2δ2\delta-Kicked Quantum Rotors: Localization and `Critical' Statistics

The quantum dynamics of atoms subjected to pairs of closely-spaced $\delta$-kicks from optical potentials are shown to be quite different from the well-known paradigm of quantum chaos, the singly-$\delta$-kicked system. We find the unitary matrix has a new oscillating band structure corresponding to a cellular structure of phase-space and observe a spectral signature of a localization-delocalization transition from one cell to several. We find that the eigenstates have localization lengths which scale with a fractional power $L \sim \hbar^{-.75}$ and obtain a regime of near-linear spectral variances which approximate the `critical statistics' relation $\Sigma_2(L) \simeq \chi L \approx {1/2}(1-\nu) L$, where $\nu \approx 0.75$ is related to the fractal classical phase-space structure. The origin of the $\nu \approx 0.75$ exponent is analyzed.Comment: 4 pages, 3 fig

Empiricism and stochastics in cellular automaton modeling of urban land use dynamics

An increasing number of models for predicting land use change in regions of rapidurbanization are being proposed and built using ideas from cellular automata (CA)theory. Calibrating such models to real situations is highly problematic and to date,serious attention has not been focused on the estimation problem. In this paper, wepropose a structure for simulating urban change based on estimating land usetransitions using elementary probabilistic methods which draw their inspiration fromBayes' theory and the related ?weights of evidence? approach. These land use changeprobabilities drive a CA model ? DINAMICA ? conceived at the Center for RemoteSensing of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (CSR-UFMG). This is based on aneight cell Moore neighborhood approach implemented through empirical land useallocation algorithms. The model framework has been applied to a medium-size townin the west of São Paulo State, Bauru. We show how various socio-economic andinfrastructural factors can be combined using the weights of evidence approach whichenables us to predict the probability of changes between land use types in differentcells of the system. Different predictions for the town during the period 1979-1988were generated, and statistical validation was then conducted using a multipleresolution fitting procedure. These modeling experiments support the essential logicof adopting Bayesian empirical methods which synthesize various information aboutspatial infrastructure as the driver of urban land use change. This indicates therelevance of the approach for generating forecasts of growth for Brazilian citiesparticularly and for world-wide cities in general

Chaotic quantum ratchets and filters with cold atoms in optical lattices: properties of Floquet states

Recently, cesium atoms in optical lattices subjected to cycles of unequally-spaced pulses have been found to show interesting behavior: they represent the first experimental demonstration of a Hamiltonian ratchet mechanism, and they show strong variability of the Dynamical Localization lengths as a function of initial momentum. The behavior differs qualitatively from corresponding atomic systems pulsed with equal periods, which are a textbook implementation of a well-studied quantum chaos paradigm, the quantum delta-kicked particle (delta-QKP). We investigate here the properties of the corresponding eigenstates (Floquet states) in the parameter regime of the new experiments and compare them with those of the eigenstates of the delta-QKP at similar kicking strengths. We show that, with the properties of the Floquet states, we can shed light on the form of the observed ratchet current as well as variations in the Dynamical Localization length.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figure

Dynamical instability in kicked Bose-Einstein condensates: Bogoliubov resonances

Bose-Einstein condensates subject to short pulses (`kicks') from standing waves of light represent a nonlinear analogue of the well-known chaos paradigm, the quantum kicked rotor. Previous studies of the onset of dynamical instability (ie exponential proliferation of non-condensate particles) suggested that the transition to instability might be associated with a transition to chaos. Here we conclude instead that instability is due to resonant driving of Bogoliubov modes. We investigate the excitation of Bogoliubov modes for both the quantum kicked rotor (QKR) and a variant, the double kicked rotor (QKR-2). We present an analytical model, valid in the limit of weak impulses which correctly gives the scaling properties of the resonances and yields good agreement with mean-field numerics.Comment: 8 page

The pedagogy of encounter: how do zoo interpreters account for their facilitation of interspecies encounters between visitors and captive animals?

Zoo interpreters have an important role to play in enhancing the educational potential of an informal learning setting. Nonetheless, little is known about what motivates individuals to pursue a profession in zoo interpretation, or how these individuals account for their educational methods. Our study was designed to gain insight into zoo interpreters’ self-reported methods and motivations for facilitating human-animal encounters as part of their daily work routine. Semi-formal interviews were conducted with full-time interpreters at a private zoo in Ottawa, and the transcribed data was coded for emergent themes. Overall, respondents consistently accounted for their facilitation methods by referencing potential benefits to wild animals, to the human visitors, and to the interpreters themselves. This study will contribute to the scholarly body of research that analyzes interspecies interactions for the purpose of providing enhanced environmental and scientific educational opportunities for all, specially children

Avaliação do crescimento de mudas de Eucalyptus benthamii após o uso de Bacsol®.

Em função do crescente plantio de Eucalyptus benthamii em regiões frias, existe grande demanda por mudas, contudo esta espécie apresenta dificuldades no seu desenvolvimento. Para contornar este tipo de problema, alguns produtos biotecnológicos têm sido usados para estimular o crescimento de mudas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso do produto biotecnológico Bacsol® para aumentar o crescimento de mudas de E. benthamii. Este produto é um formulado constituído em sua maioria por esporos bacterianos, que atua como agente estimulador do crescimento de plantas, permitindo que cresçam em menor tempo e com uma melhor qualidade. Para este experimento utilizou-se um delineamento de blocos ao acaso, contendo cinco tratamentos e cada tratamento com 240 mudas, sendo uma testemunha e as doses crescentes do produto (0,5 g; 1 g; 1,5 g; 2 g/muda), em três blocos. Os resultados mostraram que houve aumento significativo da altura das mudas de acordo com o aumento da dosagem do produto (p < 0,001).Resumo expandido