Majorization-based benchmark of the complexity of quantum processors

Here we investigate the use of the majorization-based indicator introduced in [R. O. Vallejos, F. de Melo, and G. G. Carlo, Phys. Rev. A 104, 012602 (2021)] as a way to benchmark the complexity within reach of quantum processors. By considering specific architectures and native gate sets of currently available technologies, we numerically simulate and characterize the operation of various quantum processors. We characterize their complexity for different native gate sets, qubit connectivity and increasing number of gates. We identify and assess quantum complexity by comparing the performance of each device against benchmark lines provided by randomized Clifford circuits and Haar-random pure states. In this way, we are able to specify, for each specific processor, the number of native quantum gates which are necessary, on average, for achieving those levels of complexity. Lastly, we study the performance of the majorization-based characterization in the presence of distinct types of noise. We find that the majorization-based benchmark holds as long as the circuits' output states have, on average, high purity ($\gtrsim 0.9$). In such cases, the indicator showed no significant differences from the noiseless case.Comment: 12 pages, 15 figure

A model to reduce traffic, pollution and costs in urban distribution

This paper presents a proposal to help metropolitan areas reduce traffic, pollution and also to cut delivery costs. The use of the collaborative logistics in the networking design for this fine distribution method shall allow the distribution partner to plan and execute deliveries, which will reducing the number of vehicles used in comparison with the regular distribution model (this also allows the use of a clean fleet of small vehicles – like electric minivans). The methodology used to develop the proposal is to simulate two different scenarios, comparing the variables that influence the traffic, the pollution emission and the cost involved with the distribution of goods in urban areas. Further to the variables considered in the study, this new model needs to prove its efficiency at service level. The conclusion of this study will compare those three variables between the regular model, where many different carriers need to reach the retail stores every day, delivering all kinds of products, with the proposed model, where only one carrier will do the deliveries in the urban areas

Evaluating urban transportation quality: measuring transportation activity

This paper describes how, when people think about transportation improvements, they often envision new modes of travel: canals, steamships, railroads, automobiles and air travel. What comes next? Rockets? Lighter-than-air ships? Teleporters? Perhaps these may become more common in the future. But they will not necessarily solve existing transportation problems such as urban traffic congestion, parking costs or traffic crashes. The next major breakthrough to improve transport system quality may simply consist of management strategies that result in more efficient use of existing transport resources. When all impacts are considered, such strategies are often the best solution to transportation problems. The paper first studies the definition and connotation of transportation efficiency and quality. From the viewpoint of different groups participating in urban transportation systems, different system functions and targets required by each group are analyzed. Then the corresponding system targets and evaluation rules required by the administrator are studied. Finally, the authors discuss different methods used to measure urban transportation, the different perspectives they represent, and how the selection of one or another method tends to affect transportation and land use planning decisions

Planning deliveries from end to beginning: an assessment methodology proposal for big cities in developing countries, with real case application

This paper on delivery planning in large cities in developing countries is from the proceedings of 14th International Conference on Urban Transport and the Environment in the 21st Century, which was held in Malta in 2008. The authors stress that delivering cargo in big cities in developing countries is more difficult than in developed countries, primarily because the infrastructure and traffic conditions are worse. They present a case study using the DHL Exel Supply Chain in Sao Paolo, Brazil, then outline a methodology for choosing the best mode of cargo delivery in the urban area of populous cities in developing countries. The authors hypothesize that the best technical option may be to use smaller and lighter vehicles in order to reduce the traffic impact, have more agility, use more environmentally-friendly cleaner fuel, and to achieve easier access to central areas inside commercial centers. However, delivering cargo with a lot of small trucks can be much more expensive than full truck loads using bigger vehicles. The methodology can be used to create a process to choose between the conventional method that favors the agility, short storage and small trucks and the use of cargo consolidation, fewer stops, and larger trucks

Challenges of urban transport problems and city logistics: Sao Paulo city center case

This paper on urban transport problems and city logistics is from the proceedings of 14th International Conference on Urban Transport and the Environment in the 21st Century, which was held in Malta in 2008. The authors use Sao Paulo, Brazil, as a case example to illustrate the concepts under discussion. They focus on the emerging concept of city logistics to improve the mobility of cities. At a simple level, global and continental scale logistics systems are organized around airports, seaports, road and rail systems and storage facilities, which all tend to be space extensive. Challenges include the need for growth in logistics systems to support the globalization of production and consumption, and the related spatial and functional restructuring of large scale urban regions. Topics include strategies to limit automobile circulation, prohibition of automobile travel in downtown areas during certain hours, traffic congestion, private automobile ownership, freight needs, infrastructure, decentralization, the benefits of city logistics, and new forms of goods organization

Human psychopharmacology of hoasca, a plant hallucinogen used in ritual context in Brazil

A multinational, collaborative, biomedical investigation of the effects of hoasca (ayahuasca), a potent concoction of plant hallucinogens, was conducted in the Brazilian Amazon during the summer of 1993. This report describes the psychological assessment of 15 long-term members of a syncretic church that utilizes hoasca as a legal, psychoactive sacrament as well as 15 matched controls with no prior history of hoasca ingestion. Measures administered to both groups included structured psychiatric diagnostic interviews, personality testing, and neuropsychological evaluation. Phenomenological assessment of the altered state experience as well as semistructured and open-ended Life story interviews were conducted with the long-term use hoasca group, but not the hoasca-naive control group. Salient findings included the remission of psychopathology following the initiation of hoasca use along with no evidence of personality or cognitive deterioration. Overall assessment revealed high functional status. Implications of this unusual phenomenon and need for further investigation are discussed.BOT DIMENS,OCCIDENTAL,CACTR ESTUDIOS MED,São Paulo,BRAZILUNIV ESTADUAL RIO de JANEIRO,DEPT PSIQUITRIA,RIO JANEIRO,BRAZILESCOLA PAULISTA MED,DEPT PSIQUITRIA,São Paulo,BRAZILUNIV NEW MEXICO,DEPT PSYCHIAT,ALBUQUERQUE,NM 87131UNIV KUOPIO,DEPT PHARMACOL & TOXICOL,SF-70211 KUOPIO,FINLANDESCOLA PAULISTA MED,DEPT PSIQUITRIA,São Paulo,BRAZILWeb of Scienc

A multiagent simulator for supporting logistic decisions of unloading petroleum ships in habors

This work presents and evaluates the performance of a simulation model based on multiagent system technology in order to support logistic decisions in a harbor from oil supply chain. The main decisions are concerned to pier allocation, oil discharge, storage tanks management and refinery supply by a pipeline. The real elements as ships, piers, pipelines, and refineries are modeled as agents, and they negotiate by auctions to move oil in this system. The simulation results are compared with results obtained with an optimization mathematical model based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP). Both models are able to find optimal solutions or close to the optimal solution depending on the problem size. In problems with several elements, the multiagent model can find solutions in seconds, while the MILP model presents very high computational time to find the optimal solution. In some situations, the MILP model results in out of memory error. Test scenarios demonstrate the usefulness of the multiagent based simulator in supporting decision taken concerning the logistic in harbors