5,102 research outputs found
Synthetic Quantum Systems
So far proposed quantum computers use fragile and environmentally sensitive
natural quantum systems. Here we explore the new notion that synthetic quantum
systems suitable for quantum computation may be fabricated from smart
nanostructures using topological excitations of a stochastic neural-type
network that can mimic natural quantum systems. These developments are a
technological application of process physics which is an information theory of
reality in which space and quantum phenomena are emergent, and so indicates the
deep origins of quantum phenomena. Analogous complex stochastic dynamical
systems have recently been proposed within neurobiology to deal with the
emergent complexity of biosystems, particularly the biodynamics of higher brain
function. The reasons for analogous discoveries in fundamental physics and
neurobiology are discussed.Comment: 16 pages, Latex, 1 eps figure fil
The VOICE Study: Valuing Opinions, Individual Communication and Experience: Building the evidence base for undertaking patient-centred family meetings in palliative care - a mixed methods study
Background: Despite family meetings being widely used to facilitate discussion among patients, families, and clinicians in palliative care, there is limited evidence to support their use. This study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of Patient-Centred Family Meetings in specialist inpatient palliative care units for patients, families, and clinicians and determine the suitability and feasibility of validated outcome measures from the patient and family perspectives.
Methods: The study is a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design with pre-planned Patient-Centred Family Meetings at the intervention site. The patient will set the meeting agenda a priori allowing an opportunity for their issues to be prioritised and addressed. At the control site, usual care will be maintained which may include a family meeting. Each site will recruit 20 dyads comprising a terminally ill inpatient and their nominated family member. Pre- and post-test administration of the Distress Thermometer, QUAL-EC, QUAL-E, and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 will assess patient and family distress and satisfaction with quality of life. Patient, family, and clinician interviews post-meeting will provide insights into the meeting feasibility and outcome measures. Recruitment percentages and outcome measure completion will also inform feasibility. Descriptive statistics will summarise pre- and post-meeting data generated by the outcome measures. SPSS will analyse the quantitative data. Grounded theory will guide the qualitative data analysis.
Discussion: This study will determine whether planned Patient-Centred Family Meetings are feasible and acceptable and assess the suitability and feasibility of the outcome measures. It will inform a future phase III randomised controlled trial.
Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001083482 on 11 August 201
Self-Referential Noise and the Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Space
Generalising results from Godel and Chaitin in mathematics suggests that
self-referential systems contain intrinsic randomness. We argue that this is
relevant to modelling the universe and show how three-dimensional space may
arise from a non-geometric order-disorder model driven by self-referential
noise.Comment: Figure labels correcte
Charge Dynamics at the Silicon(001) Surface Studied by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Surface Photovoltage
Scanning tunneling microscopy measurements of local surface photovoltage of the Si(001) surface reveal the existence of local charging produced by the tunneling current. Since the tunneling current is confined to a region of near atomic dimensions, charge transport between surface and bulk electronic states is probed with high spatial resolution. The surface charge is enhanced while tunneling at the bonded, type-B atomic step and at specific point defects demonstrating atomic-scale variations in the charge dynamics
Hydrogen atom in phase space. The Kirkwood-Rihaczek representation
We present a phase-space representation of the hydrogen atom using the
Kirkwood-Rikaczek distribution function. This distribution allows us to obtain
analytical results, which is quite unique because an exact analytical form of
the Wigner functions corresponding to the atom states is not known. We show how
the Kirkwood-Rihaczek distribution reflects properties of the hydrogen atom
wave functions in position and momentum representations.Comment: 5 pages (and 5 figures
Squeezed gluon vacuum and the global colour model of QCD
We discuss how the vacuum model of Celenza and Shakin with a squeezed gluon
condensate can explain the existence of an infrared singular gluon propagator
frequently used in calculations within the global colour model. In particular,
it reproduces a recently proposed QCD-motivated model where low energy chiral
parameters were computed as a function of a dynamically generated gluon mass.
We show how the strength of the confining interaction of this gluon propagator
and the value of the physical gluon condensate may be connected.Comment: 13 pages, LaTe
Feasibility study of the transonic biplane concept for transport aircraft application
Investigations were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a transonic biplane consisting of a forward-mounted swept-back lower wing, a rear-mounted swept-forward upper wing, and a vertical fin connecting the wings at their tips. This wing arrangement results in significant reductions in induced drag relative to a monoplane designed with the same span, and it allows for a constant-section fuselage shape while closely matching an ideal area distribution curve for M = 0.95 cruise. However, no significant reductions in ramp weight were achieved for the biplane relative to a monoplane with the same mission capability. Flutter analyses of the biplane revealed both symmetric and antisymmetric instabilities that occur well below the required flutter speed. Further studies will be required to determine if acceptable flutter speeds can be achieved through the elimination of the instabilities by passive means or by active controls. Configurations designed for other missions, especially those with lower Mach numbers and lower dynamic pressures, should be examined since the geometries suitable for those design constraints might avoid the weight penalties and flutter instabilities which prevent exploitation of induced drag benefits for the configuration studied
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