Convex politopes and quantum separability

We advance a novel perspective of the entanglement issue that appeals to the Schlienz-Mahler measure [Phys. Rev. A 52, 4396 (1995)]. Related to it, we propose an criterium based on the consideration of convex subsets of quantum states. This criterium generalizes a property of product states to convex subsets (of the set of quantum-states) that is able to uncover a new geometrical property of the separability property

Establishment of the Invasive Island Apple Snail Pomacea insularum (Gastropoda: Ampullaridae) and Eradication Efforts in Mobile, Alabama, USA

Species invasions are thought to be among the most detrimental of all anthropogenic disturbances. Invasive consumers severely impact native ecosystems through the consumption of and competition with native species. Worldwide, snails of the Family Ampullaridae have successfully colonized a wide range of habitats outside their native range. This is of great ecological concern because once established, these snails frequently exhibit rampant herbivory in the recipient ecosystem. Here, we chronicle the recent invasion of island apple snails (Pomacea insularum; d’Orbigny 1837) in a tributary of the Mobile–Tensaw Delta, Alabama, in order to establish a baseline against which future assessments of apple snail expansion can be measured. In addition, we discuss the current, albeit largely unsuccessful, efforts to eradicate these invaders post-invasion as well as the possible implications of the continued growth of this population should geographic expansion occur. We also provide the first genetic evidence, from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequence, positively identifying these snails as P. insularum. All individuals were identical for COI and genetically identical to invasive animals in Georgia and portions of Florida, as well as native animals near Buenos Aires, Argentina, indicating a possible secondary invasion from nearby invasive U.S. populations but, ultimately, an Argentinian origin. Based on our evidence, we suggest that the best control measures for apple snail invasions include increased proactive enforcement to prevent future invasions elsewhere in the southeastern United States (and similar areas), the adoption of research into new management strategies designed to prevent future invasions and slow the spread of established invasive populations, and rapid and overwhelming control and eradication efforts at the first sign of invasion

Women, Health and Aging: Building a Statewide Movement

Provides an overview of current policy and program environments that affect the state's most vulnerable elder population, and considers some effective strategies to address the growing needs of older persons in California

Evaluating the clinical and economic burden of healthcare-associated infections during hospitalization for surgery in France

Over 4 million patients suffer nosocomial infections annually in the European Union. This study aimed to estimate the healthcare burden associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) following surgery in France, and explore the potential impact of infection control strategies and interventions on the clinical and economic burden of disease. Data on the frequency of HAIs were gathered from the 2010 Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information (PMSI), and cost data were taken from the 2009 Echelle Nationale de Coûts à Méthodologie Commune (ENCC). It was estimated that 3% of surgical procedures performed in 2010 in France resulted in infection, resulting in an annual cost of €57892715. Patients experiencing a HAI had a significantly increased mortality risk (4·15-fold) and an increased length of hospital stay (threefold). Scenario analysis in which HAI incidence following surgery was reduced by 8% (based on a study of the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures), suggested that, annually, 20205 hospital days and €4588519 could be saved. Analyses of 20% and 30% reductions in incidence (based on an estimate of the number of preventable nosocomial infections) suggested that annual savings of €11548057 and €17334696, respectively, could be made. New infection control interventions which reduce HAI incidence during hospitalization for surgery have the potential to provide valuable cost savings to healthcare provider

Judgements of Solomon: anxieties and defences of social workers involved in care proceedings

Evidence from focus group discussions with social workers in child care and child protection was collected for a research project exploring decision-making in care proceedings and seeking a better understanding of the causes of delay in the process. Here this material is used to examine social workers’ feelings about their work and to explore the anxieties they expressed. Isabel Menzies’s work on containing anxiety in institutions is used to provide a conceptual framework for thinking about the ways in which individuals’ unconscious defences against anxiety may affect the structure, policies and practices of the organization in which they work. It is suggested that this dimension needs to be taken into account in understanding difficulties which arise in putting policy into practice

Confident, fearful and hopeless cooks: Findings from the development of a food-skills initiative

One of the many barriers to a healthier diet in low-income communities is a presumed lack of practical food skills. This article reports findings from exploratory qualitative research conducted with potential participants in a cooking skills intervention, in low income communities in Scotland. The research found widely varying levels of skill and confidence regarding cooking, supported the need for a community-based intervention approach, and demonstrated the importance of consumer research to inform the content of interventions. Challenges the view that low income communities lack skills, suggesting that food skills should be defined more broadly than “cooking from scratch”. Other barriers to healthy eating, such as poverty, food access and taste preferences, remain important