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A Planck scale inflationary era -- in a quantum gravity theory predicting discreteness of quantum geometry at the fundamental scale -- produces the scale invariant spectrum of inhomogeneities with very small tensor-to-scalar ratio of perturbations and a hot big bang leading to a natural dark matter genesis scenario. Here we evoke the possibility that some of the major puzzles in cosmology would have an explanation rooted in quantum gravity.

Our study addresses the challenges of building datasets to understand the risks associated with organized activities and human trafficking through commercial sex advertisements. These challenges include data scarcity, rapid obsolescence, and privacy concerns. Traditional approaches, which are not automated and are difficult to reproduce, fall short in addressing these issues. We have developed a reproducible and automated methodology to analyze five million advertisements. In the process, we identified further challenges in dataset creation within this sensitive domain. This paper presents a streamlined methodology to assist researchers in constructing effective datasets for combating organized crime, allowing them to focus on advancing detection technologies., Comment: LXAI Workshop at the 2024 Annual Conference of the North American Chapter of the Association for Computational Linguistics (NAACL 2024)

A brief overview of the discovery that macroscopic black holes are thermodynamical systems is presented. They satisfy the laws of thermodynamics and are associated with a temperature and an entropy equal to one quarter of their horizon area in Planck units. They emit black body radiation and slowly evaporate as a consequence of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. The problem of understanding the microscopic source of their large entropy, as well as the nature of their final fate after evaporation, are discussed from the perspective of approaches to quantum gravity that predict discreteness at the Planck scale. We review encouraging first steps in computing black hole entropy and briefly discuss their implications for the black hole information puzzle., Comment: Prepared for the Encyclopedia of Mathematical Physics, Elsevier, 2024

We explicitly express the Minkowski vacuum of a massless scalar field in terms of the particle notion associated with suitable spherical conformal killing fields. These fields are orthogonal to the light wavefronts originating from a sphere with a radius of $r_{H}$ in flat spacetime: a bifurcate conformal killing horizon that exhibits semiclassical features similar to those of black hole horizons and Cauchy horizons of spherically symmetric black holes. Our result highlights the quantum aspects of this analogy and extends the well-known decomposition of the Minkowski vacuum in terms of Rindler modes, which are associated with the boost Killing field normal to a pair of null planes in Minkowski spacetime (the basis of the Unruh effect). While some features of our result have been established by Kay and Wald's theorems in the 90s -- on quantum field theory in stationary spacetimes with bifurcate Killing horizons -- the added value we provide here lies in the explicit expression of the vacuum., Comment: Typos corrected

The black hole information puzzle can be resolved if two conditions are met. Firstly, if the information of what falls inside a black hole remains encoded in degrees of freedom that persist after the black hole completely evaporates. These degrees of freedom should be capable of purifying the information. Secondly, if these purifying degrees of freedom do not significantly contribute to the system's energy, as the macroscopic mass of the initial black hole has been radiated away as Hawking radiation to infinity. The presence of microscopic degrees of freedom at the Planck scale provides a natural mechanism for achieving these two conditions without running into the problem of the large pair-creation probabilities of standard remnant scenarios. In the context of Hawking radiation, the first condition implies that correlations between the {\em in} and {\em out} Hawking partner particles need to be transferred to correlations between the {\em microscopic degrees of freedom} and the {\em out} partners in the radiation. This transfer occurs dynamically when the {\em in} partners reach the singularity inside the black hole, entering the UV regime of quantum gravity where the interaction with the microscopic degrees of freedom becomes strong. The second condition suggests that the conventional notion of the vacuum's uniqueness in quantum field theory should fail when considering the full quantum gravity degrees of freedom. In this paper, we demonstrate both key aspects of this mechanism using a solvable toy model of a quantum black hole inspired by loop quantum gravity., Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2301.03951, arXiv:1703.09149

