Comparison of non-Markovianity criteria in a qubit system under random external fields

We give the map representing the evolution of a qubit under the action of non-dissipative random external fields. From this map, we construct the corresponding master equation that in turn allows us to phenomenologically introduce population damping of the qubit system. We then compare, in this system, the time regions where non-Markovianity is present on the basis of different criteria for both the non-dissipative and the dissipative case. We show that the adopted criteria agree both in the non-dissipative case and in the presence of population damping. © 2013 The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Shall We (Math and) Dance?

Can we use mathematics, and in particular the abstract branch of category theory, to describe some basics of dance, and to highlight structural similarities between music and dance? We first summarize recent studies between mathematics and dance, and between music and categories. Then, we extend this formalism and diagrammatic thinking style to dance

Quantum GestART: identifying and applying correlations between mathematics, art, and perceptual organization

Mathematics can help analyze the arts and inspire new artwork. Mathematics can also help make transformations from one artistic medium to another, considering exceptions and choices, as well as artists' individual and unique contributions. We propose a method based on diagrammatic thinking and quantum formalism. We exploit decompositions of complex forms into a set of simple shapes, discretization of complex images, and Dirac notation, imagining a world of “prototypes” that can be connected to obtain a fine or coarse-graining approximation of a given visual image. Visual prototypes are exchanged with auditory ones, and the information (position, size) characterizing visual prototypes is connected with the information (onset, duration, loudness, pitch range) characterizing auditory prototypes. The topic is contextualized within a philosophical debate (discreteness and comparison of apparently unrelated objects), it develops through mathematical formalism, and it leads to programming, to spark interdisciplinary thinking and ignite creativity within STEAM

Composizione Musica Architettura. Atti del seminario e workshop internazionale

Questa pubblicazione raccoglie i testi delle conferenze e i materiali prodotti durante il laboratorio e vuole essere una testimonianza delle attivit\ue0 svolte all\u2019interno del seminario. Le tematiche trattate si pongono come di un dibattito il cui interesse non pu\uf2, per\uf2, limitarsi esclusivamente all\u2019ambito del tema scelto, ma i cui riflessi costituiscono una base di partenza per una personale formazione culturale sull\u2019argomento. Un\u2019ambizione che, se qualche risultato consegue, lo deve a quanti ne hanno incoraggiato e sostenuto la realizzazione con la loro competenza e presenza, e ai diretti partecipanti che, con sensibilit\ue0 e capacit\ue0, hanno corrisposto ad un impegno comune. Il seminario, promosso nell'ambito delle iniziative culturali e sociali degli studenti (Legge 429/85) dell'Universit\ue0 degli Studi di Palermo, \ue8 nato dalla collaborazione del Gruppo Studentesco E-D\u2019ARC+ con la Facolt\ue0 Ingegneria, la Facolt\ue0 di Architettura ed il Conservatorio di Musica 'Vincenzo Bellini' di Palermo e si \ue8 posto l\u2019obbiettivo di avviare una riflessione sulla composizione, nelle specificit\ue0 disciplinari e nelle regole proprie della musica e del progetto di architettura, a partire dalle interferenze esistenti e potenziali tra architettura e musica, in riferimento soprattutto all'esperienza della cultura contemporanea. La manifestazione, rivolta agli studenti delle Facolt\ue0 di Ingegneria, di Architettura e agli allievi del Conservatorio, ha coinvolto docenti e studiosi del settore, che hanno contribuito con lezioni frontali e discussioni, proiezioni, performance e concerti

Categories, Musical Instruments, and Drawings: A Unification Dream

The mathematical formalism of category theory allows to investigate musical structures at both low and high levels, performance practice (with musical gestures) and music analysis. Mathematical formalism can also be used to connect music with other disciplines such as visual arts. In our analysis, we extend former studies on category theory applied to musical gestures, including musical instruments and playing techniques. Some basic concepts of categories may help navigate within the complexity of several branches of contemporary music research, giving it a unitarian character. Such a ‘unification dream,’ that we can call ‘cARTegory theory,’ also includes metaphorical references to topos theory