Effect of disorder on quantum phase transitions in anisotropic XY spin chains in a transverse field

We present some exact results for the effect of disorder on the critical properties of an anisotropic XY spin chain in a transverse held. The continuum limit of the corresponding fermion model is taken and in various cases results in a Dirac equation with a random mass. Exact analytic techniques can then be used to evaluate the density of states and the localization length. In the presence of disorder the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic or Ising transition of the model is in the same universality class as the random transverse field Ising model solved by Fisher using a real-space renormalization-group decimation technique (RSRGDT). If there is only randomness in the anisotropy of the magnetic exchange then the anisotropy transition (from a ferromagnet in the x direction to a ferromagnet in the y direction) is also in this universality class. However, if there is randomness in the isotropic part of the exchange or in the transverse held then in a nonzero transverse field the anisotropy transition is destroyed by the disorder. We show that in the Griffiths' phase near the Ising transition that the ground-state energy has an essential singularity. The results obtained for the dynamical critical exponent, typical correlation length, and for the temperature dependence of the specific heat near the Ising transition agree with the results of the RSRODT and numerical work. [S0163-1829(99)07125-8].

Adapting Meeting Tools to Agent Decision

Electricity markets are complex environments comprising several negotiation mechanisms. MASCEM (Multi- Agent System for Competitive Electricity Markets) is a simulator developed to allow deep studies of the interactions between the players that take part in the electricity market negotiations. ALBidS (Adaptive Learning Strategic Bidding System) is a multiagent system created to provide decision support to market negotiating players. Fully integrated with MASCEM it considers several different methodologies based on very distinct approaches. The Six Thinking Hats is a powerful technique used to look at decisions from different perspectives. This paper aims to complement ALBidS strategies usage by MASCEM players, providing, through the Six Thinking Hats group decision technique, a means to combine them and take advantages from their different perspectives. The combination of the different proposals resulting from ALBidS’ strategies is performed through the application of a Genetic Algorithm, resulting in an evolutionary learning approach.

Six thinking hats: A novel metalearner for intelligent decision support in electricity markets

The energy sector has suffered a significant restructuring that has increased the complexity in electricity market players' interactions. The complexity that these changes brought requires the creation of decision support tools to facilitate the study and understanding of these markets. The Multiagent Simulator of Competitive Electricity Markets (MASCEM) arose in this context, providing a simulation framework for deregulated electricity markets. The Adaptive Learning strategic Bidding System (ALBidS) is a multiagent system created to provide decision support to market negotiating players. Fully integrated with MASCEM, ALBidS considers several different strategic methodologies based on highly distinct approaches. Six Thinking Hats (STH) is a powerful technique used to look at decisions from different perspectives, forcing the thinker to move outside its usual way of thinking. This paper aims to complement the ALBidS strategies by combining them and taking advantage of their different perspectives through the use of the STH group decision technique. The combination of ALBidS' strategies is performed through the application of a genetic algorithm, resulting in an evolutionary learning approach.

Satisfação de clientes em instituições sem fins lucrativos : um estudo de caso : avaliando as percepções dos públicos envolvidos

Este trabalho de conclusão aborda a satisfação de clientes em uma organização sem fins lucrativos. Através de um estudo de caso, procedeu-se uma avaliação qualitativa por meio de observação participante do pesquisador, percepções dos professores e acadêmicos envolvidos no atendimento prestado pelo Serviço de Nutrição do Centro Universitário Franciscano- UNIFRA, e também dos usuários finais do serviço. Objetivou-se, assim, avaliar como a satisfação de clientes é gerenciada neste serviço, usando-se as variáveis de pesquisa: estratégia, sistemas e pessoas como norteadoras das investigações efetuadas. Com o intuito de atingir os propósitos do estudo, o público envolvido no atendimento, composto por coordenador do serviço e professores, foi ouvido por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas. No público constituído de acadêmicos que prestam o atendimento e usuários do serviço foi utilizada a técnica de entrevista de grupos focalizados. Para o tratamento dos dados coletados procedeu-se a sua descrição, análise e interpretação. A análise dos resultados foi apresentada em blocos que contemplam: estratégia, sistemas e pessoas. As opiniões emitidas pelos públicos consultados e a observação do pesquisador apontaram acertos e oportunidades de melhoria no serviço prestado, dando indicativos de dimensões importantes para o gerenciamento da satisfação de clientes deste serviço.

A palavra cantada nos espaços intersubjetivos de um centro de atenção psisossocial do município do Natal/RN

The psychiatric care and mental health are undergoing constant change over the History. The Brazilian Psychiatric Reform, which brings up the deinstitutionalization as a structuring in the restorative care process. The Reform has as one of the mainly substitutive services the Centers for Psychosocial Care (CAPS), which work from the Singular Therapeutic Project (PTS) in order to restore the autonomy and restore the dignity of users. The therapeutic workshop is some of the resources used and work several kinds of activities as: writing, handcraft, music, poetry, and so forth. This study set up to apprehend the social representations of helping of the music workshop carried out in the CAPS II east of Natal/RN, from the reports given by the participants of the workshop, using the focal group as technique. This is a descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach. A total of 16 users participated in four musical therapeutic workshops from April to May 2010. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of UFRN. The discursive material from the workshop was submitted to the informational resource of Analyse Lexicale par Contexte d um Ensemble de Segments de Texte, ALCESTE, and analyzed based on the Theory of Representations and the Central Core Theory. The majority of subjects were men (62.5%), single (62.5%), aged 40-49 years (37.6%) and elementary school level (56.2 %). The reports were transcribed and submitted to the classification system of ALCESTE, which elected the following categories: Category 1 - Experience in the Word Family Sung, Category 2 - Musical Experiences and Approaches, and Category 3 - Feelings and emotions evoked by music. The representation of these individuals is anchored in the experience they have with the CAPS, lived and socialized by common sense, through this particular social group workshop objectified in music therapy as a therapeutic modality enjoyable. The central core revealed the intrinsic relationship between users and the music, establishing a relationship of openness to use the same while its therapeutic use in workshops of substitute services for mental health. Peripherals elements issues are related to listen, share and experience music in the family. Intermediary Elements relate to the feelings and emotions evoked by music, given her close relationship with it. It was found in the study that music can be construed as an artifact of good therapeutic responsiveness to users, configuring it as an invigorating and enjoyable therapy, confirming the need for continuity of this activity, as well as its expansion into the service

Accuracy of impression techniques for implants. Part 1 - Influence of transfer copings surface abrasion

Purpose: This study evaluated the influence of surface abrasion of transfer copings to obtain a precise master cast for a partially edentulous restoration with different inclinations. Materials and Methods: Replicas (N = 30) of a metal matrix (control group) containing two implants at 90° and 65° in relation to the benchtop were obtained using a polyether impression material and three impression techniques: square impression copings splint with dental floss and autopolymerizing acrylic resin (TRS), square impression copings abraded with aluminum oxide (TA), and square impression copings abraded with aluminum oxide and adhesive-coated (TAA). The replicas obtained in type V stone were digitalized, and the images were exported to AutoCAD software to perform the readings of possible degree alterations in implant inclinations. The results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test (α < 0.05). Results: Comparing the techniques with regard to the 90° implant inclination, no statistical difference was observed between the three techniques and the control group. Analyzing the three techniques with regard to the 65° implant inclination, no significant difference was seen between technique TA and the control group. Conclusions: Technique TA presented more accurate master casts than TRS and TAA techniques. The angulated implant (65°) tended to generate more imprecise master casts than implants perpendicular to the surface. © 2008 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

Expressão de sofrimento psíquico, itinerário terapêutico e alternativas de tratamento: a voz de mulheres atendidas no serviço de saúde mental de um Centro de Saúde Escola

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Spectroscopic analysis of C80 doping with group III and group V elements using semiempirical PM3 molecular modelling technique

Semiempirical calculations at the level of PM3 of theory were carried out to study the structural and electronic properties of C80 and some of its doped derivatives with the elements of group III and V at the level of PM3 of theory. We have selected these elements to be substituted in the fullerene-C80 cage in order to show the effect of such structural change on the electronic properties of the molecules studied. The theoretical IR spectra, some of physical and chemical properties of the molecules studied are obtained and discussed.

