Orbital angular momentum states enabling fiber-based high-dimensional quantum communication

Quantum networks are the ultimate target in quantum communication, where many connected users can share information carried by quantum systems. The keystones of such structures are the reliable generation, transmission and manipulation of quantum states. Two-dimensional quantum states, qubits, are steadily adopted as information units. However, high-dimensional quantum states, qudits, constitute a richer resource for future quantum networks, exceeding the limitations imposed by the ubiquitous qubits. The generation and manipulation of such $D$-level systems have been improved over the last ten years, but their reliable transmission between remote locations remains the main challenge. Here, we show how a recent air-core fiber supporting orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes can be exploited to faithfully transmit $D$-dimensional states. Four OAM quantum states and their superpositions are created, propagated in a 1.2 km long fiber and detected with high fidelities. In addition, three quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols are implemented as concrete applications to assert the practicality of our results. This experiment enhances the distribution of high-dimensional quantum states, attesting the orbital angular momentum as vessel for the future quantum network

The Effect of the Pd Precursors on the Shape of Hollow Ag-Pd Alloy Nanoparticles Using Ag Nanocubes as Seeds

Hollow Ag-Pd nanoparticles have potentially highcatalyticperformance owing to their larger surface area compared to their correspondingsolid nanoparticles. We successfully fabricated hollow Ag-Pdalloy nanodendrites and nanoboxes by using different Pd precursors(H2PdCl4 and Pd(acac)(2)) to achievelarge surface area nanoboxes. Interestingly, the use of a H2PdCl4 precursor led to the formation of hollow nanodendritestructures, whereas the slower reduction of Pd(acac)(2) ledto the formation of hollow nanoboxes. The microstructure and chemicalcomposition of Ag-Pd nanoparticles and properties of theirgrowth solutions were investigated by transmission electron microscopy,energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visiblespectroscopy

Analisadores de práticas de apoio em humanização e educação permanente em saúde

Las Políticas Nacionales de Humanización y Educación Permanente en Salud han mostrado avances y retrocesos en su proceso histórico. Algunos conceptos del marco teórico del análisis institucional pueden contribuir a estos temas, como el concepto de analizador. El objetivo de este artículo fue discutir los analizadores identificados en una investigación-intervención, con profesionales que actúan como apoyadores de la humanización y/o articuladores de la educación permanente en salud en municipios de São Paulo. El marco teórico-metodológico fue el del análisis institucional, línea socioclínica, destacándose el trabajo de los analizadores. Participaron 30 personas en los grupos de intervención. Se destacan tres analizadores: (1) el analizador histórico Covid-19; (2) el analizador de tiempo; (3) el analizador de silencio. Estos analizadores iluminan tensiones como: el lugar periférico de la atención primaria, el malestar ante el “no saber” y/o el letargo ante el no hacer impuesto y la paradoja de crear e interrumpir tanto las acciones asistenciales como de apoyo a los equipos.The National Policies of Humanization and Permanent Health Education (PHE) have shown advances and setbacks in their historical process. Some concepts from the theoretical framework of institutional analysis can contribute in these themes, such as the concept of analyzer. This article discusses the analyzers identified in an intervention research with professionals who work as supporters of humanization and/or articulators of PHE in municipalities of the state of São Paulo. The theoretical-methodological framework is the institutional analysis, socio-clinical line, focusing on the work of the analyzers.As Políticas Nacionais de Humanização e Educação Permanente em Saúde têm mostrado em seu processo histórico avanços e retrocessos. Alguns conceitos do referencial teórico da análise institucional podem contribuir nesses temas, como o conceito de analisador. O objetivo do presente estudo foi discutir os analisadores identificados em uma pesquisa-intervenção, com profissionais que exercem a função de apoiadores de humanização e/ou de articuladores de educação permanente em saúde em municípios paulistas. O quadro teórico-metodológico é a análise institucional, linha sócio-clínica, sendo destacado, o trabalho dos analisadores. Participaram 30 pessoas dos grupos de intervenção. Destacamos três analisadores: (1) o analisador histórico Covid-19; (2) o analisador tempo; (3) o analisador silêncio. Esses analisadores iluminaram tensões como: o lugar periférico da atenção básica, o desconforto frente ao “não saber” e/ou a letargia ante o não-fazer imposto e o paradoxo de criar e interromper tanto ações de cuidado, como de suporte às equipes

Synthesis of highly monodisperse Pd nanoparticles using a binary surfactant combination and sodium oleate as a reductant

This study presents the synthesis of monodisperse Pd nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized by sodium oleate (NaOL) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC). The synthesis was conducted without traditional reductants and Pd-precursors are reduced by NaOL. It was confirmed that the alkyl double bond in NaOL is not the only explanation for the reduction of Pd-precursors since Pd NPs could be synthesized with CTAC and the saturated fatty acid sodium stearate (NaST). A quantitative evaluation of the reduction kinetics using UV-Vis spectroscopy shows that Pd NPs synthesized with both stabilizer combinations follow pseudo first-order reaction kinetics, where NaOL provides a faster and more effective reduction of Pd-precursors. The colloidal stabilization of the NP surface by CTAC and NaOL is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis

Investigating a training supporting shared decision making (IT'S SDM 2011): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

<p/> <p>Background</p> <p>Shared Decision Making (SDM) is regarded as the best practice model for the communicative challenge of decision making about treatment or diagnostic options. However, randomized controlled trials focusing the effectiveness of SDM trainings are rare and existing measures of SDM are increasingly challenged by the latest research findings. This study will 1) evaluate a new physicians' communication training regarding patient involvement in terms of SDM, 2) validate SDM_MASS, a new compound measure of SDM, and 3) evaluate the effects of SDM on the perceived quality of the decision process and on the elaboration of the decision.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a multi-center randomized controlled trial with a waiting control group, 40 physicians from 7 medical fields are enrolled. Each physician contributes a sequence of four medical consultations including a diagnostic or treatment decision.</p> <p>The intervention consists of two condensed video-based individual coaching sessions (15min.) supported by a manual and a DVD. The interventions alternate with three measurement points plus follow up (6 months).</p> <p>Realized patient involvement is measured using the coefficient SDM_MASSdrawn from the Multifocal Approach to the Sharing in SDM (MAPPIN'SDM) which includes objective involvement, involvement as perceived by the patient, and the doctor-patient concordance regarding their judges of the involvement. For validation purposes, all three components of SDM_MASSare supplemented by similar measures, the OPTION observer scale, the Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q) and the dyadic application of the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS). Training effects are analyzed using t-tests. Spearman correlation coefficients are used to determine convergent validities, the influence of involvement (SDM_MASS) on the perceived decision quality (DCS) and on the elaboration of the decision. The latter is operationalised by the ELAB coefficient from the UP24 (Uncertainty Profile, 24 items version).</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Due to the rigorous blinded randomized controlled design, the current trial promises valid and reliable results. On the one hand, we expect this condensed time-saving training to be adopted in clinical routine more likely than previous trainings. On the other hand, the exhaustivity of the MAPPIN'SDM measurement system qualifies it as a reference measure for simpler instruments and to deepen understanding of decision-making processes.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Current Controlled Trials <a href="http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN78716079">ISRCTN78716079</a></p