Coherent States and a Path Integral for the Relativistic Linear Singular Oscillator

The SU(1,1) coherent states for a relativistic model of the linear singular oscillator are considered. The corresponding partition function is evaluated. The path integral for the transition amplitude between SU(1,1) coherent states is given. Classical equations of the motion in the generalized curved phase space are obtained. It is shown that the use of quasiclassical Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization rule yields the exact expression for the energy spectrum.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figures, Uses RevTeX4 styl

Discrete series representations for sl(2|1), Meixner polynomials and oscillator models

We explore a model for the one-dimensional quantum oscillator based upon the Lie superalgebra sl(2|1). For this purpose, a class of discrete series representations of sl(2|1) is constructed, each representation characterized by a real number beta>0. In this model, the position and momentum operators of the oscillator are odd elements of sl(2|1) and their expressions involve an arbitrary parameter gamma. In each representation, the spectrum of the Hamiltonian is the same as that of the canonical oscillator. The spectrum of the momentum operator can be continuous or infinite discrete, depending on the value of gamma. We determine the position wavefunctions both in the continuous and discrete case, and discuss their properties. In the discrete case, these wavefunctions are given in terms of Meixner polynomials. From the embedding osp(1|2)\subset sl(2|1), it can be seen why the case gamma=1 corresponds to the paraboson oscillator. Consequently, taking the values (beta,gamma)=(1/2,1) in the sl(2|1) model yields the canonical oscillator.Comment: (some minor misprints were corrected in this version

The Wigner distribution function for the one-dimensional parabose oscillator

In the beginning of the 1950's, Wigner introduced a fundamental deformation from the canonical quantum mechanical harmonic oscillator, which is nowadays sometimes called a Wigner quantum oscillator or a parabose oscillator. Also, in quantum mechanics the so-called Wigner distribution is considered to be the closest quantum analogue of the classical probability distribution over the phase space. In this article, we consider which definition for such distribution function could be used in the case of non-canonical quantum mechanics. We then explicitly compute two different expressions for this distribution function for the case of the parabose oscillator. Both expressions turn out to be multiple sums involving (generalized) Laguerre polynomials. Plots then show that the Wigner distribution function for the ground state of the parabose oscillator is similar in behaviour to the Wigner distribution function of the first excited state of the canonical quantum oscillator.Comment: 20 pages, 2 EPS figures, published in Journal of Physics

A relativistic model of the NN-dimensional singular oscillator

Exactly solvable $N$-dimensional model of the quantum isotropic singular oscillator in the relativistic configurational $\vec r_N$-space is proposed. It is shown that through the simple substitutions the finite-difference equation for the $N$-dimensional singular oscillator can be reduced to the similar finite-difference equation for the relativistic isotropic three-dimensional singular oscillator. We have found the radial wavefunctions and energy spectrum of the problem and constructed a dynamical symmetry algebra.Comment: 8 pages, accepted for publication in J. Phys.

Finite oscillator models: the Hahn oscillator

A new model for the finite one-dimensional harmonic oscillator is proposed based upon the algebra u(2)_{\alpha}. This algebra is a deformation of the Lie algebra u(2) extended by a parity operator, with deformation parameter {\alpha}. A class of irreducible unitary representations of u(2)_{\alpha} is constructed. In the finite oscillator model, the (discrete) spectrum of the position operator is determined, and the position wave functions are shown to be dual Hahn polynomials. Plots of these discrete wave functions display interesting properties, similar to those of the parabose oscillator. We show indeed that in the limit, when the dimension of the representations goes to infinity, the discrete wave functions tend to the continuous wave functions of the parabose oscillator

Biomass offsets little or none of permafrost carbon release from soils, streams, and wildfire: an expert assessment

As the permafrost region warms, its large organic carbon pool will be increasingly vulnerable to decomposition, combustion, and hydrologic export. Models predict that some portion of this release will be offset by increased production of Arctic and boreal biomass; however, the lack of robust estimates of net carbon balance increases the risk of further overshooting international emissions targets. Precise empirical or model-based assessments of the critical factors driving carbon balance are unlikely in the near future, so to address this gap, we present estimates from 98 permafrost-region experts of the response of biomass, wildfire, and hydrologic carbon flux to climate change. Results suggest that contrary to model projections, total permafrost-region biomass could decrease due to water stress and disturbance, factors that are not adequately incorporated in current models. Assessments indicate that end-of-the-century organic carbon release from Arctic rivers and collapsing coastlines could increase by 75% while carbon loss via burning could increase four-fold. Experts identified water balance, shifts in vegetation community, and permafrost degradation as the key sources of uncertainty in predicting future system response. In combination with previous findings, results suggest the permafrost region will become a carbon source to the atmosphere by 2100 regardless of warming scenario but that 65%–85% of permafrost carbon release can still be avoided if human emissions are actively reduced

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries