Kinetic theory and thermalization of weakly interacting fermions

Weakly interacting quantum fluids allow for a natural kinetic theory description which takes into account the fermionic or bosonic nature of the interacting particles. In the simplest cases, one arrives at the Boltzmann-Nordheim equations for the reduced density matrix of the fluid. We discuss here two related topics: the kinetic theory of the fermionic Hubbard model, in which conservation of total spin results in an additional Vlasov type term in the Boltzmann equation, and the relation between kinetic theory and thermalization.Comment: 19 pages, submitted to proceedings of the conference "Macroscopic Limits of Quantum Systems", Munich, Germany, March 20-April 1, 2017 (eds. D. Cadamuro, M. Duell, W. Dybalski, S. Simonella

Teacher Allocation and Equity in Malaysian Schools

Although inequalities in education are relatively well researched, little attention is given to the inequalities in the educational resources used in education. This is clearly a shortcoming in the course of providing equitable education to all. One of the educational resources frequently used in discussion is teachers. Other than being very mobile, teachers are often used as proxy for educational resources because of their role and importance in educating a child. However, not many researchers have evaluated them/this resource in terms of availability in a school. In this paper, allocation of trained teachers to schools is measured. Using Malaysian data from 1986-2006 and Gini coefficient, a well known measure of distribution, trends and patterns of equity are examined. By estimating the Gini coefficient, we aim to enhance our understanding of resource inequalities and their drivers. Inequity is examined at two levels of education, i.e. primary schools and secondary schools. Initial results reveal that the level of equity in primary schools is less desirable than in secondary schools. In this paper, possible reasons on this outcome are delved into.- education, teachers, equity, Gini coefficient

On the use of non-canonical quantum statistics

We develop a method using a coarse graining of the energy fluctuations of an equilibrium quantum system which produces simple parameterizations for the behaviour of the system. As an application, we use these methods to gain more understanding on the standard Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics and on the recently developed Tsallis statistics. We conclude on a discussion of the role of entropy and the maximum entropy principle in thermodynamics.Comment: 29 pages, uses iopart.cls, major revisions of text for better readability, added a discussion about essentially microcanonical ensemble

Fuzzy logic control for camera tracking system

A concept utilizing fuzzy theory has been developed for a camera tracking system to provide support for proximity operations and traffic management around the Space Station Freedom. Fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic based reasoning are used in a control system which utilizes images from a camera and generates required pan and tilt commands to track and maintain a moving target in the camera's field of view. This control system can be implemented on a fuzzy chip to provide an intelligent sensor for autonomous operations. Capabilities of the control system can be expanded to include approach, handover to other sensors, caution and warning messages

Interdisciplinary systematic review: does alignment between system and design shape adoption and use of barcode medication administration technology?

BACKGROUND: In order to reduce safety risks associated with medication administrations, technologies such as barcode medication administration (BCMA) are increasingly used. Examining how human factors influence adoption and usability of this technology can potentially highlight areas for improvement in design and implementation. OBJECTIVE: To describe how human factors related determinants for BCMA have been researched and reported by healthcare and human-computer interaction disciplines. DATA SOURCES: The Cumulative Index of Nursing, and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, OVID MEDLINE and Google Scholar. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Primary research published from April 2000 to April 2020, search terms developed to identity different disciplinary research perspectives that examined BCMA use, used a human factors lens and were published in English. SYNTHESIS METHODS: Computerised systematic searches were conducted in four databases. Eligible papers were systematically analysed for themes. Themes were discussed with a second reviewer and supervisors to ensure they were representative of content. RESULTS: Of 3707 papers screened, 11 were included. Studies did not fit neatly into a clinical or human-computer interaction perspective but instead uncovered a range of overlapping narratives, demonstrating consensus on the key themes despite differing research approaches. Prevalent themes were misaligned design and workflow, adaptation and workarounds, mediating factors, safety, users' perceptions and design and usability. Inadequate design frequently led to workarounds, which jeopardised safety. Reported mediating factors included clarity of user needs, pre/post implementation evaluations, analysis of existing workarounds and appropriate technology, infrastructure and staffing. LIMITATIONS: Most studies were relatively small and qualitative, making it difficult to generalise findings. CONCLUSION: Evaluating interdisciplinary perspectives including human factors approaches identified similar and complementary enablers and barriers to successful technology use. Often, mediating factors were developed to compensate for unsuitable design; a collaborative approach between system designer and end users is necessary for BCMA to achieve its true safety potential

Loss of correlation between HIV viral load and CD4+ T-cell counts in HIV/HTLV-1 co-infection in treatment naive Mozambican patients

Seven hundred and four HIV-1/2-positive, antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve patients were screened for HTLV-1 infection. Antibodies to HTLV-1 were found in 32/704 (4.5%) of the patients. Each co-infected individual was matched with two HIV mono-infected patients according to World Health Organization clinical stage, age +/-5 years and gender. Key clinical and laboratory characteristics were compared between the two groups. Mono-infected and co-infected patients displayed similar clinical characteristics. However, co-infected patients had higher absolute CD4+ T-cell counts (P = 0.001), higher percentage CD4+ T-cell counts (P < 0.001) and higher CD4/CD8 ratios (P < 0.001). Although HIV plasma RNA viral loads were inversely correlated with CD4+ T-cell-counts in mono-infected patients (P < 0.0001), a correlation was not found in co-infected individuals (P = 0.11). Patients with untreated HIV and HTLV-1 co-infection show a dissociation between immunological and HIV virological markers. Current recommendations for initiating ART and chemoprophylaxis against opportunistic infections in resource-poor settings rely on more readily available CD4+ T-cell counts without viral load parameters. These guidelines are not appropriate for co-infected individuals in whom high CD4+ T-cell counts persist despite high HIV viral load states. Thus, for co-infected patients, even in resource-poor settings, HIV viral loads are likely to contribute information crucial for the appropriate timing of ART introduction

Assessment of the accuracy of 3D printed teeth by various 3D printers in forensic odontology

Additive manufacturing technology has benefited many sectors, and its use in forensic sciences has opened up a variety of new opportunities for analysing and exhibiting forensic materials. However, to perform analytical procedures on 3D printed bones and teeth in forensic odontology, the metric and morphological precision of the printed replicas must first be validated. To address this, the present study was undertaken using 12 extracted human teeth that were 3D printed using five different techniques. Manual measurements and a digital mesh comparison were used to evaluate the metric precision of all samples. The findings showed that the printed replicas were accurate to within 0.5 mm of the actual teeth. It was suggested that Digital Light Processing (DLP) prints be used for potential forensic odontology applications based on measurements, digital comparison, and ease of use