Alien Registration- Poitras, Samuel G. (Allagash, Aroostook County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/32312/thumbnail.jp

Currency option pricing and realised volatility

Volatility is a key parameter in currency option pricing. This paper examines alternative specifications ofthe volatility input to the Black-Scholes option pricing procedure. The focus is the relative performance ofimplied, realized, and GARCH-based models as predictors of market volatility to forecast currency optionsprices. Using exchange-traded, daily and intra-daily data for three major European currencies, the results indicate that the realized volatility model tends to outperform the other two specifications, both in-sample and out-of-sample. This result is intuitively appealing and expected to facilitate resolution of other problems in risk management applications

312-fs pulse generation from a passive C-band InAs/InP quantum dot mode-locked laser.

For the first time, we report femtosecond pulses from a passive single-section InAs/InP quantum-dot (QD) mode-locked laser (MLL) with the active length of 456 microm and ridge width of 2.5 microm at the C-band wavelength range. Without any external pulse compression, the transform-limited Gaussian-pulses are generated at the 92 GHz repetition rate with the 312 fs pulse duration, which is the shortest pulse from any directly electric-pumping semiconductor MLLs to our best knowledge. The lasing threshold injection current and external differential quantum efficiency are 17.2 mA and 38%, respectively. We have also investigated the working principles of the proposed QD MLLs

Storage of telecom wavelength heralded single photons in a fiber cavity quantum memory

We demonstrate the storage and retrieval of heralded single photons in a fiber-based cavity quantum memory. The photons are stored, and retrieved, from the memory using quantum frequency conversion which switches the photon into, and out of, resonance with the cavity. The photons, generated in the telecom O-band with a bandwidth of 81\,GHz, are retrieved from the memory with a $1/e$ lifetime of 1.64$\mu$s, or 32.8 cavity round trips. We show that non-classical photon statistics remain for 70 round trips. The internal memory efficiency after 0.5$\mu$s of storage is $10.9 \pm 0.5$%; a coupling efficiency of 60% into the memory cavity yields a total efficiency of $6.0\pm0.3$%. These results mark a crucial step forward in the development of fiber-based quantum memories, and high-bandwidth memories operating at telecom wavelengths, with applications to photon source multiplexing and fiber-based quantum networking.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure

Enhancement of two photon processes in quantum dots embedded in subwavelength metallic gratings

We show a large enhancement of two-photon absorption processes in nanocrystal quantum dots and of light upconversion efficiency from the IR to the near-IR spectral regime, using a hybrid optical device in which near-IR emitting InAs quantum dots were embedded on top a metallic nanoslit array. The resonant enhancement of these nonlinear optical processes is due to the strong local electromagnetic field enhancements inside the nanoslit array structure at the extraordinary transmission resonances. A maximal two-photon absorption enhancement of more than 20 was inferred. Different high field regions were identified for different polarizations, which can be used for designing and optimizing efficient nonlinear processes in such hybrid structures. Combining nanocrystal quantum dots with subwavelength metallic nanostructures is therfore a promising way for a range of possible nonlinear optical devices.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figure

Using Online Digital Tools and Video to Support International Problem-Based Learning

The goal of this study is to examine how to facilitate cross-cultural groups in problem-based learning (PBL) using online digital tools and videos. The PBL consisted of two video-based cases used to trigger student-learning issues about giving bad news to HIV-positive patients. Mixed groups of medical students from Canada and Hong Kong worked with facilitators from each country along with an expert facilitator. The study used AdobeConnect to support the international model through synchronous video interaction and shared applications. This study examines strategies and challenges in facilitating PBL across distance and cultures. Discourse was analyzed using both an inductive and deductive approach where the later used the Community of Inquiry coding scheme. The international context provides a way to facilitate multiple perspectives about how to communicate bad news to patients from different cultural backgrounds. In addition, we present the results of an exploratory analysis of pre and post tests using a standardized patient that demonstrate that the students’ pattern of communication showed qualitative change. Several conjectures were developed for future research

Effects of prenatal exercise on fetal heart rate, umbilical and uterine blood flow: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the influence of acute and chronic prenatal exercise on fetal heart rate (FHR) and umbilical and uterine blood flow metrics. Design Systematic review with random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. Data sources Online databases were searched up to 6 January 2017. Study eligibility criteria Studies of all designs were included (except case studies) if published in English, Spanish or French, and contained information on the population (pregnant women without contraindication to exercise), intervention (subjective or objective measures of frequency, intensity, duration, volume or type of exercise, alone [“exercise-only”] or in combination with other intervention components [eg, dietary; “exercise + co-intervention”]), comparator (no exercise or different frequency, intensity, duration, volume and type of exercise) and outcomes (FHR, beats per minute (bpm); uterine and umbilical blood flow metrics (systolic:diastolic (S/D) ratio; Pulsatility Index (PI); Resistance Index (RI); blood flow, mL/min; and blood velocity, cm/s)). Results ‘Very low’ to ‘moderate’ quality evidence from 91 unique studies (n=4641 women) were included. Overall, FHR increased during (mean difference (MD)=6.35bpm; 95% CI 2.30 to 10.41, I2=95%, p=0.002) and following acute exercise (MD=4.05; 95% CI 2.98 to 5.12, I2=83%, p\u3c0.00001). The incidence of fetal bradycardia was low at rest and unchanged with acute exercise. There were no significant changes in umbilical or uterine S/D, PI, RI, blood flow or blood velocity during or following acute exercise sessions. Chronic exercise decreased resting FHR and the umbilical artery S/D, PI and RI at rest. Conclusion Acute and chronic prenatal exercise do not adversely impact FHR or uteroplacental blood flow metrics

An interdisciplinary guideline development process: the Clinic on Low-back pain in Interdisciplinary Practice (CLIP) low-back pain guidelines

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Evaluation of low-back pain guidelines using Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) criteria has shown weaknesses, particularly in stakeholder involvement and applicability of recommendations. The objectives of this project were to: 1) develop a primary care interdisciplinary clinical practice guideline aimed at preventing prolonged disability from low-back pain, using a community of practice approach, and 2) assess the participants' impressions with the process, and evaluate the relationship between participant characteristics and their participation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Ten stakeholder representatives recruited 136 clinicians to participate in this community of practice. Clinicians were drawn from the following professions: physiotherapists (46%), occupational therapists (37%), and family physicians (17%). Using previously published guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, a first draft of the guidelines was presented to the community of practice. Four communication tools were provided for discussion and exchanges with experts: a web-based discussion forum, an anonymous comment form, meetings, and a symposium. Participants were prompted for comments on interpretation, clarity, and applicability of the recommendations. Clinical management recommendations were revised following these exchanges. At the end of the project, a questionnaire was sent to the participants to assess satisfaction towards the guidelines and the development process.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Twelve clinical management recommendations on management of low-back pain and persistent disability were initially developed. These were discussed through 188 comments posted on the discussion forum and 103 commentary forms submitted. All recommendations were modified following input of the participants. A clinical algorithm summarizing the guidelines was also developed. A response rate of 75% was obtained for the satisfaction questionnaire. The majority of respondents appreciated the development process and agreed with the guideline content. Most participants thought recommendations improved between versions, and that participant comments contributed to this improvement. All stakeholders officially endorsed the guidelines.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The community of practice approach was a successful method to develop guidelines on low-back pain, with participants providing information to improve guideline recommendations. The information technology infrastructure that was developed remains for continuous interdisciplinary exchanges and updating of the guidelines.</p