The Off-forward Quark-Quark Correlation Function

The properties of the non-forward quark-quark correlation function are examined. We derive constraints on the correlation function from the transformation properties of the fundamental fields of QCD occurring in its definition. We further develop a method to construct an ansatz for this correlator. We present the complete leading order set of generalized parton distributions in terms of the amplitudes of the ansatz. Finally we conclude that the number of independent generalized parton helicity changing distributions is four.Comment: Accepted for publication in Physical Review

Zeno physics in ultrastrong circuit QED

We study the Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in a superconducting qubit interacting strongly and ultrastrongly with a microwave resonator. Using a model of a frequently measured two-level system interacting with a quantized mode, we show different behaviors and total control of the Zeno times depending on whether the rotating-wave approximation can be applied in the Jaynes-Cummings model, or not. We exemplify showing the strong dependence of our results with the properties of the initial field states and suggest applications for quantum tomography.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Un elemento finito 3D para el análisis cinemáticamente no lineal de láminas elastoplásticas

En el análisis de láminas elastoplásticas se debe recurrir a temías de la plasticidad ad hoc, no derivadas de la teoría tridimensional general sino postuladas a priori y basadas en muchas simplificaciones, o bien tratar el cuerpo como 3D. En este segundo caso, la utilización de elementos convencionales en el Método de los Elementos Finitos (M.E.F.) plantea importantes problemas numéricos, y requiere un tiempo de compntación excesivamente dilatado. En este escrito se presenta un elemento finito 3D pensado especialmente para superar estos inconvenientes. Su desarrollo consta de tres partes bien diferenciadas: la obtención de las inatrices cineináticas necesarias para la resolución del problema estático de un continuo 3D cualquiera, supuesta conocida la interpolación del campo de desplazamientos; la particularización de éstas al caso laminar, mediante el uso del mode1,o de comportamiento transversal CT1 coino función de interpolación en el espesor; y la reorganización del algoritmo resultante de las dos fases anteriores para evitar el aumento desmesurado del tiempo de cálculo cuando se increiiienta el número de puntas de integración en el espesor. Finalmente se incluyen varios ejeinplos que muestran el buen comportamiento del elemento presentado, cuyas principales ventajas son: en primer lugar, que permite proceciar un elevado número de puntos de integración en el espesor con un coste computacional razonable, y a continuación, la capacidad para tratar cualquier geometría de la superficie de referencia de modo muy sencillo pero sin introducir siiiiplificaciones, y la posibilidad de tratar otros tipos estructurales derivados del laminar utilizando el misnio algoritiiio.When dealing with elastoplastic shell analysis, we must appeal either to suitable theories of plasticity, which aren't the result of the general three-dimensional theory as they have been forinulated a priori and based on many siinplifications, or to the treateinent of the body as a tliree dimensional one (3D). In tlie second case, there are a lot of numerical probleins arising from the use of conventional eleinents in the Finite Elenient Metliod (F.E.M.), and also, a long tinie of computation isrequired. In this paper we present a 3D finite element, which is aimed at overcoming the aforesaid disavantages. Its development is divided into three different parts, first of all the obtention of the kinematic matrices required to solve a static problem of whatever 3D continuous medium, once the interpolation for the displacement field is known. Secondly, their particularization to tbe shell case, through the use of the model of transversal behaviour CTl as the function of interpolation in thickness. The third one is the reorganization of the resulting algorithm from the two previous steps to avoid an excessive increase in the calculation time when the number OS integration points in thickness is raised. Finally we include severa1 examples showing the good results of the described element, having some advantages such as: first, the processing of a high number of integration points with a reasonable computational cost; secondly, the ability to deal with any reference surface geometry in a very simple way, without introducing any simplification, and in the third place, the possibility to deal with other kinds of structures derived from the shell model by using the same algorithm.Peer Reviewe

Una generación energética de las condiciones de contorno en láminas de Love-Kirchhoff

Un problema clásico de la teoría de láminas de Love-Kirchhoff (lámina sin deformación transversal) reside en la correcta definición de las condiciones de contorno estáticas. Después de una serie de artículos principalmente dedicados a la presentación de teorías de láminas completas, autores exponen la obtención de las condiciones de contorno asociadas a una teoría incom.pleta como la de Love-Kirchhoff, denominada CTO en el texto, a partir de una formulación energética consistente con los trabajos anteriores.A classical problem in Love-Kirchhoff shell theory stays in statical boundary conditions definition. Following some papers mainly dedicated to the construction of complete shell theories, authors show how to obtain boundary conditions consistent with an uncomplete shell theory, as the Love-Kirchhoff theory, by an energy approach compatible with previous work.Peer Reviewe

Un elemento finito 3D para el análisis cinemáticamente no lineal de láminas elastoplásticas