In this paper we construct a solvable toy model of the quantum dynamics of the interior of a spherical black hole with falling spherical scalar field excitations. We first argue about how some aspects of the quantum gravity dynamics of realistic black holes emitting Hawking radiation can be modelled using Kantowski-Sachs solutions with a massless scalar field when one focuses on the deep interior region $r\ll M$ (including the singularity). Further, we show that in the $r\ll M$ regime, and in suitable variables, the KS model becomes exactly solvable at both the classical and quantum levels. The quantum dynamics inspired by loop quantum gravity is revisited. We propose a natural polymer-quantization where the area $a$ of the orbits of the rotation group is quantized. The polymer (or loop) dynamics is closely related with the Schroedinger dynamics away from the singularity with a form of continuum limit naturally emerging from the polymer treatment. The Dirac observable associated to the mass is quantized and shown to have an infinite degeneracy associated to the so-called $\epsilon$-sectors. Suitable continuum superpositions of these are well defined distributions in the fundamental Hilbert space and satisfy the continuum Schroedinger dynamics.

In spite or the large astronomical evidence for its existence, the nature of dark matter remains enigmatic. Particles that interact only, or almost only, gravitationally, in particular with masses around the Planck mass -- the fundamental scale in quantum gravity, are intriguing candidates. Here we show that there is a theoretical possibility to directly detect such particles using highly sensitive gravity-mediated quantum phase shifts. In particular, we consider a protocol utilizing Josephson junctions., Comment: A refined protocol using Josephson junctions has been added

We present an automatic large language model (LLM) conversion approach that produces uncertainty-aware LLMs capable of estimating uncertainty with every prediction. Our approach is model- and data-agnostic, is computationally-efficient, and does not rely on external models or systems. We evaluate converted models on the selective question answering setting -- to answer as many questions as possible while maintaining a given accuracy, forgoing providing predictions when necessary. As part of our results, we test BERT and Llama 2 model variants on the SQuAD extractive QA task and the TruthfulQA generative QA task. We show that using the uncertainty estimates provided by our approach to selectively answer questions leads to significantly higher accuracy over directly using model probabilities.

This project tackles the pressing issue of human trafficking in online C2C marketplaces through advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. We introduce a novel methodology for generating pseudo-labeled datasets with minimal supervision, serving as a rich resource for training state-of-the-art NLP models. Focusing on tasks like Human Trafficking Risk Prediction (HTRP) and Organized Activity Detection (OAD), we employ cutting-edge Transformer models for analysis. A key contribution is the implementation of an interpretability framework using Integrated Gradients, providing explainable insights crucial for law enforcement. This work not only fills a critical gap in the literature but also offers a scalable, machine learning-driven approach to combat human exploitation online. It serves as a foundation for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the role of machine learning in addressing complex social issues.

Electron tomography has become a commonly used tool to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials, including colloidal nanoparticle assemblies. However, electron microscopy is typically carried out under high vacuum conditions. Therefore, pre-treatment sample preparation is needed for assemblies obtained by (wet) colloid chemistry methods, including solvent evaporation and deposition on a solid TEM support. As a result of this procedure, changes are consistently imposed on the actual nanoparticle organization. Therefore, we propose herein the application of electron tomography of nanoparticle assemblies while in their original colloidal liquid environment. To address the challenges related to electron tomography in liquid, we devised a method that combines fast data acquisition in a commercial liquid-TEM cell, with a dedicated alignment and reconstruction workflow. We present the application of this method to two different systems, which exemplify the difference between conventional and liquid tomography, depending on the nature of the protecting ligands. 3D reconstructions of assemblies comprising polystyrene-capped Au nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric shells revealed less compact and more distorted configurations for experiments performed in a liquid medium compared to their dried counterparts. On the other hand, quantitative analysis of the surface-to-surface distance of self-assembled Au nanorods in water agrees with previously reported dimensions of the ligand layers surrounding the nanorods, which are in much closer contact when in similar but dried assemblies. This study, therefore, emphasizes the importance of developing high-resolution characterization tools that preserve the native environment of colloidal nanostructures., Comment: 32 pages, 12 figures, 2 tables, submitted

