Modified algebraic Bethe ansatz for XXZ chain on the segment - III - Proof

In this paper, we prove the off-shell equation satisfied by the transfer matrix associated with the XXZ spin-$\frac12$ chain on the segment with two generic integrable boundaries acting on the Bethe vector. The essential step is to prove that the expression of the action of a modified creation operator on the Bethe vector has an off-shell structure which results in an inhomogeneous term in the eigenvalues and Bethe equations of the corresponding transfer matrix.Comment: V2 published version, 16 page

Percolation Effects in Very High Energy Cosmic Rays

Most QCD models of high energy collisions predict that the inelasticity $K$ is an increasing function of the energy. We argue that, due to percolation of strings, this behaviour will change and, at $\sqrt{s} \simeq 10^4$ GeV, the inelasticity will start to decrease with the energy. This has straightforward consequences in high energy cosmic ray physics: 1) the relative depth of the shower maximum $\bar{X}$ grows faster with energy above the knee; 2) the energy measurements of ground array experiments at GZK energies could be overestimated.Comment: Correction of equation (19) and figures 3 and 4. 4 pages, 4 figure

The Estimation of the Effective Centre of Mass Energy in q-qbar-gamma Events from DELPHI

The photon radiation in the initial state lowers the energy available for the e$^+$e$^-$ collisions; this effect is particularly important at LEP2 energies (above the mass of the Z boson). Being aligned to the beam direction, such initial state radiation is mostly undetected. This article describes the procedure used by the DELPHI experiment at LEP to estimate the effective centre-of-mass energy in hadronic events collected at energies above the Z peak. Typical resolutions ranging from 2 to 3 GeV on the effective center-of-mass energy are achieved, depending on the event topology.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figure

Coletivização das demandas individuais: as técnicas processuais de julgamento das demandas individuais à luz do princípio do contraditório

O presente estudo analisa as alterações legislativas que introduziram técnicas processuais de julgamento das demandas individuais sob à luz do contraditório. Para tanto, resgata os conceitos dos escopos do processo nas diferentes vertentes tratadas pela doutrina. Revela a conformação de uma nova espécie de conflito social e, consequentemente, uma nova forma de litígio que congrega características individuais e coletivas conjuntamente. Retrata, ainda, o problema enfrentado pelo poder judiciário referente ao quantitativo de processos em curso e a ineficiência do aparato estatal em prestar jurisdição tempestiva. Observa a ineficácia dos modelos processuais clássicos coletivo e individual em relação às novas espécies de conflito. Demonstra a importância do princípio do contraditório para a legitimidade da decisão e a sua visão sob o modelo da cooperação. Descreve, sob a égide do Estado Democrático de Direito, a necessidade de se pensar o processo como instrumento de eficácia dos direitos consagrados na constituição. Analisa as técnicas de julgamento das demandas individuais e observa que o legislador não disciplinou as formas de ingresso dos interessados a fim de permitir sua participação nos litígios cuja decisão paradigmática será prolatada. Palavras-chave: demandas individuais, demandas de massa, técnicas processuais, contraditório

Upper Airway Video Endoscopy: Assessment of the response to positive pressure ventilation and mechanical in-exsufflation

Upper airways (UA) include the nasal cavities, pharynx, and larynx, and its main function is to warm and filter the inspired air. UA dysfunction is in the pathogenesis of various disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and vocal cord dysfunction. In addition, in some neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – ALS), UA dysfunction may also compromise the effective use of ventilatory support (VS). In this context, the endoscopic evaluation of UA may be useful in understanding the OSAS mechanisms, in determining the causes for treatment-induced airway obstruction and even in helping to titrate noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in ALS patients with bulbar or pseudo-bulbar (spastic) dysfunction. Specifically, in OSAS patients, when residual obstructive events persist, although an optimal ventilatory mode has been apparently achieved, along with interface and equipment, the endoscopic evaluation of UA seems to be a valuable tool in understanding its mechanisms, even assisting adjustments to NIV parameters. In addition, it has also been described as being useful in laryngeal response to mechanical in-exsufflation (MI-E) and Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO). However, no protocol has yet been published or validated for this. For this reason, a literature review was conducted on UA function and its response to positive pressure and MI-E. Special emphasis has also been given to the current indication for video endoscopy in chronically ventilated patients.Martins N. would like to thank the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT – Portugal) for the Strategic project ref. UID/BIM/04293/2013 and “ NORTE2020—Programa Operacional Regional do Norte ” ( NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000012 )

Physical therapists’ choices, views and agreements regarding non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions for knee osteoarthritis patients: a mixed-methods study

