46,849 research outputs found
The whole mesh Deformation Model for 2D and 3D image segmentation
In this paper we present a novel approach for image segmentation using Active Nets and Active Volumes. Those solutions are based on the Deformable Models, with slight difference in the method for describing the shapes of interests - instead of using a contour or a surface they represented the segmented objects with a mesh structure, which allows to describe not only the surface of the objects but also to model their interiors. This is obtained by dividing the nodes of the mesh in two categories, namely internal and external ones, which will be responsible for two different tasks. In our new approach we propose to negate this separation and use only one type of nodes. Using that assumption we manage to significantly shorten the time of segmentation while maintaining its quality
Dynamics of molecular nanomagnets in time-dependent external magnetic fields: Beyond the Landau-Zener-St\"{u}ckelberg model
The time evolution of the magnetization of a magnetic molecular crystal is
obtained in an external time-dependent magnetic field, with sweep rates in the
kT/s range. We present the 'exact numerical' solution of the time dependent
Schr\"{o}dinger equation, and show that the steps in the hysteresis curve can
be described as a sequence of two-level transitions between adiabatic states.
The multilevel nature of the problem causes the transition probabilities to
deviate significantly from the predictions of the Landau-Zener-St\"{u}ckelberg
model. These calculations allow the introduction of an efficient approximation
method that accurately reproduces the exact results. When including phase
relaxation by means of an appropriate master equation, we observe an interplay
between coherent dynamics and decoherence. This decreases the size of the
magnetization steps at the transitions, but does not modify qualitatively the
physical picture obtained without relaxation.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figure
Tunable quantum dots in bilayer graphene
We demonstrate theoretically that quantum dots in bilayers of graphene can be
realized. A position-dependent doping breaks the equivalence between the upper
and lower layer and lifts the degeneracy of the positive and negative momentum
states of the dot. Numerical results show the simultaneous presence of electron
and hole confined states for certain doping profiles and a remarkable angular
momentum dependence of the quantum dot spectrum which is in sharp contrast with
that for conventional semiconductor quantum dots. We predict that the optical
spectrum will consist of a series of non-equidistant peaks.Comment: 5 pages, to appear in Nano Letter
Landau levels and oscillator strength in a biased bilayer of graphene
We obtain analytical expressions for the eigenstates and the Landau level
spectrum of biased graphene bilayers in a magnetic field. The calculations are
performed in the context of a four-band continuum model and generalize previous
approximate results. Solutions are presented for the spectrum as a function of
interlayer coupling, the potential difference between the layers and the
magnetic field. The explicit expressions allow us to calculate the oscillator
strength and the selection rules for electric dipole transitions between the
Landau states. Some transitions are significantly shifted in energy relative to
those in an unbiased bialyer and exhibit a very different magnetic field
dependence.Comment: To appear in Phys. Rev.
Confined states and direction-dependent transmission in graphene quantum wells
We report the existence of confined massless fermion states in a graphene
quantum well (QW) by means of analytical and numerical calculations. These
states show an unusual quasi-linear dependence on the momentum parallel to the
QW: their number depends on the wavevector and is constrained by electron-hole
conversion in the barrier regions. An essential difference with
non-relativistic electron states is a mixing between free and confined states
at the edges of the free-particle continua, demonstrated by the
direction-dependent resonant transmission across a potential well.Comment: Submitted to PR
Religious leaders\u27 perceptions of advance care planning: a secondary analysis of interviews with Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Sikh and Bahai leaders
Background: International guidance for advance care planning (ACP) supports the integration of spiritual and religious aspects of care within the planning process. Religious leaders’ perspectives could improve how ACP programs respect patients’ faith backgrounds. This study aimed to examine: (i) how religious leaders understand and consider ACP and its implications, including (ii) how religion affects followers’ approaches to end-of-life care and ACP, and (iii) their implications for healthcare.
Methods: Interview transcripts from a primary qualitative study conducted with religious leaders to inform an ACP website, ACPTalk, were used as data in this study. ACPTalk aims to assist health professionals conduct sensitive conversations with people from different religious backgrounds. A qualitative secondary analysis conducted on the interview transcripts focussed on religious leaders’ statements related to this study’s aims. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using an inductive, comparative, and cyclical procedure informed by grounded theory.
Results: Thirty-five religious leaders (26 male; mean 58.6-years-old), from eight Christian and six non-Christian (Jewish, Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, Sikh, Bahá’Ă) backgrounds were included. Three themes emerged which focussed on: religious leaders’ ACP understanding and experiences; explanations for religious followers’ approaches towards end-of-life care; and health professionals’ need to enquire about how religion matters. Most leaders had some understanding of ACP and, once fully comprehended, most held ACP in positive regard. Religious followers’ preferences for end-of-life care reflected family and geographical origins, cultural traditions, personal attitudes, and religiosity and faith interpretations. Implications for healthcare included the importance of avoiding generalisations and openness to individualised and/ or standardised religious expressions of one’s religion.
Conclusions: Knowledge of religious beliefs and values around death and dying could be useful in preparing health professionals for ACP with patients from different religions but equally important is avoidance of assumptions. Community-based initiatives, programs and faith settin
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