The modern pervasiveness of large-scale deep neural networks (NNs) is driven by their extraordinary performance on complex problems but is also plagued by their sudden, unexpected, and often catastrophic failures, particularly on challenging scenarios. Existing algorithms that provide risk-awareness to NNs are complex and ad-hoc. Specifically, these methods require significant engineering changes, are often developed only for particular settings, and are not easily composable. Here we present capsa, a framework for extending models with risk-awareness. Capsa provides a methodology for quantifying multiple forms of risk and composing different algorithms together to quantify different risk metrics in parallel. We validate capsa by implementing state-of-the-art uncertainty estimation algorithms within the capsa framework and benchmarking them on complex perception datasets. We demonstrate capsa's ability to easily compose aleatoric uncertainty, epistemic uncertainty, and bias estimation together in a single procedure, and show how this approach provides a comprehensive awareness of NN risk., Comment: Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) 2022. Workshop on Machine Learning for Autonomous Driving (ML4AD)

We show that the quantization ambiguities of loop quantum cosmology, when considered in wider generality, can be used to produce discretionary dynamical behavior. There is an infinite dimensional space of ambiguities which parallels the infinite list of higher curvature corrections in perturbative quantum gravity. There is however an ensemble of qualitative consequences which are generic in the sense that they are independent of these ambiguities. Among these, one has well defined fundamental dynamics across the big bang, and the existence of extra microscopic quantum degrees of freedom that might be relevant in discussions about unitarity in quantum gravity. We show that (in addition to the well known bouncing solutions of the effective equations) there are other generic type of solutions for sufficiently soft initial conditions in the matter sector (tunneling solutions) where the scale factor goes through zero and the spacetime orientation is inverted. We also show that generically, a contracting semiclassical universe branches off at the big bang into a quantum superposition of universes with different quantum numbers. Despite their lack of quantitative predictive power these models offer a fertile playground for the discussion of qualitative and conceptual issues in quantum gravity.

We show that the quantization ambiguities of loop quantum cosmology, when considered in wider generality, can be used to produce discretionary dynamical behavior. There is an infinite dimensional space of ambiguities which parallels the infinite list of higher curvature corrections in perturbative quantum gravity. There is however an ensemble of qualitative consequences which are generic in the sense that they are independent of these ambiguities. Among these, one has well defined fundamental dynamics across the big bang, and the existence of extra microscopic quantum degrees of freedom that might be relevant in discussions about unitarity in quantum gravity. We show that (in addition to the well known bouncing solutions of the effective equations) there are other generic type of solutions for sufficiently soft initial conditions in the matter sector (tunneling solutions) where the scale factor goes through zero and the spacetime orientation is inverted. We also show that generically, a contracting semiclassical universe branches off at the big bang into a quantum superposition of universes with different quantum numbers. Despite their lack of quantitative predictive power these models offer a fertile playground for the discussion of qualitative and conceptual issues in quantum gravity.

Non-singular black holes models can be described by modified classical equations motivated by loop quantum gravity. We investigate what happens when the sine function typically used in the modification is replaced by an arbitrary bounded function, a generalization meant to study the effect of ambiguities such as the choice of representation of the holonomy. A number of features can be determined without committing to a specific choice of functions. We find generic singularity resolution. The presence and number of horizons is determined by global features of the function regularizing the angular components of the connection, and the presence and number of bounces by global features of the function regularizing the time component. The trapping or anti-trapping nature of regions inside horizons depends on the relative location with respect to eventual bounces. We use these results to comment on some of the ambiguities of polymer black hole models., Comment: 32 pages, many figures

