Thermodynamic bound on quantum state discrimination

We show that the second law of thermodynamics poses a restriction on how well we can discriminate between quantum states. By examining an ideal gas with a quantum internal degree of freedom undergoing a cycle based on a proposal by Asher Peres, we establish a non-trivial upper bound on the attainable accuracy of quantum state discrimination. This thermodynamic bound, which relies solely on the linearity of quantum mechanics and the constraint of no work extraction, matches Holevo's bound on accessible information, but is looser than the Holevo-Helstrom bound. The result gives more evidence on the disagreement between thermodynamic entropy and von Neumann entropy, and places potential limitations on proposals beyond quantum mechanics.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures. RevTeX 4.

Failure mode prediction and energy forecasting of PV plants to assist dynamic maintenance tasks by ANN based models

In the field of renewable energy, reliability analysis techniques combining the operating time of the system with the observation of operational and environmental conditions, are gaining importance over time. In this paper, reliability models are adapted to incorporate monitoring data on operating assets, as well as information on their environmental conditions, in their calculations. To that end, a logical decision tool based on two artificial neural networks models is presented. This tool allows updating assets reliability analysis according to changes in operational and/or environmental conditions. The proposed tool could easily be automated within a supervisory control and data acquisition system, where reference values and corresponding warnings and alarms could be now dynamically generated using the tool. Thanks to this capability, on-line diagnosis and/or potential asset degradation prediction can be certainly improved. Reliability models in the tool presented are developed according to the available amount of failure data and are used for early detection of degradation in energy production due to power inverter and solar trackers functional failures. Another capability of the tool presented in the paper is to assess the economic risk associated with the system under existing conditions and for a certain period of time. This information can then also be used to trigger preventive maintenance activities

Characterising algorithmic thinking: A university study of unplugged activities

Algorithmic thinking is a type of thinking that occurs in the context of computational thinking. Given its importance in the current educational context, it seems pertinent to deepen into its conceptual and operational understanding for teaching. The exploration of research shows us that there are almost no studies at university level where algorithmic thinking is connected to mathematical thinking, and more importantly, to characterise it and be able to analyse and evaluate it better. The aim of this research is to characterise algorithmic thinking in a university context of the Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics by unplugged tasks, offering a model of analysis through categories that establish connections between mathematical and algorithmic working spaces in three dimensions, semiotic, instrumental and discursive. The results confirm the interaction between these dimensions and their predictive value for better programming performance. The study also adds novel considerations related to the role and interaction of mathematical and computational thinking categories involved in algorithmic thinking.Instituto de Matemática Interdisciplinar (IMI)Fac. de Ciencias MatemáticasTRUEUnión EuropeaMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovaciónpu

Colour Changes of Acetal Resins (CAD-CAM) In Vivo

To quantify the discolouration of the temporary acetal resins in vivo, based on the weeks of follow-up and the salivary pH in the three thirds of the tooth. To find out if the final CIELAB coordinates can be predicted from the initial colour coordinates, the salivary pH, the situation (in thirds) and the weeks of follow-up. Colour coordinates (L, C, and h) were recorded by spectrophotometry in 13 participants fitted with hybrid provisional complete dentures made of acetal resin. Colour recordings were made on the day of placement and after several weeks of follow-up (6 to 31 weeks). Salivary pH was also measured as a predictor variable for colour change. The ANOVA statistical test and regression models have been used. The highest colour difference according to DEab* was 27.46 units after 15 weeks of follow-up and the lowest was 7.34 units after 17 weeks of follow-up. Neither in the cervical nor in the middle third any regressor variable (initial L*, initial C*, initial h*, salivary pH and weeks of follow-up) was able to significantly predict any of the final colour coordinates (p > 0.05). The colour change of the temporary acetal resins used exceeds the threshold of clinical acceptability, and it is not acceptable to maintain satisfactory aesthetics. The weeks of follow-up and the salivary pH are not capable of satisfactorily predicting the final color coordinates of the acetal resins

Diseño de tamaño de empaque y embalaje óptimo de productos de consumo masivo, por medio de algoritmos genéticos, teniendo en cuenta los costos logísticos de salida: caso de una empresa colombiana

