Quantum field tomography

We introduce the concept of quantum field tomography, the efficient and reliable reconstruction of unknown quantum fields based on data of correlation functions. At the basis of the analysis is the concept of continuous matrix product states, a complete set of variational states grasping states in quantum field theory. We innovate a practical method, making use of and developing tools in estimation theory used in the context of compressed sensing such as Prony methods and matrix pencils, allowing us to faithfully reconstruct quantum field states based on low-order correlation functions. In the absence of a phase reference, we highlight how specific higher order correlation functions can still be predicted. We exemplify the functioning of the approach by reconstructing randomised continuous matrix product states from their correlation data and study the robustness of the reconstruction for different noise models. We also apply the method to data generated by simulations based on continuous matrix product states and using the time-dependent variational principle. The presented approach is expected to open up a new window into experimentally studying continuous quantum systems, such as encountered in experiments with ultra-cold atoms on top of atom chips. By virtue of the analogy with the input-output formalism in quantum optics, it also allows for studying open quantum systems.Comment: 31 pages, 5 figures, minor change

Application-Oriented Benchmarking of Quantum Generative Learning Using QUARK

Benchmarking of quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms is challenging due to the complexity and variability of QML systems, e.g., regarding model ansatzes, data sets, training techniques, and hyper-parameters selection. The QUantum computing Application benchmaRK (QUARK) framework simplifies and standardizes benchmarking studies for quantum computing applications. Here, we propose several extensions of QUARK to include the ability to evaluate the training and deployment of quantum generative models. We describe the updated software architecture and illustrate its flexibility through several example applications: (1) We trained different quantum generative models using several circuit ansatzes, data sets, and data transformations. (2) We evaluated our models on GPU and real quantum hardware. (3) We assessed the generalization capabilities of our generative models using a broad set of metrics that capture, e.g., the novelty and validity of the generated data.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figure

Open Data Portal Prototype for the Conservation of Biodiversity of the ‘Universidad Nacional de Loja’

This article describes the possibilities of research and development that exist in the ‘Universidad Nacional de Loja’ (UNL) in the field of biodiversity through the use and exploitation of information and communication technology (ICT) resources. First, the existing methodologies, processes, and initiatives for the publication of open data was explored. Subsequently, a brief description of the biodiversity conservation centers maintained by the UNL was made, highlighting the IT initiatives that have been carried out. Finally, the results of the proposal include the methodology for the release of open data and the creation of the prototype of the biodiversity open data portal of the UNL.     Keywords: programming, open data, biodiversity, botany, artificial intelligenc

Declines and recovery in endangered Galapagos pinnipeds during the El Niño event

Currently, the Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) and Galapagos fur seal (GFS, Arctocephalus galapagoensis) are among the most important endemic species for conservation in the Galapagos Archipelago. Both are classified as “Endangered” since their populations have undergone drastic declines over the last several decades. In this study we estimated the abundance of both otariids, and their population trends based using counts conducted between 2014 and 2018 in all their rookeries, and we analyzed the influence of environmental variability on pup production. The GSL population size in 2018 in the archipelago was estimated to be between 17,000 to 24,000 individuals and has increased at an average annual rate of 1% over the last five years after applying correction factors. The highest number of GSL counted in the archipelago was in 2014 followed by a population decline of 23.8% in 2015 that was associated with the El Niño event that occurred during that year. Following this event, the population increased mainly in the northern, central and southeastern rookeries. The GSL pup abundance showed a decreasing trend with the increase in intensity of the El Niño. The GFS population in 2018 was counted in 3,093 individuals and has increased at an annual rate of 3% from 2014 to 2018. A high number of GFS counted in 2014 was followed by a population decrease of 38% in 2015, mainly in the western rookeries. There was interannual population fluctuations and different growth trends among regions of the archipelago. GSL and GFS pup abundance has a strong decreasing tendency with the increase in the subthermocline temperature (ST) and the El Niño 1 + 2 index. Our results provide evidence that both species are highly vulnerable to periodic oceanographic-atmospheric events in the Galapagos Archipelago which impact prey abundance and the flow of energy in the unique Galapagos ecosystem

A new minute Pristimantis (Amphibia: Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador

We describe a new rainfrog species (Pristimantis), from the wetland complex Oña, Nabón, Saraguro and Yacuambi, in the Andes of southern Ecuador, at altitudes ranging between 3000–3400 m a.s.l. Pristimantis tiktik sp. nov. is a small frog, displaying sexual dimorphism (the males with dorsum of various shades of gray, brown, orange or green and a whitish or pinkish yellow venter; females with brownish gray or gray dorsum and a reticulated white and black venter), with SVL ranging between 19.7–20.4 mm in females (n = 3) and 16.1–18.4 mm in males (n = 6). The skin on dorsum is tuberculated, that on venter is coarsely areolate, dorsolateral folds are absent, tympanic membrane is absent but the tympanic annulus is evident, cranial crests are absent, discs on fingers just slightly expanded, heel is lacking enlarged tubercles, inner edge of tarsus is bearing a long fold, Toe V is slightly longer than Toe III and the iris coloration is bronze with fine black reticulations. The males have a large subgular vocal sac that extends onto the chest and vocal slits but lack nuptial pads. The unique advertisement call consists of long duration series of periodically repeated clicks: “tik”. Molecular analyses place the new species in the recently resurrected P. orestes group, as the sister species of the assemblage that contains P. bambu, P. mazar, P. simonbolivari and an undescribed species. © 2018 Székely et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Peer reviewe

Phenological growth stages of tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.), an emerging fruit crop, according to the basic and extended BBCH scale

[EN] The tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) is a small tree native to the Andean region cultivated for its juicy fruits, which are having an increasing demand. Tree tomato is morphologically and phenologically different from other Solanum crops and tools for the phenological description of the developmental stages are needed for the enhancement of this emerging crop. We developed a basic and an extended numerical BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamnt, Chemische Industrie) scales which allow the precise identification of the phenological stages of tree tomato. Eight principal stages are described for germination, leaf development, formation of side shoots, stem elongation, inflorescence emergence, flowering, development of fruit, and ripening of fruit and seed. The basic (two-digit) scale is sufficiently precise for germination, stem elongation, and ripening of fruit and seed. However, for leaf development, formation of side shoots, inflorescence emergence, flowering, and development of fruit the extended (three-digit) scale is considered necessary for an adequate description. The description of the phenological stages is combined with illustrations for clarification. The tree tomato BBCH scale has been validated by characterizing 24 accessions of different varietal groups for traits of agronomic interest and evaluating the differences observed among accessions at specific BBCH developmental stages. The basic and extended BBCH scales represent a useful tool for the description and identification of phenological scales of tree tomato. These scales will be useful for the enhancement of this emerging fruit crop. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Acosta-Quezada, P.; Riofrío-Cuenca, T.; Rojas, J.; Vilanova Navarro, S.; Plazas Ávila, MDLO.; Prohens Tomás, J. (2016). Phenological growth stages of tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.), an emerging fruit crop, according to the basic and extended BBCH scale. Scientia Horticulturae. 199:216-223. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2015.12.045S21622319