We present two alternative perspectives for the resolution of Hawking's information puzzle in black hole evaporation. The two views are deeply contrasting, yet they share several common aspects. One of them is the central role played by the existence of the interior singularity (whose physical relevance is implied by the singularity theorems of Penrose) that we expect to be replaced by a region described by a more fundamental quantum gravity formulation. Both views rely on the notion that the standard effective quantum field theoretic perspective would require some deep modifications. In this respect both of our scenarios are deeply influenced by ideas that Roger Penrose has advocated at various times and thus serves to illustrate the lasting influence that his deep thinking on these and related matters continues to have on the modern thinking about fundamental aspects of both quantum theory and gravitation. Despite that, there is of course no claim that R. Penrose would agree with any of the concrete proposals that will be discussed here., Comment: Prepared for the AVS Quantum Science Special Topic Collection Celebrating Sir Roger Penrose's Nobel Prize

A discrete space-time structure lying at about the Planck scale may become manifest in the form of very small violations of the conservation of the matter energy-momentum tensor. In order to include such kind of violations, forbidden within the General Relativity framework, the theory of unimodular gravity seems as the simplest option to describe the gravitational interaction. In the cosmological context, a direct consequence of such violation of energy conservation might be heuristically viewed a "diffusion process of matter (both dark and ordinary)" into an effective dark energy term in Einstein's equations, which leads under natural assumptions to an adequate estimate for the value of the cosmological constant. Previous works have also indicated that these kind of models might offer a natural scenario to alleviate the Hubble tension. In this work, we consider a simple model for thecosmological history including a late time occurrence of such energy violation and study the modifications of the predictions for the anisotropy and polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). We compare the model's predictions with recent data from the CMB, Supernovae Type Ia, cosmic chronometers and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations. The results show the potential of this type of model to alleviate the Hubble tension., Comment: 17 pages, 4 figures

A discrete space-time structure lying at about the Planck scale may become manifest in the form of very small violations of the conservation of the matter energy-momentum tensor. In order to include such kind of violations, forbidden within the General Relativity framework, the theory of unimodular gravity seems as the simplest option to describe the gravitational interaction. In the cosmological context, a direct consequence of such violation of energy conservation might be heuristically viewed a "diffusion process of matter (both dark and ordinary)" into an effective dark energy term in Einstein's equations, which leads under natural assumptions to an adequate estimate for the value of the cosmological constant. Previous works have also indicated that these kind of models might offer a natural scenario to alleviate the Hubble tension. In this work, we consider a simple model for thecosmological history including a late time occurrence of such energy violation and study the modifications of the predictions for the anisotropy and polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). We compare the model's predictions with recent data from the CMB, Supernovae Type Ia, cosmic chronometers and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations. The results show the potential of this type of model to alleviate the Hubble tension., Comment: 17 pages, 4 figures

Colloid deposition in granular media is relevant to numerous environmental problems. Classic filtration models assume a homogeneous pore space and largely ignore colloid aggregation. However, substantial evidence exists on the ubiquity of aggregation within porous media, suggesting that deposition is enhanced by it. This work studies the deposition process in relation to aggregate size and structure. We demonstrate that aggregation is induced at typical groundwater velocities by comparing the repulsive DLVO force between particle pairs to the hydrodynamic shear force opposing it. Column experiments imaged with high-resolution X-ray computed tomography are used to measure aggregate structure and describe their morphology probability distribution and spatial distribution. Aggregate volume and surface area are found to be power-law distributed, while Feret diameter is exponentially distributed with some flow rate dependencies caused by erosion and restructuring by the fluid shear. Furthermore, size and shape of aggregates are heterogeneous in depth, where a small number of large aggregates control the concentration versus depth profile shape. The range of aggregate fractal dimensions found (2.22-2.42) implies a high potential for restructuring or breaking during transport. Shear-induced aggregation is not currently considered in macroscopic models for particle filtration, yet is critical to consider in the processes that control deposition.