Diseño del tamaño del empaque y embalaje para una línea de productos de características homogéneas, a fin de minimizar los costos logísticos de salida. Se realizaron dos métodos de solución: un modelo matemático y una herramienta metaheuristica. El modelo matemático nos arrojo una solución relajada, por medio del software Lp-Solve, lo cual da una aproximación a la situación actual de la empresa. Por otro lado, el modelo metaheuristico, nos arroja una solución optima para resolver el problema que presenta la empresa ABC, ya que el software utilizado, Microsoft Excel, permitió resolver el problema a gran escala, mientras que el software Lp-Solve, permitió una solución con un numero mínimo de candidatos (inner y outer packs) y con una respuesta ineficienteIngeniero (a) IndustrialPregrad

Real time updating of the flood frequency distribution through data assimilation

We explore the memory properties of catchments for predicting the likelihood of floods basing on observations of average flows in pre-flood seasons. Our approach assumes that flood formation is driven by the superimposition of short and long term perturbations. The former is given by the short term meteorological forcing leading to infiltration and/or saturation excess, while the latter is originated 15 by higher-than-usual storage in the catchment. To exploit the above sensitivity to long term perturbations a Meta-Gaussian model is implemented for updating a season in advance the flood frequency distribution, through a data assimilation approach. Accordingly, the peak flow in the flood season is predicted by exploiting its dependence on the average flow in the antecedent seasons. We focus on the Po River at Pontelagoscuro and the Danube river at Bratislava. We found that the shape of 20 the flood frequency distribution is significantly impacted by higher-than-usual flows occurred up to several months earlier. The proposed technique may allow one to reduce the uncertainty associated to the estimation of flood frequenc

Teoría del grado de Brouwer-Kronecker

En este trabajo se estudian los elementos básicos de la teoría del grado de Brouwer-Kronecker. Se demuestran los resultados de existencia de difeotopías y de aproximación de aplicaciones continuas (propias) con homotopía que permiten definir consistentemente el grado de una aplicación suave y su extensión a aplicaciones continuas, respectivamente. La invariancia por homotopía del grado se utiliza para probar varios resultados topológicos profundos incluyendo el teorema de Borsuk-Hirsch sobre el grado de aplicaciones pares e impares en esferas y el de Jordan-Brouwer sobre la desconexión de espacios afines por hipersuperficies

Relación de factores de personalidad y tipos de afrontamiento en el síndrome de Burnout en dentistas

[ES] El Síndrome de Burnout, que afecta de forma significativa a los dentistas, tiene un importante interés debido a las repercusiones físicas y psicológicas que conlleva. Es sabido que existen variables laborales en su aparición y desarrollo, pero también que estas variables no afectan en todas las personas en la misma manera. El objetivo de esta investigación es estudiar cómo se relacionan variables sociodemográficas, laborales, dimensiones de personalidad y estilos de afrontamiento con la aparición del Síndrome de Burnout en los dentistas colegiados españoles (N=1554). A través de los correos electrónicos se distribuyó una encuesta compuesta por factores sociodemográficos, variables laborales, cuestionarios de personalidad y de estilos de afrontamientos y Síndrome de Burnout. Por un lado, los resultados muestran que no hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre hombres y mujeres en la presencia de Síndrome de Burnout. También que a menor edad, aparecen puntuaciones significativamente más altas en Cansancio emocional y Despersonalización y puntuaciones significativamente más bajas en Realización personal. La existencia de Síndrome de Burnout está positivamente relacionada con Neuroticismo y Afrontamiento Evitativo y negativamente relacionada con Extroversión y en menor medida con Cordialidad y Responsabilidad. Mediante análisis de cluster, se encontraron tres perfiles de personalidad en los dentistas, denominados: “Introvertidos, neuróticos y amantes de la rutina” (29.0%), “Tranquilos y extrovertidos” (41,5%) y “Neuróticos y curiosos” (29.4%). [EN] Burnout Syndrome, which significantly affects dentists, is of great interest because of the physical and psychological impact it entails. It is known that there are work-related variables linked to its appearance and development, but also that these variables do not affect all people in the same way. The aim of this research is to study how socio-demographic and work-related variables, personality dimensions, and coping strategies are related to the appearance of Burnout Syndrome in Spanish chartered dentists (N=1554). A survey was distributed through their e-mail addresses with questions on socio-demographic factors and work-related variables, as well as questionnaires on personality, coping styles, and Burnout Syndrome. On the one hand, the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between men and women regarding the presence of Burnout Syndrome. On the other hand, the younger the age, significantly higher scores appeared for Emotional fatigue and Depersonalization, and significantly lower scores were reported for Personal accomplishment. The existence of Burnout Syndrome is positively related to Neuroticism and Avoidant coping, and negatively related to Extroversion and, to a lesser extent, to Friendliness and Responsibility. By means of cluster analysis, three personality profiles were found among the dentists, denominated: "Introverted, neurotic and lovers of routine" (29.0%), "Calm and extroverted" (41.5%) and "Neurotic and curious" (29.4%

