Neural Networks Architecture Evaluation in a Quantum Computer

In this work, we propose a quantum algorithm to evaluate neural networks architectures named Quantum Neural Network Architecture Evaluation (QNNAE). The proposed algorithm is based on a quantum associative memory and the learning algorithm for artificial neural networks. Unlike conventional algorithms for evaluating neural network architectures, QNNAE does not depend on initialization of weights. The proposed algorithm has a binary output and results in 0 with probability proportional to the performance of the network. And its computational cost is equal to the computational cost to train a neural network

Micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS and OM characterisation of tin soldering found in handle attachments of Roman situlae from Conimbriga (Portugal)

Tin (Sn) or a Sn-rich solder applied to copper-based artefacts has been frequently used at least, since the Ancient Greece, although scarce studies have been published concerning the technology of this metallurgical joining technique. Several filler remnants were reported to be found in a Roman collection of handle attachments of situlae or cauldrons (2nd century BCE–5th century CE) from the archaeological site of Conimbriga, a Roman city from the Lusitania Province (Portugal). All these artefacts were cast in high leaded coppers and bronzes. The present study aims to contribute to the knowledge of Sn-rich soldering, an ancientmetallurgical joining technique, by the characterisation of the fusible metallic alloy present in 10 Roman artefacts by means of micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (micro-EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS) microanalysis and optical microscope (OM) observations. Results of studied solders show the presence of Cu-Sn alloys, with Sn contents ranging from δ to η phase composition (30–60wt% Sn). As the attachments were made in leaded copper alloys, it was also observed, in some cases, the melting of the interdendritic Pb-rich chains with long-range diffusion of the solder alloy into the substrate. The fillers compositions suggest that the handle attachments have been joined to a situla body by the soldering metallurgical process with Sn or a Sn-rich alloy. The studied leaded Cu-Sn attachments, probably formulated by local craftsman, were joined into the body of a situla or cauldron with a soft solder (soldering), a common metallurgical joint from Antiquity, although no relation was found between composition or typology and the Sn or Sn-rich solder

Tráfego rodoviário e ruído ambiental: o caso dum parque urbano

O ruído produzido pelo tráfego rodoviário é a primeira causa de poluição sonora em meio urbano. Em Portugal, e em consonância com as tendências dos restantes países da União Europeia, esta situação encontra-se regulamentada por intermédio da publicação de legislação específica. Tal vem obrigar à consideração do ruído urbano em fase de planeamento, nomeadamente na elaboração de planos de ordenamento do território. A determinação dos níveis de ruído é conseguida de uma forma vantajosa com recurso a modelos de previsão que, em função do conhecimento do tráfego e das características físicas do meio, permitem a avaliação de diversos cenários e a quantificação do clima acústico de modo contínuo no espaço. É apresentada a aplicação de um destes modelos a um espaço verde urbano, sendo calculadosmapas acústicos para os cenários de tráfego presente e futuro e proposta uma solução para mitigação do ruído.The noise produced by road traffic is the first cause of acoustic pollution an urban environment. In Portugal as well as in most of the European Union countries, this problem is regulated through the publication of specific legislation. These regulations require the consideration of the outdoor noise levels in the planning process, namely in the elaboration of zoning plans. The calculation of the noise levels is carried out using simulation models which, based on traffic data and site physical characteristics, allow the evaluation of scenarios and the quantification of such levels in a continuous space. In this paper a noise simulation model is applied to an urban recreation park. Acoustic maps are calculated for present and future traffic scenarios, and a mitigation solution is developed for the noise levels generated

Manipulation of Magnetic Skyrmions by Superconducting Vortices in Ferromagnet-Superconductor Heterostructures

Dynamics of magnetic skyrmions in hybrid ferromagnetic films harbors novel physical phenomena and holds promise for technological applications. In this work, we discuss the behavior of magnetic skyrmions when coupled to superconducting vortices in a ferromagnet-superconductor heterostructure. We use numerical simulations and analytic arguments to reveal broader possibilities for manipulating the skyrmion-vortex dynamic correlations in the hybrid system, that are not possible in its separated constituents. We explore the thresholds of particular dynamic phases, and quantify the phase diagram as a function of the relevant material parameters, applied current and induced magnetic torques. Finally, we demonstrate the broad and precise tunability of the skyrmion Hall-angle in presence of vortices, with respect to currents applied to either or both the superconductor and the ferromagnet within the heterostructure