The aims of this study are to collect the most common non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions used by the Portuguese physical therapists in their knee osteoarthritis patients, and to deeper understand the factors associated to their intervention choices. Methods: This study incorporated a mixed-methods design. For the quantitative data it was choose an e-survey (with 25 close-end questions, plus general information of the study and a clinical vignette), retrieving sociodemographic and self-reported practice on knee osteoarthritis information. It was analysed response frequencies and associations between variables with logistic regression analyses. For the qualitative data, it was chosen to perform semi-structured interviews in purposefully selected physical therapists to include different sociodemographic factors and survey responses regarding the physical therapists’ interventions chosen. After the interviews, the audios were collected, anonymised, transcribed verbatim, and the texts explored by the thematic approach. Results: From the 277 PTs that shown interest in participating in the study, 120 fully completed the questionnaire and, from those, 10 participated in the interviews. The most chosen interventions included Resistance Exercise, Manual Therapy, Nutrition/Weight Loss, Self-care/Education, Stretching and Aquatic Exercise. Furthermore, it seems that PTs’ individual characteristics (age, experience, and clinical reasoning), patient’s characteristics (clinical findings and preferences), and work-related factors (facility type, work environment and available resources) are the main actors responsible for an intervention chosen. Conclusions: In the Portuguese PTs context the most important interventions are Exercise, Manual Therapy, Nutrition/Weight Loss, and Self-care/Education; these interventions chosen may be influenced by PT, patient and work-related factors.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Measuring evidence-based practice in physical therapy: a mix-methods study

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered the “holy grail” to manage patients by health practitioners (such as physical therapists). However, sometimes, patients are not treated with the best interventions for their condition. Although studies already explored the facilitators and barriers for this issue, they increase in the level of importance if the information gathered are context appropriated. As the profession is relatively new in Portugal, currently little is known about the implementation of EBP in Portuguese physical therapists context. So, the aim of this study is to know if the Portuguese physical therapists use an EBP, and collect and deeper understand the factors, barriers and facilitators associated with EBP. Methods: This study incorporated a mixed-methods design (quantitative and qualitative). In an attempt to ensure the correct population sample, a national professional association e-mail database and the e-mails of past students from national schools were requested. For the quantitative data it was choose an e-survey, adapted from the EBP: Beliefs, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behaviors of Physical Therapists Portuguese version questionnaire, consisted of 55 close-ended questions. It was analyzed response frequencies and associations between variables with logistic regression analyses. For the qualitative data, it was choose to perform semi-structured interviews in purposefully selected physical therapists to include different sociodemographic factors (especially those found to be statistically significant in the logistic regression) and survey responses regarding the physical therapists’ beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. The interviews were performed in an online software, where only audio contact was performed. The audios were anonymized and verbatim transcribed, and the texts explored by the thematic approach. Results: From the 277 physical therapists that shown interest in participating in the study, 193 fully completed the questionnaire and, from those, 10 participated in the interviews. The Portuguese physical therapists reported positive beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding EBP. Among the physical therapists characteristics it seems that age (younger therapists), education (participating in continuing education courses; belonging to practice-orientated organizations; having a doctorate degree; pursuing a higher academic degree; and being a clinical instructor), and workplace (working for someone else account; and academic sector) are the main factors in the Portuguese EBP implementation. The Portuguese physical therapists, beyond the physical therapists individual characteristics and workplace, also stated that evidence, patients, clinical experience, schools, country and physical therapy characteristics, may behave as facilitators or barriers when performing an EBP.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Quantifying the effects of learning styles on attention

Monitoring and managing attention in the classroom is nowadays an important aspect where the level of learner’s attention affects learning results. When students are using devices connected to the Internet in learning activities in which they send and received notifications, beeps, and vibrations and blinking messages, the ability to focus becomes increasingly important. This is true in many different domains, from the classroom to the workplace. This paper deals with the issue of attention monitoring, with the aim of providing a non-intrusive, reliable and easy tool that can be used freely in schools or organizations, without changing or interfering with the established working routines. Specifically, we look at desk students in learning activities, in which the student spends long time interacting with the computer.This work has been supported by COMPETE: POCI-01-0145- FEDER-007043 and FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2013.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Probing the Electronic Structure of Bilayer Graphene by Raman Scattering

The electronic structure of bilayer graphene is investigated from a resonant Raman study using different laser excitation energies. The values of the parameters of the Slonczewski-Weiss-McClure model for graphite are measured experimentally and some of them differ significantly from those reported previously for graphite, specially that associated with the difference of the effective mass of electrons and holes. The splitting of the two TO phonon branches in bilayer graphene is also obtained from the experimental data. Our results have implications for bilayer graphene electronic devices.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure