Fractal properties of quantum spacetime

We show that in general a spacetime having a quantum group symmetry has also a scale dependent fractal dimension which deviates from its classical value at short scales, a phenomenon that resembles what observed in some approaches to quantum gravity. In particular we analyze the cases of a quantum sphere and of \k-Minkowski, the latter being relevant in the context of quantum gravity.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures; some minor corrections; reference adde

Characterization of qubit chains by Feynman probes

We address the characterization of qubit chains and assess the performances of local measurements compared to those provided by Feynman probes, i.e. nonlocal measurements realized by coupling a single qubit regis- ter to the chain. We show that local measurements are suitable to estimate small values of the coupling and that a Bayesian strategy may be successfully exploited to achieve optimal precision. For larger values of the coupling Bayesian local strategies do not lead to a consistent estimate. In this regime, Feynman probes may be exploited to build a consistent Bayesian estimator that saturates the Cram\'er-Rao bound, thus providing an effective characterization of the chain. Finally, we show that ultimate bounds to precision, i.e. saturation of the quantum Cram\'er-Rao bound, may be achieved by a two-step scheme employing Feynman probes followed by local measurements.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Dynamics of quantum correlations in colored environments

We address the dynamics of entanglement and quantum discord for two non interacting qubits initially prepared in a maximally entangled state and then subjected to a classical colored noise, i.e. coupled with an external environment characterized by a noise spectrum of the form $1/f^{\alpha}$. More specifically, we address systems where the Gaussian approximation fails, i.e. the sole knowledge of the spectrum is not enough to determine the dynamics of quantum correlations. We thus investigate the dynamics for two different configurations of the environment: in the first case the noise spectrum is due to the interaction of each qubit with a single bistable fluctuator with an undetermined switching rate, whereas in the second case we consider a collection of classical fluctuators with fixed switching rates. In both cases we found analytical expressions for the time dependence of entanglement and quantum discord, which may be also extended to a collection of flcutuators with random switching rates. The environmental noise is introduced by means of stochastic time-dependent terms in the Hamiltonian and this allows us to describe the effects of both separate and common environments. We show that the non-Gaussian character of the noise may lead to significant effects, e.g. environments with the same power spectrum, but different configurations, give raise to opposite behavior for the quantum correlations. In particular, depending on the characteristics of the environmental noise considered, both entanglement and discord display either a monotonic decay or the phenomena of sudden death and revivals. Our results show that the microscopic structure of environment, besides its noise spectrum, is relevant for the dynamics of quantum correlations, and may be a valid starting point for the engineering of non-Gaussian colored environments.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure

Spatial structures and dynamics of kinetically constrained models for glasses

Kob and Andersen's simple lattice models for the dynamics of structural glasses are analyzed. Although the particles have only hard core interactions, the imposed constraint that they cannot move if surrounded by too many others causes slow dynamics. On Bethe lattices a dynamical transition to a partially frozen phase occurs. In finite dimensions there exist rare mobile elements that destroy the transition. At low vacancy density, $v$, the spacing, $\Xi$, between mobile elements diverges exponentially or faster in $1/v$. Within the mobile elements, the dynamics is intrinsically cooperative and the characteristic time scale diverges faster than any power of $1/v$ (although slower than $\Xi$). The tagged-particle diffusion coefficient vanishes roughly as $\Xi^{-d}$.Comment: 4 pages. Accepted for pub. in Phys. Rev. Let

Effects of voids and flaws on the mechanical properties and on intergranular damage and fracture for polycrystalline materials

It is widely recognized that the macroscopic material properties depend on the features of the microstructure. The understanding of the links between microscopic and macroscopic material properties, main topic of Micromechanics, is of relevant technological interest, as it may enable the deep understanding of the mechanisms governing materials degradation and failure. Polycrystalline materials are used in many engineering applications. Their microstructure is determined by distribution, size, morphology, anisotropy and orientation of the crystals. It worth noting that also the physical-chemical properties of the intergranular interfaces, as well as the presence of micro-imperfections within the microstructure, have to be taken into account, as they may have to a strong influence on onset and evolution of damage

Evaluation of the residual carrying capacity of a large-scale model bridge through frequency shifts

Structural systems are often subjected to degradation processes due to different kinds of phenomena like unexpected loadings, ageing of the materials, and fatigue cycles. This is true, especially for bridges, in which their safety evaluation is crucial for planning maintenance activities. This paper discusses the experimental evaluation of the residual carrying capacity from frequency changes due to distributed damage scenarios. For this purpose, in the laboratory of the University of Bologna, an experimental reinforced concrete model bridge was built and loaded. The applied forces produced bending moments causing up to three increasing levels of damage severity, namely early and diffused concrete cracking, and finally rebar yielding. By processing the acceleration signals recorded during the dynamic tests on the model bridge, the main natural frequencies of the bridge were obtained and the remaining bearing capacity was estimated based on the damage state. The opening and closure of cracks during a dynamic excitation produced a biased estimation of natural frequencies related to each damaged condition. The frequency decay predicted by the theory of breathing cracks applied to the performed experiments properly estimated the losses in the carrying capacity

Lattice Glass Models

Motivated by the concept of geometrical frustration, we introduce a class of statistical mechanics lattice models for the glass transition. Monte Carlo simulations in three dimensions show that they display a dynamical glass transition which is very similar to that observed in other off-lattice systems and which does not depend on a specific dynamical rule. Whereas their analytic solution within the Bethe approximation shows that they do have a discontinuous glass transition compatible with the numerical observations.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures; minor change

Effects of hip abductor strengthening on musculoskeletal loading in hip dysplasia patients after total hip replacement

Hip dysplasia patients after total hip replacement show worse functional performance compared to primary osteoarthritis patients, and unfortunately there is no research on muscle and joint loads that would help understand rehabilitation effects, motor dysfunctions and failure events. We tested the hypothesis that a higher functional improvement in hip dysplasia patients who received hip abductor strengthening after hip replacement, would result in different gait function and musculoskeletal loads during walking compared to patients who performed standard rehabilitation only. In vivo gait analysis and musculoskeletal modeling were used to analyze the differences in gait parameters and hip and muscle forces during walking between the two groups of patients. We found that, in a functional scenario of very mild abnormalities, the patients who performed muscle strengthening expressed a more physiological force pattern and a generally greater force in the operated limb, although statistically significant in limited portions of the gait cycle, and likely related to a higher gait speed. We conclude that in a low-demand task, the abductor strengthening program does not have a marked effect on hip loads, and further studies on hip dysplasia patients would help clarify the effect of muscle strengthening on loads

Photoacoustic detection of circular dichroism in a square array of nano-helices

A novel nano-structured material has been assembled by means of a focused ion beam technique. This artificial material is composed of a square array of nano-helices built upon a multilayered substrate. Optical measurements of circular dichroism of a sample are confirmed by photo-acoustic investigations, which allow to directly study the helix-field interaction apart from the dielectric substrate. The study is consistent with 3D numerical simulations, and demonstrates to be an efficient tool of investigation for the entire class of these novel structured materials