Duration of Low Wage Employment: A Study Based on a Survival Model

This paper includes a survival analysis which attempts to explain the duration, as in the number of years a worker remains in a low wage situation. Explanatory variables take into account the characteristics of the employee, such as education, age, tenure with the company, gender and nationality, and the characteristics of the job and the company such as industry affiliation, number of employees, age of the company and location.low wage, survival, Portugal

Urban form indicators as proxy on the noise exposure of buildings

Available online 27 September 2013The present paper aims to address the problems of the urban environment as an area of interaction between urban forms and urban noise. This interaction is intended to be monitored using urban indica-tors, by comparing the effects of noise propagation using models of urban forms. The model of noise pre-diction allowed developing noise studies in facades, resulting in noise levels in a calculation grid located in the building facades. The study will allow the creation of different scenarios and anticipate as early as in the preliminary building design phase, which facades would be exposed to higher noise levels. The effects of noise in facades can then be minimized in advance, by adjusting the layout of the urban typology

Assessment of lot shape in business park design

Planning and developing a business park is a complex task, whichdemands integration across various fields of design and knowledge. The first choice to be made in the design process is relate to the zoning process and the definition of the lot layout and landscape. These first decisions will constrain all subsequent decisions concerning utilities, facilities and amenities. For this reason, the assessment of those issues is crucial for the perception of the overall quality of the business park design. The main goal of this work is to present a simple indicator which can assess the lot shape in order to optimize the building form and costs, the use of its open areas, the layout and the economic spacing of roads and the service routes. The indicator lot shape evaluatesthe performance of the lot design solutions according to the concept of compactness

Evaluating critical noise disturbance zones in a mid-sized city

Publicado em "Sustainable Planning and Development", ISBN 1-85312-985-2Urban growth is continuously applying pressure over resources, infrastructures and facilities, affecting negatively the standard of living in cities. In this context, evaluating and monitoring the urban environmental quality has become a main issue particularly important when considered as a decision -support tool that contributes to more livable and sustainable cities. Viana do Castelo is a mid-sized city located on the northwest Portuguese seaside, which undertook the challenge of developing an environmental program leading to the integration in a Healthy Cities European Network. Within this program, the identification of urban noise levels and people exposure was considered a priority. The scientific toolbox adopted to develop the studies includes noise simulation models and a GIS platform. Based on traffic data and site physical characteristics, acoustical maps were created and overlaid together with the land-use-based acoustic zoning and population distribution layers. This combination was the basis for the identification of critical zones, both in terms of noise levels and people exposure to this kind of pollution. This paper aims to present the approach, including the theoretical framework, and to discuss the results of a summer scenario of noise exposure in the city center

CityAIR : a new air quality index for cities

Due to a generalised increase of mobility and road traffic in urban areas, the total emissions from road traffic have risen significantly, assuming the main responsibility for the disregard of air quality standards. Pollutant concentrations are evaluated through monitoring, using permanent measurement stations or mobile units, and prediction models based on emissions and meteorological conditions. In order to find an air quality index, the pollutant concentrations are combined through a classification scale anchored on the legal limits and, on the other side, on the impacts over human heath. Typically these classification models consider only the worse pollutant, i.e. the one which concentration ishigher given a certain scale. The objective of this paper is to present a new air quality index, cityAIR, developed for urban contexts. The mathematical formulation of cityAIR stands on two logics: whenever at least one of the pollutants considered overcomes the legal limitsfor the concentration, this will be the only relevant one for the index calculation, and the value will be the minimum of the scale (zero or red); when there is no limit violation,then all the pollutants are considered for the overall air quality, which is calculated through a multi-criteria combination of the concentrations, where trade-off is allowed. A case study is presented, where a cityAIR valuessurface was calculated for Viana do Castelo, a mid-sized Portuguese city, considering concentrations of CO, NO2, O3, C6H6 and PM10

Atmospheric emissions of one pulp and paper mill. Contribution to the air quality of Viana do Castelo

One of the most sensitive environmental impact of the pulp and paper mills is associated with the atmospheric pollution namely with sulphur compounds, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The study undertaken aimed to evaluate the influence of one pulp and paper mill to the air quality of a Portuguese city located in the vicinity. A range of numerical models were used to produce the concentration maps: the ADMS- Urban model for the pollutants dispersion; the Hills model to calculate air flow and turbulence over complex terrain, including the effects of variable surface roughness and EPER data (The European Pollutant Emission Register) to estimate the emissions factors