for which behavioral activation could be particularly relevant. Participants provided examples of how a peer-delivered intervention could fit well in the context of methadone treatment, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and specific peer qualities. CONCLUSIONS: Improving medication for opioid use disorder outcomes is a national priority that must be met with cost-effective, sustainable strategies to support individuals in treatment. Findings will guide adaptation of a peer recovery specialist-delivered behavioral activation intervention to improve methadone treatment retention for underserved, ethno-racial minoritized individuals living with opioid use disorder

A Pilot Study of Training Peer Recovery Specialists in Behavioral Activation in the United States: Preliminary Outcomes and Predictors of Competence

BACKGROUND: The peer recovery specialist (PRS) workforce has rapidly expanded to increase access to substance-use disorder services for underserved communities. PRSs are not typically trained in evidence-based interventions (EBIs) outside of motivational interviewing, although evidence demonstrates the feasibility of PRS delivery of certain EBIs, such as a brief behavioral intervention, behavioral activation. However, characteristics that predict PRS competency in delivering EBIs such as behavioral activation remain unknown, and are critical for PRS selection, training, and supervision if the PRS role is expanded. This study aimed to explore the outcomes of a brief PRS training period in behavioral activation and identify predictors of competence. METHOD: Twenty PRSs in the United States completed a two-hour training on PRS-delivered behavioral activation. Participants completed baseline and post-training assessments, including roleplay and assessments of PRS characteristics, attitudes towards EBIs, and theoretically relevant personality constructs. Roleplays were coded for competence (behavioral activation specific and PRS skills more broadly, i.e., PRS competence) and changes were assessed from baseline to post-training. Linear regression models tested factors predicting post-training competence, controlling for baseline competence. RESULTS: There was a significant pre-post increase in behavioral activation competence (t = -7.02, p \u3c 0.001). Years working as a PRS significantly predicted post-training behavioral activation skills (B = 0.16, p = 0.005). No variables predicted post-training PRS competence. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that behavioral activation may be appropriate for dissemination to PRSs through brief trainings, particularly for PRSs with more work experience. However, additional research is needed to examine predictors of competence among PRSs

Foveal avascular zone and vessel density in healthy subjects: An optical coherence tomography angiography study

Purpose: To report the normal characteristics and correlations of the foveal microvascular networks using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in a healthy Iranian population. Methods: Enface 3x3 OCTA images were obtained using the RTVue Avanti spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with AngioVue software (Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA). Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, central foveal point thickness and inner retinal thickness at the foveal center and the vascular density of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) in the fovea were recorded. Results: Seventy normal eyes of 70 subjects (range, 9 to 71 years) were studied. Mean FAZ area was 0.32 ± 0.11 (range, 0.13-0.67) mm2 in SCP and 0.50 ± 0.13 (range, 0.19-0.94) mm2 in DCP. Mean SCP vessel density was 29.6 ± 4.7 (range, 16.3-40.3) in the fovea. Mean DCP vessel density was 27.0 ± 5.9 (range, 15.0-45.2) in the fovea. The FAZ area at SCP level was negatively correlated to the central subfield thickness (P < 0.001). The FAZ area at DCP level correlated negatively to the central subfield thickness and was significantly associated to age (both P < 0.001). The foveal SCP vessel density significantly correlated with foveal thickness and the foveal DCP vessel density correlated significantly with central foveal subfield thickness and was inversely related to age (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, central foveal subfield thickness was a major determinant of the FAZ size and foveal vessel density. Age was a determinant for FAZ area and whole image vessel density in DCP. © 2018 Medknow Publications.All Rights Reserved