Transverse and longitudinal components of the propagating and evanescent waves associated to radially-polarized nonparaxial fields

A comparison is established between the contributions of transverse and longitudinal components of both the propagating and the evanescent waves associated to freely propagating radially polarized nonparaxial beams. Attention is focused on those fields that remain radially polarized upon propagation. In terms of the plane-wave angular spectrum of these fields, analytical expressions are given for determining both the spatial shape of the above components and their relative weight integrated over the whole transverse plane. The results are applied to two kinds of doughnut-like beams with radial polarization, and we compare the behavior of such fields at two transverse planes.

Improving the performance of the single-dish Cherenkov telescope MAGIC through the use of signal timing

The Cherenkov light flashes produced by Extensive Air Showers are very short in time. A high bandwidth and fast digitizing readout, therefore, can minimize the influence of the background from the light of the night sky, and improve the performance in Cherenkov telescopes. The time structure of the Cherenkov image can further be used in single-dish Cherenkov telescopes as an additional parameter to reduce the background from unwanted hadronic showers. A description of an analysis method which makes use of the time information and the subsequent improvement on the performance of the MAGIC telescope (especially after the upgrade with an ultra fast 2 GSamples/s digitization system in February 2007) will be presented. The use of timing information in the analysis of the new MAGIC data reduces the background by a factor two, which in turn results in an enhancement of about a factor 1.4 of the flux sensitivity to point-like sources, as tested on observations of the Crab Nebula.

Estudio de los tumores óseos mediante el tratamiento de imágenes digitalizadas

Aquest informe tècnic mostra la classificació, incidència, característiques i diagnòstic dels tumors ossis primaris i secundaris metastàsics més freqüents a partir de 145 radiografies digitalitzades

¿De qué se ocupan las enfermeras? Estudio transversal de la producción científica reciente

Introducción: Los artículos científicos constituyen una de las formas más importantes de comunicación entre los profesionales. En enfermería, los artículos científicos persiguen varios objetivos, entre ellos, diseminar los avances realizados en los diferentes campos de la disciplina enfermera. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una aproximación a los avances, las tendencias y las innovaciones en enfermería mediante un análisis breve de la producción científica reciente. Método: Estudio descriptivo y transversal. Inclusión de 161 artículos científicos publicados en revistas de enfermería indexadas en Pubmed, mediante selección aleatoria simple. Recogida de datos estructurada en una matriz con 5 variables principales: indicadores geográficos, variables indicadoras del tipo de estudio, indicadores de la población estudiada, indicadores de los ámbitos de interés disciplinar y fenómenos de interés disciplinar. Estrategia de análisis descriptiva. Resultados: Los países anglosajones son los principales productores de artículos enfermeros. Por tipo de estudio, los diseños epidemiológicos-cuantitativos son los más frecuentes; los ensayos cualitativos representan el 22,6%. Las poblaciones de estudio más frecuentes son las personas enfermas y las propias enfermeras. Por ámbitos de interés disciplinar destacan las publicaciones de cuidados de enfermería médico-quirúrgica. Conclusiones: El estudio de la producción científica enfermera facilita la reflexión acerca de los fenómenos de estudio disciplinares y refleja la realidad del desarrollo de las ciencias enfermeras y de su aportación social. Los resultados de este análisis incluyen una orientación diagnóstica sobre qué investigan las enfermeras, en qué poblaciones lo hacen, desde qué ámbito de la práctica y desde qué paradigma científico.

Intensidad de cuidados enfermeros: ¿cargas de trabajo o complejidad individual?

Objetivo: explorar la identificación de los factores individuales de complejidad de cuidados en enfermos hospitalizados. Método: se empleó un diseño cualitativo de investigación-acción participativa con el método de análisis directo de contenido de los breves relatos de los participantes, enfermeras y enfermeros de los hospitales del lnstituto Catalán de la Salud, sobre casos en los que hubieran experimentado situaciones de complejidad. La suficiencia muestral se estableció a partir del criterio de saturación de la información. Los participantes fueron invitados a formar parte de una ronda de talleres/sesiones de discusión que se hicieron durante 18 meses. Uno de los investigadores recogía por escrito las opiniones de los participantes, mientras el otro moderaba el debate y realizaba preguntas reflexivas sobre el contenido de la propuesta. Posteriormente se invitaba a los participantes a organizarse en pequeños grupos para discutir y registrar en un fomulario individual, breves narrativas sobre casos en los que hubieran experimentado situaciones de complejidad. Resultados: el número de relatos breves incluidos en el análisis final fue de 287. Los factores individuales de complejidad de cuidados incluye cinco dominios: (1) evolutivo, (2) mental y cognitivo, (3) psicoemocional, (4) sociocultural y (5) comorbilidad y complicaciones. La complejidad individual de cuidados se estructura fuentes, factores y especificaciones. Conclusiones: de los cinco ejes de complejidad identificados en el Modelo Vectorial de Complejidad de Safford, cuatro coinciden parcialmente con el análisis presentado. La arquitectura de la complejidad de cuidados debería incluir una consideración multiperspectiva, incluyendo los ejes de complejidad individual, terapéutica-procedimental y organizativa.

