Long-range Heisenberg models in quasi-periodically driven crystals of trapped ions

We introduce a theoretical scheme for the analog quantum simulation of long-range XYZ models using current trapped-ion technology. In order to achieve fully-tunable Heisenberg-type interactions, our proposal requires a state-dependent dipole force along a single vibrational axis, together with a combination of standard resonant and detuned carrier drivings. We discuss how this quantum simulator could explore the effect of long-range interactions on the phase diagram by combining an adiabatic protocol with the quasi-periodic drivings and test the validity of our scheme numerically. At the isotropic Heisenberg point, we show that the long-range Hamiltonian can be mapped onto a non-linear sigma model with a topological term that is responsible for its low-energy properties, and we benchmark our predictions with Matrix-Product-State numerical simulations.Comment: closer to published versio

Effect of the Ketogenic Diet on Behavioral Symptoms of Autism in the Poly(IC) Mouse Model

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder characterized by decreased sociability, deficits in communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein diet has been shown to improve these three behavioral symptoms in the BTBR mouse model of autism. However, further research is required to strengthen the body of knowledge surrounding the potential of KD as diet therapy for autism. Epidemiological observations have shown that maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in offspring. Based on these observations, the polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(IC)) mouse model was developed as an animal model to study autism. Poly(IC) is a synthetic analog of double stranded RNA and acts as a viral mimic. It is injected into a pregnant dam, activating an immune response without causing an infection. The offspring of this protocol are the poly(IC) MIA mouse model. They have been shown to have the autistic symptoms of deficits in sociability and communication as well as increased repetitive behaviors. In this study, pregnant dams were injected with poly(IC) or the saline vehicle during the late first trimester. The offspring were separated into control and test groups. At 5 weeks of age, the test group was placed on a 6:1 fat:(carbohydrates + protein) KD while the control groups remained on standard chow. After three weeks on the diet, we assessed sociability, repetitive behavior, and communication. Our results showed that KD reversed increased self-grooming in poly(IC) mice. Results did not indicate autistic-like behavior in our poly(IC) mice for social contact, sociability, grooming during the 3-chamber test, or repetitive behavior in the marble-burying test. However, KD increased social contact in poly(IC) mice. It also increased sociability and decreased 3-chamber grooming in poly(IC) males. Poly(IC) mice did not have a deficit in the social transmission of food preference task, a previously unused assessment of the poly(IC) mouse model. While our study did not succeed in replicating several autistic behaviors in the poly(IC) mouse model, KD had influence on behavior in multiple measures, increasing sociability and decreasing grooming. This suggests that KD may be an effective diet therapy for autism

A Case Study in Program Evaluation

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) developed an education program targeted toward infectious disease outbreaks. The program ensures timely reporting and action during an infectious disease outbreak within the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) system. I have been tasked with evaluating the program and its implementation of training modules through pre and post-surveys to determine if the program is significantly increasing the overall knowledge of program participants and make recommendations for how program aspects can be improved

COMPARING THE JOB SATISFACTION OF VIRTUAL SCHOOL EDUCATORS TO THAT OF TRADITIONAL EDUCATORS

Virtual education in the K-12 environment is a growing field in the education industry. Not only does virtual education provide new opportunities for students, it also changes how teachers work in the industry and how they perceive the job satisfaction. Using the Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (TJSQ), this study compares perceived job satisfaction of virtual educators to that of traditional educators in the K-12 environment. Data collected from 112 educators suggested that both virtual and traditional educators were satisfied with their jobs. When teachers in both environments were compared to one another, there was no statistically significant difference in their perceived job satisfaction. Based on the dimensions analyzed in the TJSQ, both groups of educators rated responsibility as the dimension that contributed most to their job satisfaction. Both groups of educators also rated security as contributing least to their job satisfaction

Estructura factorial y consistencia interna de la Escala de Severidad de Fatiga en población colombiana con enfermedades crónicas

El presente estudio de corte psicométrico, tuvo como objetivo analizar la estructura factorial y la consistencia interna versión en español del cuestionario Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) en población colombiana de enfermos crónicos. Para ello se aplicó el cuestionario a 52 enfermos crónicos de la ciudad de Villavicencio. El análisis factorial denota tres factores: el factor 1 denominado como afectación física, el factor 2 denominado afectación social y finalmente el factor 3 denominado afectación motivacional de la fatiga, que explican el 76,324% de la varianza total acumulada, y un alfa de Cronbach de 870. Los resultados muestran una alta confiabilidad y concordancia en la estructura factorial con la versión original, lo que implica adecuada validez de la prueba en población colombiana de enfermos crónicos.The present study has a psychometric design, with the objective of analyzing the factorial structure and the internal consistency for the Spanish version of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) Questionnaire for Colombian population with chronic disease. Was applied the questionnaire to 52 people with chronic disease in Villavicencio city. The factorial Analysis indicates three factors: Factor 1 named physical affectation, Factor 2 named social affectation and Factor 3 named motivational affectation of the fatigue, where they explain the 76.324% of the total cumulative variance with .870 of Cronbach's Alpha. The results present a high reliability and concordance for the factorial structure with the original version which indicates an adequate validity of the test for Colombian population with chronic disease. © Servicio de Publicaciones - Universidad de Murcia