Non-Equilibrium Random Matrix Theory : Transition Probabilities

In this letter we present an analytic method for calculating the transition probability between two random Gaussian matrices with given eigenvalue spectra in the context of Dyson Brownian motion. We show that in the Coulomb gas language, in large $N$ limit, memory of the initial state is preserved in the form of a universal linear potential acting on the eigenvalues. We compute the likelihood of any given transition as a function of time, showing that as memory of the initial state is lost, transition probabilities converge to those of the static ensemble.Comment: REVTeX, 5 pages, 2 figure

Hierarchical Axion Inflation

We propose a new field theory mechanism for generating an effective trans-Planckian decay constant from sub-Planckian ones. Using the minimal two axions and a hierarchy between two axion decay constants is sufficient for realizing inflation through non-perturbative effects only and with minimal tuning. The inflationary motion is kept entirely within a sub-Planckian domain. We outline possible strategies of embedding the model in a string theory setup.Comment: REVTeX, 5 pages, 2 figures, added refs, changed the numerical parameter values of the stringy example, removed ED1's from the superpotentia

Dark Energy-Dark Matter Interaction from the Abell Cluster A586

We find that deviation from the virial equilibrium of the Abell Cluster A586 yields evidence of the interaction between dark matter and dark energy. We argue that this interaction might imply a violation of the Equivalence Principle. Our analysis show that evidence is found in the context of two different models of dark energy-dark matter interaction.Comment: Talk presented by O.B. at Encuentros Relativistas Espanoles 2007, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain, 10-14 September 2007. 6 pages, 3 figures and style fil

Environmental selection of the cosmological constant and electroweak scales

We investigate whether selfish/Goldilocks Higgs models can be extended to accomodate vacua with both the right Higgs mass and cosmological constant. Through the introduction of multiple four-form fields coupled with the Higgs scalar boson we find that both the cosmological constant and the electroweak hierarchy problems can be addressed simultaneously, without inserting the relevant physical scales by hand and avoiding fine tuning. The resulting bounds on the brane charges, the only dimensionful free parameter of the theory, depend on the strength of the four-form scalar coupling and can be of the same order of magnitude as those necessary for a solution to the cosmological constant problem alone via the Bousso-Polchinski mechanism

Dark Energy-Dark Matter Interaction from the Abell Cluster A586 and violation of the Equivalence Principle

We find that the Abell Cluster A586 exhibits evidence of the interaction between dark matter and dark energy and argue that this interaction suggests evidence of violation of the Equivalence Principle. This violation is found in the context of two different models of dark energy-dark matter interaction.Comment: 4 page

Assessing the relevance of higher education courses

The establishment of the European Higher Education Area has involved specifying lists of professional competencies that programs are expected to develop, and with this the need for procedures to measure how every course within a higher education program is aligned with the program’s competencies. We propose an instrument for characterizing this alignment, a process that we call assessing the relevance of a course. Using information from the course syllabus (objectives, contents and assessment scheme), our instrument produces indicators for characterizing the syllabus in terms of a competence list and for assessing its coherence. Because assessment involves quality, the results obtained can also be used to revise and improve the course syllabus. We illustrate this process with an example of a methods course from a mathematics teacher education program at a Spanish university

Efecto de un programa de iniciación a la natación basado en juegos motores acuáticos sobre la autoestima corporal y socio afectiva en niñas y niños de 5 y 6 años de edad

This study sought to examine the success of the application of two introductory swimming programmes in enhancing the body and socio-affective self-esteem of 5 and 6 year olds, and to determine which of these programmes was more effective in this improvement. Both programmes were administered over three months and were designed under the stageapproach of the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation. The first was implemented in the control group (31 girls and 27 boys), and the second in the experimental group (29 girls and 23 boys). The experimental group included the application of aquatic games designed to promote cooperative play and children’s knowledge of their own bodies. The results showed significant improvements in both types of self-esteem in the experimental group, while only body self-esteem improved in the control group. In the between-group comparison, the experimental group showed significantly more robust results in both types of self-esteem. No gender differences were found. We conclude that the use of motor games oriented towards collaborative games and knowledge of one's own body aremore effective in improving both types of self-esteem. Thus, their use is recommended in introductory swimming classes.Este estudio analizó si la aplicación de dos programas de iniciación a la natación conseguía mejorar la autoestima corporal y socio afectiva de alumnos de cinco y seis años, y conocer cuál era más efectivo en dicha mejora. Sendos programas se aplicaron durante tres meses. Los programas se diseñaron bajo el planteamiento de etapas de la Real Federación Española de Natación. El primero se estableció en el grupo control (31 niñas y 27 niños), y el segundo en el grupo experimental (29 niñas y 23 niños). El grupo experimental incluyó la aplicación de juegos motores acuáticos diseñados para fomentar el conocimiento del propio cuerpo y el juego cooperativo. Los resultados mostraron que en el grupo experimental se lograron mejoras significativas de ambas autoestimas, mientras que en el grupo control solo mejoró la autoestima corporal. En la comparación entre grupos, el grupo experimental fue significativamente más eficiente en ambas autoestimas. No se encontraron diferencias en función del sexo. Se concluye que la utilización de los juegos motores orientados al conocimiento del propio cuerpo, y los juegos cooperativos son más eficaces para la mejora de ambas autoestimas. De este modo es conveniente su uso en las clases de iniciación a la natación

