Optimization Strategies in Complex Systems

We consider a class of combinatorial optimization problems that emerge in a variety of domains among which: condensed matter physics, theory of financial risks, error correcting codes in information transmissions, molecular and protein conformation, image restoration. We show the performances of two algorithms, the``greedy'' (quick decrease along the gradient) and the``reluctant'' (slow decrease close to the level curves) as well as those of a``stochastic convex interpolation''of the two. Concepts like the average relaxation time and the wideness of the attraction basin are analyzed and their system size dependence illustrated.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure

O(N) Fluctuations and Lattice Distortions in 1-Dimensional Systems

Statistical mechanics harmonizes mechanical and thermodynamical quantities, via the notion of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). In absence of external drivings, LTE becomes equilibrium tout court, and states are characterized by several thermodynamic quantities, each of which is associated with negligibly fluctuating microscopic properties. Under small driving and LTE, locally conserved quantities are transported as prescribed by linear hydrodynamic laws, in which the local material properties of the system are represented by the transport coefficients. In 1-dimensional systems, on the other hand, various anomalies are reported, such as the dependence of the heat conductivity on the global state, rather than on the local state. Such deductions, that rely on the existence of thermodynamic quantities like temperature and heat, are here interpreted within the framework of boundary driven 1-dimensional Lennard-Jones chains of N oscillators. It is found that these chains experience non-negligible O(N) lattice distortions, resulting in strongly inhomogeneous systems, and O(N) position fluctuations, that are in contrast with the requirements of LTE

Dissipation function: Nonequilibrium physics and dynamical systems

An exact response theory has recently been developed within the field of Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics. Its main ingredient is known as the Dissipation Function, W. This quantity determines nonequilbrium properties like thermodynamic potentials do with equilibrium states. In particular, Ω can be used to determine the exact response of particle systems obeying classical mechanical laws, subjected to perturbations of arbitrary size. Under certain conditions, it can also be used to express the response of a single system, in contrast to the standard response theory, which concerns ensembles of identical systems. The dimensions of Ω are those of a rate, hence Ω can be associated with the entropy production rate, provided local thermodynamic equilibrium holds. When this is not the case for a particle system, or generic dynamical systems are considered, Ω can equally be defined, and it yields formal, thermodynamic-like, relations. While such relations may have no physical content, they may still constitute interesting characterizations of the relevant dynamics. Moreover, such a formal approach turns physically relevant, because it allows a deeper analysis of Ω and of response theory than possible in case of fully fledged physical models. Here, we investigate the relation between linear and exact response, pointing out conditions for the validity of the response theory, as well as difficulties and opportunities for the physical interpretation of certain formal results

Anomalies, absence of local equilibrium and universality in 1-d particles systems

One dimensional systems are under intense investigation, both from theoretical and experimental points of view, since they have rather peculiar characteristics which are of both conceptual and technological interest. We analyze the dependence of the behaviour of one dimensional, time reversal invariant, nonequilibrium systems on the parameters defining their microscopic dynamics. In particular, we consider chains of identical oscillators interacting via hard core elastic collisions and harmonic potentials, driven by boundary Nos\'e-Hoover thermostats. Their behaviour mirrors qualitatively that of stochastically driven systems, showing that anomalous properties are typical of physics in one dimension. Chaos, by itslef, does not lead to standard behaviour, since it does not guarantee local thermodynamic equilibrium. A linear relation is found between density fluctuations and temperature profiles. This link and the temporal asymmetry of fluctuations of the main observables are robust against modifications of thermostat parameters and against perturbations of the dynamics.Comment: 26 pages, 16 figures, revised text, two appendices adde

The Didactic Contract to Interpret Some Statistical Evidence in Mathematics Standardized Assessment Tests

In this study we analyse results of Italian standardized tests in mathematics integrating quantitative analysis based on the Rasch Model and didactical interpretation. We use specific graphs to analyse the trend of each answer as function of the students' math ability. This approach led us to focus on specific items in which a wrong answer results particularly popular among medium/high level students and analyse this particular trend with the lenses of math education theories. The study reveals that these phenomena are particularly related to implicit and explicit rules governing classroom practices exist at all school levels and regard different mathematical content and skills

On the structure of correlations in the three dimensional spin glasses

We investigate the low temperature phase of three-dimensional Edwards-Anderson model with Bernoulli random couplings. We show that at a fixed value $Q$ of the overlap the model fulfills the clustering property: the connected correlation functions between two local overlaps decay as a power whose exponent is independent of $Q$ for all $0\le |Q| < q_{EA}$. Our findings are in agreement with the RSB theory and show that the overlap is a good order parameter.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Interaction Flip Identities for non Centered Spin Glasses

We consider spin glass models with non-centered interactions and investigate the effect, on the random free energies, of flipping the interaction in a subregion of the entire volume. A fluctuation bound obtained by martingale methods produces, with the help of integration by parts technique, a family of polynomial identities involving overlaps and magnetizations

Aclaración sobre una cita errónea de Ilex pseudothea (Aquifoliaceae) para Entre Ríos, Argentina

The exclusion of Ilex pseudothea Reissek from the Argentinean flora is confirmed through the examination of the specimens collected by Lorentz in the province of Entre Ríos. These specimens are here identified as Xylosma venosaN. E. Br. (Salicaceae), and their previously suggested assignment to Schinus(Anacardiaceae) is thus also rejectedSe confirma la exclusión de Ilex pseudothea Reissek de la flora argentina, tras el examen de los ejemplares coleccionados por Lorentz en la provincia de Entre Ríos. En consecuencia, esos materiales se determinan como Xylosma venosa N. E. Br. (Salicaceae), rechazando asimismo la posibilidad sugerida de que dichos especímenes pudieran pertenecer a Schinus (Anacardiaceae)