Evaluation technique designed to investigate the efficacy of a group communication-based aural rehabilitation program for hearing-impaired adults

This paper studies aural rehabilitation efforts designed to address the compensatory strategies used by hearing-impaired adults and evaluates the success of an eight week group communications-based therapy program.

Be careful how you ask! Using focus groups and nominal group technique to explore the barriers to learning

Schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils who experience barriers to learning. Inclusive approaches to data collection ensure that the needs of all children who are struggling are not overlooked. However, it is important that the methods promote sustained reflection on the part of all children, do not inadvertently accentuate differences between pupils, and do not allow individual needs to go unrecognized. This paper examines more closely the processes involved in using Nominal Group Technique to collect the views of children with and without a disability on the difficulties experienced in school. Data were collected on the process as well as the outcomes of using this technique to examine how pupil views are transformed from the individual to the collective, a process that involves making the private, public. Contrasts are drawn with questionnaire data, another method of data collection favoured by teachers. Although more time-efficient this can produce unclear and cursory responses. The views that surface from pupils need also to be seen within the context of the ways in which schools customize the data collection process and the ways in which the format and organization of the activity impact on the responses and responsiveness of the pupils.

IMPROVEMENT TO THE MARGINAL COPING FIT of COMMERCIALLY PURE TITANIUM CAST IN PHOSPHATE-BONDED INVESTMENT BY USING A SIMPLE PATTERN COATING TECHNIQUE

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

IMPROVEMENT TO THE MARGINAL COPING FIT OF COMMERCIALLY PURE TITANIUM CAST IN PHOSPHATE-BONDED INVESTMENT BY USING A SIMPLE PATTERN COATING TECHNIQUE

Statement of problem. Coatings of zirconite, Y2O3 or ZrO2 on wax patterns before investing in phosphate-bonded investments have been recommended to reduce the reaction layer in titanium castings, but they are not easily obtainable. Spinel-based investments are relatively stable with molten titanium and could be used as coatings to improve the quality of castings made with those investments. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pattern coating with a commercial spinel-based investment before investing in 1 of 3 phosphate-bonded investments on the marginal coping fit and surface roughness of commercially pure titanium castings. Material and methods. Ten square acrylic resin patterns (12 x 12 x 2 mm) per group were invested in the phosphate-bonded investments Rematitan Plus (RP), Rema Exakt (RE), and Castorit Super C (CA) with or without a coating of the spinel-based investment, Rematitan Ultra (RU). After casting, the specimens were cleaned and the surface roughness was measured with a profilometer. Copings for dental implants with conical abutment were invested, eliminated, and cast as previously described. The copings were cleaned and misfit was measured with a profile projector (n=10). For both tests, the difference between the mean value of RU only and each value of the phosphate-bonded investment was calculated, and the data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (alpha=.05). In addition, the investment roughness was measured in bar specimens (30 x 10 x 10 mm), and the data (n=10) were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (alpha=.05). Results. Two-way ANOVA for casting surface roughness was significant because of the investment, the coating technique, and the interaction between variables. One-way ANOVA was performed to prove the interaction term, and Tukey's post hoc test showed that RP with coating had the lowest mean, while RP had the highest. CA with coating was not different from RP with coating or CA without coating. RE with coating was similar to CA, while RE was different from all groups. For coping marginal fit, the 2-way ANOVA was significant for the investment, the coating technique, and the interaction between variables. The interaction was analyzed by1-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test that showed no significant difference among the coated groups, which had better marginal fit than the groups without coating. Among the groups without coating, CA had significant lower marginal misfit than RP, while RE was not different from CA and RP. For the investment surface roughness, the 1-way ANOVA was significant. CA and RU were smoother than RE and RP (P<.001). Conclusions. The coating technique improved the quality of castings fabricated with phosphate-bonded investments. (J Prosthet Dent 2012;108:51-57)