45 research outputs found
Further evidence of the absence of Replica Symmetry Breaking in Random Bond Potts Models
In this short note, we present supporting evidence for the replica symmetric
approach to the random bond q-state Potts models. The evidence is statistically
strong enough to reject the applicability of the Parisi replica symmetry
breaking scheme to this class of models. The test we use is a generalization of
one formerly proposed by Dotsenko et al. and consists in measuring scaling laws
of disordered-averaged moments of the spin-spin correlation functions.
Numerical results, obtained via Monte Carlo simulations for several values of
q, are shown to be in fair agreement with the replica symmetric values computed
by using perturbative CFT for the second and third moments of the q=3 model.
RSB effects, which should increase in strength with moment, are unobserved.Comment: 7 pages, some minor modifications (mainly misprints). To Appear in
Europhysics Letter
Local critical behaviour at aperiodic surface extended perturbation in the Ising quantum chain
The surface critical behaviour of the semi--infinite one--dimensional quantum
Ising model in a transverse field is studied in the presence of an aperiodic
surface extended modulation. The perturbed couplings are distributed according
to a generalized Fredholm sequence, leading to a marginal perturbation and
varying surface exponents. The surface magnetic exponents are calculated
exactly whereas the expression of the surface energy density exponent is
conjectured from a finite--size scaling study. The system displays surface
order at the bulk critical point, above a critical value of the modulation
amplitude. It may be considered as a discrete realization of the Hilhorst--van
Leeuwen model.Comment: 13 pages, TeX file + 6 figures, epsf neede
Understanding community health worker employment preferences in Malang district, Indonesia, using a discrete choice experiment
Background Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in supporting health systems, and in improving accessibility to primary healthcare. In many settings CHW programmes do not have formalised employment models and face issues of high attrition and poor performance. This study aims to determine the employment preferences of CHWs in Malang district, Indonesia, to inform policy interventions. Methods A discrete choice experiment was conducted with 471 CHWs across 28 villages. Attributes relevant to CHW employment were identified through a multistage process including literature review, focus group discussions and expert consultation. Respondents' choices were analysed with a mixed multinomial logit model and latent class analyses. Results Five attributes were identified: (1) supervision; (2) training; (3) monthly financial benefit; (4) recognition; and (5) employment structure. The most important influence on choice of job was a low monthly financial benefit (US∼2) (β=0.53, 95% CI=0.43 to 0.63), followed by recognition in the form of a performance feedback report (β=0.13, 95% CI=0.07 to 0.20). A large monthly financial benefit (US∼20) was most unappealing to respondents (β=-0.13, 95% CI=-0.23 to -0.03). Latent class analysis identified two groups of CHWs who differed in their willingness to accept either job presented and preferences over specific attributes. Preferences diverged based on respondent characteristics including experience, hours' worked per week and income. Conclusion CHWs in Malang district, Indonesia, favour a small monthly financial benefit which likely reflects the unique cultural values underpinning the programme and a desire for remuneration that is commensurate with the limited number of hours worked. CHWs also desire enhanced methods of performance feedback and greater structure around training and their rights and responsibilities. Fulfilling these conditions may become increasingly important should CHWs work longer hours
Interfacial adsorption in Potts models on the square lattice
We study the effect of interfacial phenomena in two-dimensional perfect and
random (or disordered) -state Potts models with continuous phase
transitions, using, mainly, Monte Carlo techniques. In particular, for the
total interfacial adsorption, the critical behavior, including corrections to
scaling, are analyzed. The role of randomness is scrutinized. Results are
discussed applying scaling arguments and invoking findings for bulk critical
properties. In all studied cases, i.e., , , and , the spread
of the interfacial adsorption profiles is observed to increase linearly with
the lattice size at the bulk transition point.Comment: 6 pages, 6 eps figures, 1 table, minor corrections, accepted for
publication in Eur. Phys. J.
A study of the quality of cardiovascular and diabetes medicines in Malang District, Indonesia, using exposure-based sampling
Background The WHO has warned that substandard and falsified medicines threaten health, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the magnitude of that threat for many medicines in different regions is not well described, and high-quality studies remain rare. Recent reviews of studies of cardiovascular and diabetes medicine quality recorded that 15.4% of cardiovascular and 6.8% of diabetes samples failed at least one quality test. Review authors warn that study quality was mixed. Because they did not record medicine volume, no study reflected the risk posed to patients. Methods and findings We investigated the quality of five medicines for cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Malang district, East Java, Indonesia. Our sample frame, based on dispensing volumes by outlet and price category, included sampling from public and private providers and pharmacies and reflected the potential risk posed to patients. The content of active ingredient was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and compared with the labelled content. Dissolution testing was also performed. We collected a total of 204 samples: amlodipine (88); captopril (22); furosemide (21); glibenclamide (21) and simvastatin (52), comprising 83 different brands/products. All were manufactured in Indonesia, and all samples met specifications for both assay and dissolution. None was suspected of being falsified. Conclusions While we cannot conclude that the prevalence of poor-quality medicines in Malang district is zero, our sampling method, which reflects likely exposure to specific brands and outlets, suggests that the risk to patients is very low; certainly nothing like the rates found in recent reviews of surveys in LMICs. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of sampling medicines based on likely exposure to specific products and underlines the dangers of extrapolating results across countries
Heterologous Expression of Alteromonas macleodii and Thiocapsa roseopersicina [NiFe] Hydrogenases in Synechococcus elongatus
Oxygen-tolerant [NiFe] hydrogenases may be used in future photobiological hydrogen production systems once the enzymes can be heterologously expressed in host organisms of interest. To achieve heterologous expression of [NiFe] hydrogenases in cyanobacteria, the two hydrogenase structural genes from Alteromonas macleodii Deep ecotype (AltDE), hynS and hynL, along with the surrounding genes in the gene operon of HynSL were cloned in a vector with an IPTG-inducible promoter and introduced into Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942. The hydrogenase protein was expressed at the correct size upon induction with IPTG. The heterologously-expressed HynSL hydrogenase was active when tested by in vitro H2 evolution assay, indicating the correct assembly of the catalytic center in the cyanobacterial host. Using a similar expression system, the hydrogenase structural genes from Thiocapsa roseopersicina (hynSL) and the entire set of known accessory genes were transferred to S. elongatus. A protein of the correct size was expressed but had no activity. However, when the 11 accessory genes from AltDE were co-expressed with hynSL, the T. roseopersicina hydrogenase was found to be active by in vitro assay. This is the first report of active, heterologously-expressed [NiFe] hydrogenases in cyanobacteria