En el análisis de láminas elastoplásticas se debe recurrir a temías de la plasticidad ad hoc, no derivadas de la teoría tridimensional general sino postuladas a priori y basadas en muchas simplificaciones, o bien tratar el cuerpo como 3D. En este segundo caso, la utilización de elementos convencionales en el Método de los Elementos Finitos (M.E.F.) plantea importantes problemas numéricos, y requiere un tiempo de compntación excesivamente dilatado. En este escrito se presenta un elemento finito 3D pensado especialmente para superar estos inconvenientes. Su desarrollo consta de tres partes bien diferenciadas: la obtención de las inatrices cineináticas necesarias para la resolución del problema estático de un continuo 3D cualquiera, supuesta conocida la interpolación del campo de desplazamientos; la particularización de éstas al caso laminar, mediante el uso del mode1,o de comportamiento transversal CT1 coino función de interpolación en el espesor; y la reorganización del algoritmo resultante de las dos fases anteriores para evitar el aumento desmesurado del tiempo de cálculo cuando se increiiienta el número de puntas de integración en el espesor. Finalmente se incluyen varios ejeinplos que muestran el buen comportamiento del elemento presentado, cuyas principales ventajas son: en primer lugar, que permite proceciar un elevado número de puntos de integración en el espesor con un coste computacional razonable, y a continuación, la capacidad para tratar cualquier geometría de la superficie de referencia de modo muy sencillo pero sin introducir siiiiplificaciones, y la posibilidad de tratar otros tipos estructurales derivados del laminar utilizando el misnio algoritiiio.When dealing with elastoplastic shell analysis, we must appeal either to suitable theories of plasticity, which aren't the result of the general three-dimensional theory as they have been forinulated a priori and based on many siinplifications, or to the treateinent of the body as a tliree dimensional one (3D). In tlie second case, there are a lot of numerical probleins arising from the use of conventional eleinents in the Finite Elenient Metliod (F.E.M.), and also, a long tinie of computation isrequired. In this paper we present a 3D finite element, which is aimed at overcoming the aforesaid disavantages. Its development is divided into three different parts, first of all the obtention of the kinematic matrices required to solve a static problem of whatever 3D continuous medium, once the interpolation for the displacement field is known. Secondly, their particularization to tbe shell case, through the use of the model of transversal behaviour CTl as the function of interpolation in thickness. The third one is the reorganization of the resulting algorithm from the two previous steps to avoid an excessive increase in the calculation time when the number OS integration points in thickness is raised. Finally we include severa1 examples showing the good results of the described element, having some advantages such as: first, the processing of a high number of integration points with a reasonable computational cost; secondly, the ability to deal with any reference surface geometry in a very simple way, without introducing any simplification, and in the third place, the possibility to deal with other kinds of structures derived from the shell model by using the same algorithm.Peer Reviewe

Microcredentials: an opportunity towards the digital transformation

This communication aims to present one of the online courses included in the Microcredentials portfolio of the Universidade Aberta, in Portugal. We start by presenting a framework of the European guidelines on Microcredentials, defining its main characteristics, namely highlighting its advantages in the context of reskilling or upskilling with a view to its applicability in the labor sector. Following the guidelines of the Portuguese Ministry of Higher Education, and specific EU funding under the Impulso Adultos programme, a proposal for a Microcredential in Digital and Distance Learning was conceptualized and developed for teachers´ training, with more than 1200 teachers already involved. An evaluation carried out through a survey delivered to trainees shows very positive results in all items evaluated, with strong emphasis on the transferability and applicability of the knowledge acquired to work contexts. These results show that this course, developed within the scope of Microcredentials, broadly meets the needs of reskilling and upskilling, which are increasingly important in the adaptability of adults to the new challenges that digital transformation implies.Project funded by the Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR), Portugal, and the European Union - Next Generation, EUinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Exploring the value and perception of microcredentials: a case study of the Universidade Aberta

The Universidade Aberta (UAb) – the Portuguese Open University - has extensive experience inproviding continuous professional development courses for adult learners, ranging frompostgraduate certificates to short learning programmes and MOOCs. In 2021, the UAb initiateda new portfolio of short learning opportunities leading to micro-credentials, driven by anationally-funded project called "Impulso Adultos" which aims to reskill and upskill the adultpopulation either already in work or looking to transition to a new professional opportunity.Micro-credentials are a form of recognition for learning that are based on short, stackable, andfocused learning blocks, leading learners to develop specific skills or competencies. The conceptof micro-credentials has gained popularity in recent years, initially in North America andAustralia, and more recently in Europe (Brown & Mhichil, 2022). When publishing its EuropeanSkills Agenda, the Commission set out policy priorities and actions aimed at increasing theemployability of citizens and boosting the skills for the workplace (European Skills Agenda forSustainable Competitiveness, Social Fairness and Resilience, 2020). In its action 10, theCommission set the ground for the relevance given to Micro-credentials. According to theCommission, Micro-credentials should: (i) encourage the take-up of flexible and quality-assuredcourses; (ii) make learning more visible and understood; (iii) be validated and guided; and (iv)should be easy to store and communicate through Europass. The UAb's portfolio of micro-credentials comprises over 20 courses, which have been offered tomore than 2,000 students over a period of two years. These courses cover various thematicareas, including distance and digital education, language and communication, sustainabledevelopment goals, and digital transition and transformation. All of these courses are deliveredonline and often involve collaborative development with industry and organizations. They aredesigned to be short (ranging from 1 to 4 ECTS) and cater to working students, typicallyrequiring around 7 hours of learning per week. Moreover, the assessments for these coursesare usually applicable within students' professional settings. UAb decided that the courses arepredominantly asynchronous to take advantage of the flexibility that online learning promotes.Students can access content anytime and from anywhere the flexibility of online learning suitsstudents’ needs and personal and professional commitments (Kumar, 2019) which is particularlyrelevant for adult learners that are, at the same time, employed. This communication will present an evaluation study of the UAb micro-credentials project, witha focus on assessing students' satisfaction, their perception of the relevance of the learningexperiences, and their views on the pedagogical approach and the framework employed. Giventhe limited research available on substantial cohorts of students attending micro-credentialsand their perception of the value of this type of recognition, this study aims to shed light on howstudents perceive and value micro-credentials. Furthermore, the findings of this research willprovide evidence that can inform other projects and institutions in shaping their strategicobjectives and initiatives in this domain.Impulso 2025, PRR, PortugalN/