Molecular identification and feeding ecology of arthropod generalist predators present in Mediterranean lettuce crops

The aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are two of the main pests in Mediterranean lettuce crops. The general goal of this Doctoral Thesis is to deepen in the study of the trophic interactions present in Mediterranean lettuce crops, in order to develop, apply and improve conservation biological control (CBC) programs using molecular techniques. Results showed the most abundant predator were Orius laevigatus, O. majusculus and O. niger (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), the hoverflies Eupeodes corollae, Episyrphus balteatus and Sphaerophoria scripta/S. rueppellii (Diptera: Syrphidae), the coccinelid Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera : Coccidellidae) and spiders (Araneae: Linyphiidae, Thomosidae). Moreover, coccinellids were only found in spring, syrphids mainly in spring, but also in summer and Orius were only found in summer. With these abundances, the coccinellids were the most efficient predators of N. ribisnigri in spring; syrphids were the most efficient predators of F. occidentalis in spring; and Orius were the most efficient control agents of F. occidentalis in summer. In conclusion, molecular analysis of predation has allowed the characterization of the trophic links present in Mediterranean lettuce crops, which is of a great importance in order to develop CBC programs in those crops.El pulgón Nasonovia ribisnigri ( Hemiptera: Aphididae ) y el trips Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) son dos de las principales plagas en cultivos de lechuga mediterráneos. El objetivo general de esta Tesis Doctoral es profundizar en el estudio de las interacciones tróficas presentes en cultivos de lechuga mediterráneos, con el fin de desarrollar, aplicar y mejorar programas de control biológico (CB) por conservación mediante métodos moleculares. Los resultados mostraron que los depredador más abundantes fueron Orius laevigatus, O. majusculus y O. níger (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae ), los sírfidos Eupeodes corollae , Episyrphus balteatus y Sphaerophoria scripta / S. rueppellii (Diptera: Syrphidae), el coccinélido Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera : Coccidellidae) y arañas (Araneae: Linyphiidae, Thomosidae). Además los coccinélidos se encontraron sólo en primavera, los sírfidos principalmente en primavera, aunque también en verano y los Orius sólo en verano. Con estas abundancias, los coccinélidos fueron los depredadores más eficientes de N. ribisnigri en primavera; los sírfidos fueron los depredadores más eficientes de F. occidentalis en primavera; y Orius fueron los agentes de control más eficiente de F. occidentalis en verano. En resumen, los análisis moleculares de depredación han permitido la caracterización de las relaciones tróficas presentes en cultivos de lechuga del Mediterráneo, lo cual es de gran importancia para el desarrollo de programas de CB de este cultivo en esta zona.El pugó Nasonovia ribisnigri (Hemiptera : Aphididae) i el trips Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera : Thripidae) són dues de les principals plagues en cultius d'enciam mediterranis . L'objectiu general d'aquesta Tesi Doctoral és aprofundir en l'estudi de les interaccions tròfiques presents en cultius d'enciam mediterranis , per tal de desenvolupar , aplicar i millorar programes de control biològic (CB) per conservació . Els resultats van mostrar que els tàxons de depredador més abundants van ser Orius laevigatus , O. majusculus i O. níger (Hemiptera : Anthocoridae), els sírfids Eupeodes corollae , Episyrphus balteatus i Sphaerophoria scripta / S. rueppellii (Diptera : Syrphidae), el coccinélid Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera : Coccidellidae) i aranyes (Araneae: Linyphiidae, Thomosidae). A més els coccinélidos es van trobar només a la primavera , els sírfids principalment a la primavera , encara que també a l'estiu i els Orius només a l'estiu . Amb aquestes abundàncies , els coccinélidos van ser els depredadors més eficients de N. ribisnigri a la primavera ; els sírfids van ser els depredadors més eficients de F. occidentalis a la primavera ; i Orius van ser els agents de control més eficient de F. occidentalis a l'estiu.En resum, les anàlisis moleculars de depredació han permès la caracterització de relacions tròfiques presents en cultius d'enciam de la Mediterrània la qual cosa és de gran importància per al desenvolupament de programes de CB d'aquest cultiu a la zona estudiada