4,296 research outputs found
Nested algebraic Bethe ansatz for the supersymmetric t-J model and tensor networks
We consider a model of strongly correlated electrons in 1D called the t-J model, which was solved by the graded algebraic Bethe ansatz. We use it to design graded tensor networks which can be contracted approximately to obtain a matrix product state. As a proof of principle, we calculate observables of ground states and excited states of finite lattices up to 18 lattice sites
Evaluating short-term musculoskeletal pain changes in desk-based workers receiving a workplace sitting-reduction intervention
This paper explores changes in musculoskeletal pain among desk-based workers over three months of a workplace-delivered, sitting-reduction intervention. Participants (n = 153, 46% female; mean ± SD aged 38.9 ± 8.0 years) were cluster-randomized (n = 18 work teams) to receive an organizational change intervention, with or without an activity tracker. A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire assessed pain intensity (0â9; noneâworst possible) in the neck, upper and lower back, upper and lower extremities, and in total. The activPAL3 (7 days, 24 h/day protocol) measured sitting and prolonged sitting in =30 min bouts at work. Mixed models adjusting for cluster and intervention arm examined changes in pain (n = 104), and their associations with reductions in sitting and prolonged sitting (h/10 h at work) (n = 90). Changes in pain were nonsignificant (p = 0.05) and small for total pain (-0.06 [95% CI: -0.27, 0.16]) and for each body area (-0.26 [-0.66, 0.15] for upper back to 0.09 [-0.39, 0.56] for lower back). Sitting reduction was associated with reduced lower back pain (-0.84 [-1.44, -0.25] per hour, p = 0.005); other effects were small and non-significant. No substantial average changes in pain were seen; some improvement in lower back pain might be expected with larger sitting reductions. Larger samples and diverse interventions are required for more definitive evidence
Analysis of the wave propagation properties of a periodic array of rigid cylinders perpendicular to a finite impedance surface
The effect of the presence of a finite impedance surface on the wave
propagation properties of a two-dimensional periodic array of rigid cylinders
with their axes perpendicular to the surface is both numerically and
experimentally analyzed in this work. In this realistic situation both the
incident and the scattered waves interact with these two elements, the surface
and the array. The interaction between the excess attenuation effect, due to
the destructive interference produced by the superposition of the incident wave
and the reflected one by the surface, and the bandgap, due to the periodicity
of the array, is fundamental for the design of devices to control the
transmission of waves based on periodic arrays. The most obvious application is
perhaps the design of Sonic Crystals Noise Barriers. Two different finite
impedance surfaces have been analyzed in the work in order to observe the
dependence of the wave propagation properties on the impedance of the surface
Occupational therapistsâ views of using a virtual reality interior design application within the pre-discharge home visit process
This article has been made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund.Background: A key role of Occupational Therapists (OTs) is to carry out pre-discharge home visits (PHV) and propose appropriate adaptations to the home environment, to enable patients to function independently after hospital-home discharge. However, research shows that more than 50% of specialist equipment installed as part of home adaptations is not used by patients. A key reason for this is that decisions about home adaptations are often made without adequate collaboration and consultation with the patient. Consequently, there is an urgent need to seek out new and innovative uses of technology to facilitate patient/practitioner collaboration, engagement and shared decision making in the PHV process. Virtual reality interior design applications (VRIDAs) primarily allow users to simulate the home environment and visualise changes prior to implementing them. Customised VRIDAs, which also model specialist occupational therapy equipment, could become a valuable tool to facilitate improved patient/practitioner collaboration if developed effectively and integrated into the PHV process. Objective: To explore the perceptions of occupational therapists with regards to using VRIDAs as an assistive tool within the PHV process. Methods: Task-oriented interactive usability sessions, utilising the think-aloud protocol and subsequent semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven Occupational Therapists who possessed significant experience across a range of clinical settings. Template analysis was carried out on the think-aloud and interview data. Analysis was both inductive and driven by theory, centring around the parameters that impact upon the acceptance, adoption and use of this technology in practice as indicated by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Results: OTsâ perceptions were identified relating to three core themes: (1) perceived usefulness (PU), (2) perceived ease of use (PEoU), and (3) actual use (AU). Regarding PU, OTs believed VRIDAs had promising potential to increase understanding, enrich communications and patient involvement, and improved patient/practitioner shared understanding. However, it was unlikely that VRIDAs would be suitable for use with cognitively impaired patients. For PEoU, all OTs were able to use the software and complete the tasks successfully, however, participants noted numerous specialist equipment items that could be added to the furniture library. AU perceptions were positive regarding use of the application across a range of clinical settings including children/young adults, long-term conditions, neurology, older adults, and social services. However, some âfine tuningâ may be necessary if the application is to be optimally used in practice. Conclusions: Participants perceived the use of VRIDAs in practice would enhance levels of patient/practitioner collaboration and provide a much needed mechanism via which patients are empowered to become more equal partners in decisions made about their care. Further research is needed to explore patient perceptions of VRIDAs, to make necessary customisations accordingly, and to explore deployment of the application in a collaborative patient/practitioner-based context
Dimensional crossover in topological matter: Evolution of the multiple Dirac point in the layered system to the flat band on the surface
We consider the dimensional crossover in the topological matter, which
involves the transformation of different types of topologically protected
zeroes in the fermionic spectrum. In the considered case, the multiple Dirac
(Fermi) point in quasi 2-dimensional system evolves into the flat band on the
surface of the 3-dimensional system when the number of atomic layers increases.
This is accompanied by formation of the spiral nodal lines in the bulk. We also
discuss the topological quantum phase transition at which the surface flat band
shrinks and changes its chirality, while the nodal spiral changes its helicity.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figure
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