The Cost of Loneliness: Assessing the Social Relationships of the Elderly via an Abbreviated Sociotype Questionnaire for inside and outside the Clinic

Gauging the social relationships of the elderly is a significant sociometric research subject and a deep biomedical concern-particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative for facultatives in primary care, for geriatric clinics, and for social care services. In this respect, this article explores the validity of an abbreviated version of the Sociotype Questionnaire (SOCQ), a tool previously developed by the authors for assessing the social relationships of the general population, now specifically addressed to the elderly population. The aim is to construct a 4-item dichotomous scale (SOCG-4) out of the 12 items of the original scale of the SOCQ, so that it can serve to discriminate among the patients in primary care and the geriatric clinic, helping the facultative to find those in need of social care or of psychosocial intervention. The population data have been obtained from a series of previous studies on social relationships in different segments of the elderly population (Ntotal = 915). The resulting abbreviated version of SOCG-4 was extracted by means of confirmatory factor analysis, with the congruence, validity, and relationship with the determinants as close to optimal. The significant correlations with SOCQ (0.82), UCLA (-0.55), Barthel (0.40), and other relevant tests are obtained. The test was also put to trial in a pilot study, being applied to 150 subjects via phone surveys, home visiting, and geriatric clinic-it becomes particularly useful for assessing the social relationships in geriatric clinic use. The 4-item Geriatric Sociotype scale (SOCG-4) appears as a valid measurement instrument for use in the clinic and in other social care instances

Effect of green Spanish-style Manzanilla packaging conditions on the prevalence of the putative probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus pentosus TOMC-LAB2

This work focuses on the persistence of the putative probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus pentosus TOMC-LAB2 on green Spanish-style Manzanilla olives according to different packaging conditions and storage temperatures. The lactic acid bacteria population decreased with time but the highest survival counts (and lowest yeasts) at the end of storage (8 months) were observed in plastic pouches under nitrogen atmosphere and glass jars with brine stored at 20°C. Molecular techniques showed a 100% presence of the putative probiotic bacteria in biofilms adhered to olive epidermis, while it was absent in PPB (plastic pouches with brine) and in olives stored at 7°C. No changes in NaCl, pH or combined acidity were observed during the storage except for a slight increase in titratable acidity at 20°C. The color of the fruits was stable but degraded at 20°C for olives in plastic pouches with brine.The research leading to these results has received funding from the EU's Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n°243471 (PROBIOLIVES) and the Junta de Andalucía (through financial support to group AGR-125). Thanks to JOLCA for supplying the fruits and the packages and to ASEMESA for its support. FNAL thanks the Spanish Government and CSIC for his Ramón y Cajal postdoctoral research contract, while VRG wishes to thank the AgriFood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), Bank of Santander, Spanish Government, and ‘Aloreña de Málaga’ Olive Manufacturing Association for her predoctoral fellowship (training program of PhD in companies).EUR 1,172 APC fee funded by the EC FP7 Post-Grant Open Access PilotPeer reviewe

Susceptibility and resistance of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts against preservatives with potential application in table olives

In the present study, a dose-response model was used to investigate the susceptibility (NIC) and resistance (MIC) of the lactic acid bacteria and yeast populations with respect to five chemical preservatives (fumaric and pyruvic acids, cinnamaldehyde, sodium metabisulphite and natamycin) with potential application in table olives. Results were compared with respect to potassium sorbate, a well-known preservative habitually used in olive packaging. Sodium metabisulphite was the most efficient preservative to control lactic acid bacteria growth (MIC, 50 ppm), followed by cinnamaldehyde (1060 ppm) while pyruvic acid required higher concentrations (3211 ppm). Natamycin (25 ppm) was highly efficient against yeasts, followed by cinnamaldehyde (125 ppm), potassium sorbate (553 ppm), sodium metabisulphite (772 ppm) and pyruvic acid (3038 ppm). Fumaric acid, in the range assayed (0–2000 ppm), did not show any inhibitory effect against these two microbial groups. This survey presents for the first time a comparative study of the efficiency of potential preservatives to control the growth of table olive related microorganisms. Further studies should be performed to validate their effects and interactions in the food matrix.The research leading to these results has received funding from INTERACEITUNA (Organización Interprofesional de la Aceituna de Mesa, Spain) and the Junta de Andalucía. FNAL thanks to the Spanish Government and CSIC for his Ramón y Cajal postdoctoral research contract, while VRG thanks the AgriFood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), Bank of Santander, Spanish Government and ‘Aloreña de Málaga’ Olive Manufacturing Association for her pre-doctoral fellowship (training and formation program of Ph.D. in companies).Peer Reviewe