Topological order, entanglement, and quantum memory at finite temperature

We compute the topological entropy of the toric code models in arbitrary dimension at finite temperature. We find that the critical temperatures for the existence of full quantum (classical) topological entropy correspond to the confinement-deconfinement transitions in the corresponding Z(2) gauge theories. This implies that the thermal stability of topological entropy corresponds to the stability of quantum (classical) memory. The implications for the understanding of ergodicity breaking in topological phases are discussed. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

TEX-A-SYST: Introduction

12 pp., 4 tablesTex-A-Syst is a series of publications to help rural residents assess the risk of ground water pollution and understand practices that can protect ground water. This introduction covers the characteristics of aquifers and explains how to conduct soil and geologic assessments

TEX-A-SYST: Reducing the Risk of Ground Water Contamination by Improving Pesticide Storage and Handling

12 pp., 1 illustration, drinking water well assessment tableProper pesticide management is important to preventing ground water contamination. This publication contains helpful information about pesticide storage facilities, mixing and loading practices, and spill cleanup. A chart lists pesticides according to their "leachability

Assessing the sustainability of cultured meat in optimized Danish diets

Reducing animal-sourced foods in diets saves a significant share of environmental impacts. Sustainable dietary patterns have proposed large reductions in red meats in particular. Foods with the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of diets are under increasing investigation, and cultured meat, produced by culturing animal cells, could play a key role, especially for diet transitions away from high red meat consumption. In this paper, the inclusion of cultured meat in optimized Danish diets is explored through minimizing climate impact in greenhouse gas emissions measured through Global Warming Potential (GWP) with ±30 %, 60 %, and 90 % stepwise changes from current diets while meeting nutritional requirements; the total consumer diet costs were also assessed. Three optimization models were run, one with a cultured meat diet (all animal-sourced meats are replaced with cultured meat), an omnivore diet (with conventional animal-sourced foods and no cultured meat), and a vegan diet (neither cultured meat nor other animal-sourced foods are allowed). Results revealed that both omnivore diets with and without cultured meat and vegan diets can achieve impact improvements compared to current diets. The greatest GWP reductions can be seen in the cultured meat diet (8.0 Mt CO2 eq./yr) and vegan diets (9.8 Mt CO2 eq./yr) with 90 % deviation in both from current diets. These reductions could represent potential Danish national emissions decrease of 21 % and 25 %, respectively, in 2022 impacts. Cultured meat diets resulted in the highest costs (11.58€/day) compared to the current diets (8.05€/day), vegan diets (6.49€/ day), and omnivore diets (6.11 €/day). This paper provides key information about diet shifts and the potential of novel foods to reduce carbon emissions compared with the current diets. Although the socio-cultural acceptability and technological readiness of cultured meat, which represent crucial prerequisites to its inclusion in diets, still need to be assessed

TEX-A-SYST: Reducing the Risk of Ground Water Contamination by Improving Milking Center Wastewater Treatment

8 pp., water well assessment tableStoring wastewater from the milking center and applying it to crops is the best method of preventing ground water contamination. This publication discusses proper methods of storing and applying such waste, with illustrations of a detention pond, grass filter bed, infiltration terrace, and contour terrace

TEX-A-SYST: Reducing the Risk of Ground Water Contamination by Improving Well-Head Management and Conditions

12 pp., 2 illustrations, drinking water well assessment tableThe condition of a water well and its proximity to contamination sources determine the risk it poses to ground water. Topics covered include well location, well construction, well age and type, well depth, well maintenance, water testing, and managing abandoned wells

TEX-A-SYST: Reducing the Risk of Ground Water Contamination by Improving Livestock Holding Pen Management

8 pp., 1 illustration, water well assessment tableOpen lots or holding pens for feeding or holding livestock can be sources of ground water contamination. The safety of such operations depends on their separation from water wells, characteristics of the site, and proper management. This publication discusses such topics as runoff control, feedlot cleaning and managing abandoned livestock yards

TEX-A-SYST: Reducing the Risk of Ground Water Contamination by Improving Livestock Manure Storage and Treatment Facilities

8 pp., water well assessment tableImproperly managed manure can contaminate both ground and surface water. Storing manure allows producers to spread it when crops can best use the nutrients. This publication explains safe methods of manure storage, as well as specifics about safe storage facilities

TEX-A-SYST: Reducing the Risk of Ground Water Contamination by Improving Household Wastewater Treatment

12 pp., 3 illustrations, water well assessment tableHousehold wastewater treatment systems (septic systems) can contaminate ground water unless they are properly designed, constructed and maintained. This publication describes various kinds of systems and guides the homeowner in assessing their safety