8,775 research outputs found
Multilevel blocking Monte Carlo simulations for quantum dots
This article provides an introduction to the ideas behind the multilevel
blocking (MLB) approach to the fermion sign problem in path-integral Monte
Carlo simulations, and also gives a detailed discussion of MLB results for
quantum dots. MLB can turn the exponential severity of the sign problem into an
algebraic one, thereby enabling numerically exact studies of otherwise
inaccessible systems. Low-temperature simulation results for up to eight
strongly correlated electrons in a parabolic 2D quantum dot are presented.Comment: 10 Pages, includes 4 figures and mprocl.st
Relieving the fermionic and the dynamical sign problem: Multilevel Blocking Monte Carlo simulations
This article gives an introduction to the multilevel blocking (MLB) approach
to both the fermion and the dynamical sign problem in path-integral Monte Carlo
simulations. MLB is able to substantially relieve the sign problem in many
situations. Besides an exposition of the method, its accuracy and several
potential pitfalls are discussed, providing guidelines for the proper choice of
certain MLB parameters. Simulation results are shown for strongly interacting
electrons in a 2D parabolic quantum dot, the real-time dynamics of several
simple model systems, and the dissipative two-state dynamics (spin-boson
problem).Comment: Review, 20 pages REVTeX, incl. 7 figure
Large-Scale Simulations of the Two-Dimensional Melting of Hard Disks
Large-scale computer simulations involving more than a million particles have
been performed to study the melting transition in a two-dimensional hard disk
fluid. The van der Waals loop previously observed in the pressure-density
relationship of smaller simulations is shown to be an artifact of finite-size
effects. Together with a detailed scaling analysis of the bond orientation
order, the new results provide compelling evidence for the
Halperin-Nelson-Young picture. Scaling analysis of the translational order also
yields a lower bound for the melting density that is much higher than
previously thought.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Clinical audit project in undergraduate medical education curriculum: An assessment validation study
Objectives: To evaluate the merit of the Clinical Audit Project (CAP) in an assessment program for undergraduate medical education using a systematic assessment validation framework.
Methods: A cross-sectional assessment validation study at one medical school in Western Australia, with retrospective qualitative analysis of the design, development, implementation and outcomes of the CAP, and quantitative analysis of assessment data from four cohorts of medical students (2011-2014).
Results: The CAP is fit for purpose with clear external and internal alignment to expected medical graduate outcomes. Substantive validity in students’ and examiners’ response processes is ensured through relevant methodological and cognitive processes. Multiple validity features are built-in to the design, planning and implementation process of the CAP. There is evidence of high internal consistency reliability of CAP scores (Cronbach’s alpha \u3e 0.8) and inter-examiner consistency reliability (intra-class correlation\u3e0.7). Aggregation of CAP scores is psychometrically sound, with high internal consistency indicating one common underlying construct. Significant but moderate correlations between CAP scores and scores from other assessment modalities indicate validity of extrapolation and alignment between the CAP and the overall target outcomes of medical graduates. Standard setting, score equating and fair decision rules justify consequential validity of CAP scores interpretation and use.
Conclusions: This study provides evidence demonstrating that the CAP is a meaningful and valid component in the assessment program. This systematic framework of validation can be adopted for all levels of assessment in medical education, from individual assessment modality, to the validation of an assessment program as a whole
Is the direct observation of electronic coherence in electron transfer reactions possible?
The observability of electronic coherence in electron transfer reactions is
discussed. We show that under appropriate circumstances large-amplitude
oscillations can be found in the electronic occupation probabilities. The
initial preparation of the system is of crucial importance for this effect, and
we discuss conditions under which experiments detecting electronic coherence
should be feasible. The Feynman-Vernon influence functional formalism is
extended to examine more general and experimentally relevant initial
preparations. Analytical expressions and path integral quantum dynamics
simulations were developed to study the effects of various initial preparations
on the observability of electronic coherence.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, to be published in J. Chem. Phy
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