47 research outputs found
Thermal phase transitions for Dicke-type models in the ultra-strong coupling limit
We consider the Dicke model in the ultra-strong coupling limit to investigate
thermal phase transitions and their precursors at finite particle numbers
for bosonic and fermionic systems. We derive partition functions with
degeneracy factors that account for the number of configurations and derive
explicit expressions for the Landau free energy. This allows us to discuss the
difference between the original Dicke (fermionic) and the bosonic case. We find
a crossover between these two cases that shows up, e.g., in the specific heat.Comment: 4 pages Brief Report styl
The jump effect of a general eccentric cylinder rolling on a ramp
Interesting phenomena occur when an eccentric rigid body rolls on an inclined
or horizontal plane. For example, a variety of motions between rolling and
sliding are exhibited until suddenly a jump occurs. We provide a detailed
theoretical description of the jump effect for a general eccentric cylinder.
Before the jump, when the cylinder moves along the ramp, we can assume a pure
rolling motion. However, it turns out that when the cylinder reaches its
jumping position, both the normal and static frictional forces approach zero.
Thus, it seems that there will no longer be sufficient force to maintain
rolling without slip. In order to have a jump without slipping, we prove that
the parameters that characterize the dynamic behavior of the cylinder must
belong to some restricted region
Virtual Processes and Superradiance in Spin-Boson Models
We consider spin-boson models composed by a single bosonic mode and an
ensemble of identical two-level atoms. The situation where the coupling
between the bosonic mode and the atoms generates real and virtual processes is
studied, where the whole system is in thermal equilibrium with a reservoir at
temperature . Phase transitions from ordinary fluorescence to
superradiant phase in three different models is investigated. First a model
where the coupling between the bosonic mode and the atom is via the
pseudo-spin operator is studied. Second, we investigate the
generalized Dicke model, introducing different coupling constants between the
single mode bosonic field and the environment, and for rotating
and counter-rotating terms, respectively. Finally it is considered a modified
version of the generalized Dicke model with intensity-dependent coupling in the
rotating terms. In the first model the zero mode contributes to render the
canonical entropy a negative quantity for low temperatures. The last two models
presents phase transitions, even when only Hamiltonian terms which generates
virtual processes are considered
Computational modelling of epithelial cell monolayers during infection with Listeria monocytogenes
Intracellular bacterial infections alter the normal functionality of human host cells and tissues. Infection can also modify the mechanical properties of host cells, altering the mechanical equilibrium of tissues. In order to advance our understanding of host–pathogen interactions, simplified in vitro models are normally used. However, in vitro studies present certain limitations that can be alleviated by the use of computer-based models. As complementary tools these computational models, in conjunction with in vitro experiments, can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of action underlying infection processes. In this work, we extend our previous computer-based model to simulate infection of epithelial cells with the intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. We found that forces generated by host cells play a regulatory role in the mechanobiological response to infection. After infection, in silico cells alter their mechanical properties in order to achieve a new mechanical equilibrium. The model pointed the key role of cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions in the mechanical competition of bacterial infection. The obtained results provide a more detailed description of cell and tissue responses to infection, and could help inform future studies focused on controlling bacterial dissemination and the outcome of infection processes. © 2022 The Author(s
A VR Serious Game to Increase Empathy towards Students with Phonological Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is estimated to affect about
5-10% of the population. In particular, phonological dyslexia causes problems
in connecting the sounds of words with their written forms. This results in
difficulties such as slow reading speed, inaccurate reading, and difficulty
decoding unfamiliar words. Moreover, dyslexia can also be a challenging and
frustrating experience for students as they may feel misunderstood or
stigmatized by their peers or educators. For these reasons, the use of
compensatory tools and strategies is of crucial importance for dyslexic
students to have the same opportunities as non-dyslexic ones. However,
generally, people underestimate the problem and are not aware of the importance
of support methodologies. In the light of this, the main purpose of this paper
is to propose a virtual reality (VR) serious game through which teachers,
students and, in general, non-dyslexic people could understand which are some
of the issues of student with dyslexia and the fundamental utility of offering
support to them. In the game, players must create a potion by following a
recipe written in an alphabet that is specifically designed to replicate the
reading difficulties experienced by individuals with dyslexia. The task must be
solved first without any help and then by receiving supporting tools and
strategies with the idea that the player can put himself in the place of the
dyslexic person and understand the real need for support methodologies.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, MetroXRAINE 202
Determining the Difficulties of Students With Dyslexia via Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence: An Exploratory Analysis
Learning disorders are neurological conditions that affect the brain's
ability to interconnect communication areas. Dyslexic students experience
problems with reading, memorizing, and exposing concepts; however the magnitude
of these can be mitigated through both therapies and the creation of
compensatory mechanisms. Several efforts have been made to mitigate these
issues, leading to the creation of digital resources for students with specific
learning disorders attending primary and secondary education levels.
Conversely, a standard approach is still missed in higher education. The
VRAIlexia project has been created to tackle this issue by proposing two
different tools: a mobile application integrating virtual reality (VR) to
collect data quickly and easily, and an artificial intelligencebased software
(AI) to analyze the collected data for customizing the supporting methodology
for each student. The first one has been created and is being distributed among
dyslexic students in Higher Education Institutions, for the conduction of
specific psychological and psychometric tests. The second tool applies specific
artificial intelligence algorithms to the data gathered via the application and
other surveys. These AI techniques have allowed us to identify the most
relevant difficulties faced by the students' cohort. Our different models have
obtained around 90\% mean accuracy for predicting the support tools and
learning strategies.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures, 3 tables, MetroXRAINE 2022 Conference, VRAILEXIA
european projec