Mutual Entropy-Production and Sensing in Bipartite Systems

We introduce and analyze the notion of mutual entropy-production (MEP) in autonomous systems. Evaluating MEP rates is in general a difficult task due to non-Markovian effects. For bipartite systems, we provide closed expressions in various limiting regimes which we verify using numerical simulations. Based on the study of a biochemical and an electronic sensing model, we suggest that the MEP rates provide a relevant measure of the accuracy of sensing.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figure

Inflationary Solutions in Quantum Cosmology

We prove that in the Hartle-Hawking approach to quantum cosmology the existence of an inflationary phase is a general property of minisuperspace models given by a closed Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe containing a massless scalar field with a $\lambda\phi^{n}$ self-interaction. The evolution in time of the cosmic scale factor and of the scalar field in the very early universe is derived, together with the conditions to be satisfied in order to solve the horizon and flatness problems.Comment: 22 pages, plain-tex, published in Classical and Quantum Gravity, volume 5, year 1988, pages 937-94

Geometry of quiver Grassmannians of Kronecker type and canonical basis of cluster algebras

We study quiver Grassmannians associated with indecomposable representations of the Kronecker quiver. We find a cellular decomposition of them and we compute their Betti numbers. As an application, we give a geometric realization of the "canonical basis" of cluster algebras of Kronecker type (found by Sherman and Zelevinsky) and of type $A_2^{(1)}$.Comment: 21 page

The pros and comms of gene sequencing

Full-gene sequencing undoubtedly comes with its pluses and its minuses. In this article, the authors aim to weigh up the pros and cons not only from the point of view of the patient but also in view of the doctor's possible perspective. Either party may be for or against it for a variety of reasons - for example, a fear of knowing too much on the part of the patient, and concerns about possible over-treatment on the part of the healthcare professional. One thing is certain: the possibility of full-gene sequencing is here and here to stay. At the very least, doctors need to make patients aware of their options, while offering balanced advice

Investigating submerged morphologies by means of the low-budget “GeoDive” method (high resolution for detailed 3D reconstruction and related measurements)

Geophysical methods allow to collect geological data on lake and sea bottoms and characterize large areas, even at high depths, but with high costs. Moreover, the most widespread acquisition methods for morpho-bathymetric survey and the related instruments used are almost always ship-, ROV- or AUV-based and consequently they require high budgets. It is known that shallow waters can represent a limit for certain vessels and techniques, preventing the acquisition in the shoreface zone. To overcome the limits, i.e. to survey with high accuracy nearshore shallow waters with a low budget, we tested and tuned the “GeoDive” method that allowed us to survey two test sites, featured by the presence of “block fields” (i.e., accumulations of huge blocks and boulders of gravitational origin) under shallow waters. The “GeoDive” method allowed us to map the submerged morphologies and to acquire high-resolution optical images for further photogrammetric processing. The latter was fundamental to obtain 3D high-resolution models, also with conditions of low visibility. An Action Sport Cam with high definition resolution has been used for video acquisition, in addition to the equipment used during scientific diving. By coupling the processing of underwater-acquired data with the direct surveys performed by underwater SCUBA operators, it was possible to perform some morphological and sedimentological measurements and observations on the experimental targets, with the help of suitable markers

Parabolic orbits of 22-nilpotent elements for classical groups

We consider the conjugation-action of the Borel subgroup of the symplectic or the orthogonal group on the variety of nilpotent complex elements of nilpotency degree $2$ in its Lie algebra. We translate the setup to a representation-theoretic context in the language of a symmetric quiver algebra. This makes it possible to provide a parametrization of the orbits via a combinatorial tool that we call symplectic/orthogonal oriented link patterns. We deduce information about numerology. We then generalize these classifications to standard parabolic subgroups for all classical groups. Finally, our results are restricted to the nilradical.Comment: comments welcom

Biokinetics Of microbial consortia using biogenic sulfur as a novel electron donor for sustainable denitrification

In this study, the biokinetics of autotrophic denitrification with biogenic S0 (ADBIOS) for the treatment of nitrogen pollution in wastewaters were investigated. The used biogenic S0, a by-product of gas desulfurization, was an elemental microcrystalline orthorhombic sulfur with a median size of 4.69 µm and a specific surface area of 3.38 m2/g, which made S0 particularly reactive and bioavailable. During denitritation, the biomass enriched on nitrite (NO2–) was capable of degrading up to 240 mg/l NO2–-N with a denitritation activity of 339.5 mg NO2–-N/g VSS·d. The use of biogenic S0 induced a low NO2–-N accumulation, hindering the NO2–-N negative impact on the denitrifying consortia and resulting in a specific denitrification activity of 223.0 mg NO3–-N/g VSS·d. Besides Thiobacillus being the most abundant genus, Moheibacter and Thermomonas were predominantly selected for denitrification and denitritation, respectively

Maturity Models in Industrial Internet: a Review

The introduction of assembly lines in industrial plants marked the beginning of the third industrial revolution. The support of information technology has enabled continuous progresses, up to the digitalisation of the processes. In this context, the further innovation characterised by the introduction of Cyber-Physical Systems and other enabling technologies has allowed the fourth industrial revolution. Proposed by the German government, Industry 4.0 appealed to both researchers and practitioners. Since the appearance of the term Industry 4.0, the linked-term Industrial Internet has been introduced to indicate the technology stack and knowledge management required by Industry 4.0. Industrial Internet makes a factory smart by applying advanced information and communication systems and future-oriented technologies, as well as new principles of knowledge management. Undeniably, such a system introduces greater complexity in terms of technologies, knowledge and socio-cultural aspects. Companies are often unprepared to deal with innovation issues, because they lack knowledge and competences and they are not culturally prepared for the relative novelties, but especially because they lack the necessary technological pre-requisites to develop the appropriate technology stack. From this perspective, different models of maturity have been developed, both in academic and technical environments, to support companies in understanding their position within the paradigm of the Industrial Internet. Starting from a quantitative review of the maturity models designed in the general literature, this article develops a qualitative review of the models applied in Industry 4.0, characterising all relevant models and proposing future perspectives to improve existing models and develop new ones