Since the appearance of Einstein's paper {\em"On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies"} and the birth of special relativity, it is understood that the theory was basically coded within Maxwell's equations. The celebrated mass-energy equivalence relation, $E=mc^2$, is derived by Einstein using thought experiments involving the kinematics of the emission of light (electromagnetic energy) and the relativity principle. Text book derivations often follow paths similar to Einstein's, or the analysis of the kinematics of particle collisions interpreted from the perspective of different inertial frames. All the same, in such derivations the direct dynamical link with hypothetical fundamental fields describing matter (e.g. Maxwell theory or other) is overshadowed by the use of powerful symmetry arguments, kinematics, and the relativity principle. Here we show that the formula can be derived directly form the dynamical equations of a massless matter model confined in a box (which can be thought of as a toy model of a composite particle). The only assumptions in the derivation are that the field equations hold and the energy-momentum tensor admits a universal interpretation in arbitrary coordinate systems. The mass-energy equivalence relation follows from the inertia or (taking the equivalence principle for granted) weight of confined field radiation. The present derivation offers an interesting pedagogical perspective on the formula providing a simple toy model on the origin of mass and a natural bridge to the foundations of general relativity.

We propose a model of inflation driven by the relaxation of an initially Planckian cosmological constant due to diffusion. The model can generate a (approximately) scale invariant spectrum of (adiabatic) primordial perturbations with the correct amplitudes and red tilt without an inflaton. The inhomogeneities observable in the CMB arise from those associated to the fundamental Planckian granularity that are imprinted into the standard model Higgs scalar fluctuations during the inflationary phase. The process admits a semiclassical interpretation and avoids the trans-Planckian problem of standard inflationary scenarios based on the role of vacuum fluctuations. The deviations from scale invariance observed in the CMB are controlled by the self coupling constant of the Higgs scalar of the standard model of particle physics. The thermal production of primordial black holes can produce the amount of cold dark matter required by observations. For natural initial conditions set at the Planck scale the amplitude and tilt of the power spectrum of perturbations observed at the CMB depend only on known parameters of the standard model such as the self coupling of the Higgs scalar and its mass., Comment: Peer reviewed version