Satisfaction with pregnancy and delivery services: The quality of maternity care services as experienced by women

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the opinions of women regarding the satisfaction about the quality of maternity care received. We hope to establish whether health care technology increases satisfaction or whether it actually interferes with the construction of personal satisfaction in the process of care. Design and setting: Information was gathered using the focus group technique. The area of study comprised the post-natal groups run as part of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme of the Catalan Health Authority. (Spain) Participants: Five focus groups were held between May 2006 and July 2007. Findings: Quality of care is a complex concept in which a number of independent core features can be identified. We have grouped these core features into three basic categories. Safety: the hospital and its technological facilities, and the technical expertise of health professionals. The other two main pillars of quality of care are the human dimension of the relationship between the carers and the patient, and finally the structural aspects that determine the context in which the heath care is provided. Key conclusions and implications for practice: The mothers of our study feel satisfied with healthcare technology and view it as a source of security; technology become indispensable features in order to reduce the anxiety provoked by the perceived lack of confidence in their ability as mothers. In this study, women, both during pregnancy and especially when giving birth, believe their feelings and values should be understood by professionals, from whom they seek empathy and a personal commitment, and not just information.

Intensidad de cuidados enfermeros: ¿cargas de trabajo o complejidad individual?

Objetivo: explorar la identificación de los factores individuales de complejidad de cuidados en enfermos hospitalizados. Método: se empleó un diseño cualitativo de investigación-acción participativa con el método de análisis directo de contenido de los breves relatos de los participantes, enfermeras y enfermeros de los hospitales del lnstituto Catalán de la Salud, sobre casos en los que hubieran experimentado situaciones de complejidad. La suficiencia muestral se estableció a partir del criterio de saturación de la información. Los participantes fueron invitados a formar parte de una ronda de talleres/sesiones de discusión que se hicieron durante 18 meses. Uno de los investigadores recogía por escrito las opiniones de los participantes, mientras el otro moderaba el debate y realizaba preguntas reflexivas sobre el contenido de la propuesta. Posteriormente se invitaba a los participantes a organizarse en pequeños grupos para discutir y registrar en un fomulario individual, breves narrativas sobre casos en los que hubieran experimentado situaciones de complejidad. Resultados: el número de relatos breves incluidos en el análisis final fue de 287. Los factores individuales de complejidad de cuidados incluye cinco dominios: (1) evolutivo, (2) mental y cognitivo, (3) psicoemocional, (4) sociocultural y (5) comorbilidad y complicaciones. La complejidad individual de cuidados se estructura fuentes, factores y especificaciones. Conclusiones: de los cinco ejes de complejidad identificados en el Modelo Vectorial de Complejidad de Safford, cuatro coinciden parcialmente con el análisis presentado. La arquitectura de la complejidad de cuidados debería incluir una consideración multiperspectiva, incluyendo los ejes de complejidad individual, terapéutica-procedimental y organizativa.

Satisfaction with pregnancy and delivery services: The quality of maternity care services as experienced by women

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the opinions of women regarding the satisfaction about the quality of maternity care received. We hope to establish whether health care technology increases satisfaction or whether it actually interferes with the construction of personal satisfaction in the process of care. Design and setting: Information was gathered using the focus group technique. The area of study comprised the post-natal groups run as part of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme of the Catalan Health Authority. (Spain) Participants: Five focus groups were held between May 2006 and July 2007. Findings: Quality of care is a complex concept in which a number of independent core features can be identified. We have grouped these core features into three basic categories. Safety: the hospital and its technological facilities, and the technical expertise of health professionals. The other two main pillars of quality of care are the human dimension of the relationship between the carers and the patient, and finally the structural aspects that determine the context in which the heath care is provided. Key conclusions and implications for practice: The mothers of our study feel satisfied with healthcare technology and view it as a source of security; technology become indispensable features in order to reduce the anxiety provoked by the perceived lack of confidence in their ability as mothers. In this study, women, both during pregnancy and especially when giving birth, believe their feelings and values should be understood by professionals, from whom they seek empathy and a personal commitment, and not just information.

Different Storing and Processing Conditions of Human Lymphocytes do not Alter P-Glycoprotein Rhodamine 123 Efflux.

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a protein codified by Multi Drug Resistance (MDR1) gene, has a detoxifying function and might influence the toxicity and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. Sampling strategies to improve Pgp studies could be useful to optimize the sensitivity and the reproducibility of efflux assays. This study aimed to compare Pgp expression and efflux activity by measuring Rhodamine123 (Rh123) retention in lymphocytes stored under different conditions, in order to evaluate the potential utility of any of the storing conditions in Pgp functionality. Our results show no change in protein expression of Pgp by confocal studies and Western blotting, nor changes at the mRNA level (qRT-PCR). No differences in Rh123 efflux by Pgp activity assays were found between fresh and frozen lymphocytes after 24 hours of blood extraction, using either of the two Pgp specific inhibitors (VP and PSC833). Different working conditions in the 24 hours post blood extraction do not affect Rh123 efflux. These results allow standardization of Pgp activity measurement in different individuals with different timing of blood sampling and in different geographic areas. _______________

On the physical realizability of highly focused electromagnetic field distributions

A method to evaluate the physical realizability of an arbitrary three-dimensional vectorial field distribution in the focal area is proposed. A parameter that measures the similarity between the designed (target) field and the physically achievable beam is provided. This analysis is carried out within the framework of the closest electromagnetic field to a given vectorial function, and the procedure is applied to two illustrative cases.

Design of highly focused fields that remain unpolarized on axis

Research on the properties of highly focused fields mainly involved fully polarized light, whereas partially polarized waves received less attention. The aim of this Letter is to provide an appropriate framework, for designing some features of the focused field, when dealing with incoming partially polarized beams. In particular, in this Letter, we describe how to get an unpolarized field on the axis of a high numerical aperture objective lens. Some numerical results that corroborate theoretical predictions are provided.

Experimental implementation of tightly focused beams with unpolarized transversal component at any plane

The aim of this paper is to provide a formal framework for designing highly focused fields with specific transversal features when the incoming beam is partially polarized. More specifically, we develop a field with a transversal component that remains unpolarized in the focal area. Moreover, its longitudinal component exhibits non-zero values on axis. Special attention is paid to the design of the input beam and the development of the experiment. The implementation of such fields is possible by using an interferometric setup combined with the use of digital holography techniques. Experimental results are compared with those obtained numerically.

Optical Encryption using Photon-Counting Polarimetric Imaging

We present a polarimetric-based optical encoder for image encryption and verification. A system for generating random polarized vector keys based on a Mach-Zehnder configuration combined with translucent liquid crystal displays in each path of the interferometer is developed. Polarization information of the encrypted signal is retrieved by taking advantage of the information provided by the Stokes parameters. Moreover, photon-counting model is used in the encryption process which provides data sparseness and nonlinear transformation to enhance security. An authorized user with access to the polarization keys and the optical design variables can retrieve and validate the photon-counting plain-text. Optical experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the encryption method.

Projecte de definició d'un model de gestió de documents electrònics per a l'e-Administració de Catalunya

TFG sobre un projecte de definició d'un model de gestió de documents electrònics, el qual pot ajudar a definir una guia bàsica per a la definició, planificació i execució d'un projecte d'aquestes característiques en el marc de la e-Administració, considerant la dificultat que pot suposar per a determinades administracions, en especial les de menor volum i capacitat, i amb menys infraestructura, adequar un nombre tan elevat de requeriments a la seva realitat de negoci (cultura i processos) i a la seva infraestructura tecnològica, sense oblidar la necessitat de contenir al màxim la despesa.

A topical microemulsion for the prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms: results of a randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicentre, multinational clinical trial (Nares study)

Background: Since barrier protection measures to avoid contact with allergens are being increasingly developed, we assessed the clinical efficacy and tolerability of a topical nasal microemulsion made of glycerol esters in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods: Randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicentre, multinational clinical trial in which adult patients with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis due to sensitization to birch, grass or olive tree pollens received treatment with topical microemulsion or placebo during the pollen seasons. Efficacy variables included scores in the mini-RQLQ questionnaire, number and severity of nasal, ocular and lung signs and symptoms, need for symptomatic medications and patients" satisfaction with treatment. Adverse events were also recorded. Results: Demographic characteristics were homogeneous between groups and mini-RQLQ scores did not differ significantly at baseline (visit 1). From symptoms recorded in the diary cards, the ME group showed statistically significant better scores for nasal congestion (0.72 vs. 1.01; p = 0.017) and mean total nasal symptoms (0.7 vs. 0.9; p = 0.045). At visit 2 (pollen season), lower values were observed in the mini-RQLQ in the ME group, although there were no statistically significant differences between groups in both full analysis set (FAS) and patients completing treatment (PPS) populations. The results obtained in the nasal symptoms domain of the mini-RQLQ at visit 2 showed the highest difference (−0.43; 95% CI: -0.88 to 0.02) for the ME group in the FAS population. The topical microemulsion was safe and well tolerated and no major discomforts were observed. Satisfaction rating with the treatment was similar between the groups. Conclusions: The topical application of the microemulsion is a feasible and safe therapy in the prevention of allergic symptoms, particularly nasal congestion.