El agua es uno de los recursos más preciados del ser humano, dado que, sin agua, la vida no sería posible. Por ello, cuesta entender que se le dé un mal uso, se malgaste, no se reutilice o se contamine. En el presente proyecto, se pretende desarrollar un método accesible que permita reutilizar gran cantidad de agua, la cual se realiza sometiendo a aguas a las que ya se les ha dado un uso a tratamientos; para afrontar ciertas tareas en la vivienda con el agua ya tratada, lo que conlleva un ahorro en recursos hídricos. El proceso consiste en captar tanto aguas pluviales como grises, procediendo estas últimas de lavadoras, lavabos, duchas, lavavajillas y fregaderos de una vivienda unifamiliar localizada en el municipio de Arnuero, Cantabria. Estas, son sometidas a un tratamiento que combina tratamiento primario, aireación y extracción de agua depurada, alcanzándose la calidad mínima requerida por el RD 1620/2007, por el que se establece el Régimen Jurídico de la Utilización de Aguas Depuradas para dos usos concretos a los que se ha decidido destinar: recarga de inodoros y riego de jardines. Este proceso es posible gracias a la instalación de un sistema de saneamiento que permite la recogida desde la cubierta y los puntos de consumo antes mencionados, y a través de colectores (tuberías enterradas) se envían al equipo de tratamiento. Una vez tratadas, un equipo de bombeo posibilita el retorno para la reutilización de aguas. La duración de obra prevista será de 21 días, y el equipo con el que se contará será de 3 trabajadores, que realizarán las tareas requeridas en una jornada laboral de lunes a viernes durante 8 horas diarias. Se ha estipulado que las obras comiencen el día 6 de abril de 2021. El presupuesto de Ejecución por Contrata asciende a 16.641,46 euros. De este modo, la realización de este proyecto resultará en varias ventajas. Por un lado, el ahorro económico a lo largo de los años será evidente, y al mismo tiempo, se colaborará en la lucha para poder alcanzar, Water is one of the most valued resources for the humans, because, without water, life wouldn ́t be possible in the Earth. Therefore, it ́s difficult to explain why the humans misuse, don ́t re-use, or pollute it. In this project, it is intended to develop an accessible method that allows to reuse a large amount of water, which is carried out by subjecting water that has already been used to treatments; to face certain tasks with the treated water, which results in saving water resources. The process consists of capturing both rainwater and gray water, coming the latter from washing machines, sinks, showers and dishwashers of a single-family home located in the village of Arnuero, Cantabria. These, are subjected to a combine of a primary treatment, aeration and extraction of purified water, reaching the minimum quality required by R.D: 1620/2007, which establishes the Legal Regime for the Use of Purified Water for two specific uses: recharging toilets and watering gardens. This process is possible thanks to an installation of a sanitation network that allows a rainwater and gray water collection, which is sent to the treatment equipment through the collectors. Once the water is treated, a pumping equipment enables the return of the water to the reuse points. The planned duration of the work will be 21 days, and the working team will be counted on 3 workers, who will carry out the required tasks from Monday to Friday, for 8 hours a day. It has been stipulated that the works will begin on April 6, 2021. The forecasted budget is 16.641,46 euros. This project will result in several advantages. On the one hand, the economic savings over the years will be evident; and, on the other hand, it will be a gun to collaborate in the fight to achieve sustainable development., Ura gizakiaren baliabiderik preziatuenetako bat da, izan ere, urik gabe, bizitza ez litzateke posible izango. Hori dela eta, ulertezina da urari erabilera okerra ematea, xahutzea, ez berrerabiltzea edo kutsatzea. Proiektu honetan, ur kopuru handia berrerabiltzeko aukera ematen duen metodo eskuragarria garatu nahi da, lehendik erabilitako urak tratatuz gero, etxeko zeregin batzuei aurre egiteko eta horrek ur baliabideetan aurrezteko. Prozesua euri ura eta ur grisak harrapatzean datza, azken hauek garbigailuetatik, konketetatik, dutxetatik, eta Kantabriako Arnuero udalerrian kokatutako familia bakarreko etxebizitzako ontzi garbigailuetatik datoz. Urak aireztapena eta erauzketa konbinatzen dituen tratamendu bat jasaten dute, 1620/2007 EDak eskatzen duen gutxieneko kalitatea lortuz, ur araztua erabiltzeko araubide juridikoa ezartzen duen bi erabilera zehatzetarako eta erabaki direnetarako: komunak kargatzea eta lorategiak ureztatzea. Prozesu hau teilatuetatik eta aipatutako kontsumo puntuetatik biltzea ahalbidetzen duen saneamendu sistema instalatzeari esker lortzen da eta kolektoreen bidez (lurperatutako hoditeriak) tratamendu ekipoetara bidaltzen dira. Tratatu ondoren, ponpaketa ekipo batek ura berrerabiltzeko aukera ematen du. Lanaren iraupena 21 egunekoa izango da, eta lan taldea 3 langilez osatuko da, astelehenetik ostiralera eguneko 8 orduz lanegunean eskatutako lanak burutuko dituztenak. Lanak 2021eko apirilaren 6an hasten direla zehaztu da. Kontratu bidez gauzatzeko aurrekontua 16.641,46 eurokoa da. Horrela, proiektu hau aurrera eramateak hainbat abantaila ekarriko ditu. Batetik, urtetako aurrezki ekonomikoa agerikoa izango da, eta, aldi berean, garapen iraunkorra lortzeko borrokan parte hartuko dugu.

El agua es uno de los recursos más preciados del ser humano, dado que, sin agua, la vida no sería posible. Por ello, cuesta entender que se le dé un mal uso, se malgaste, no se reutilice o se contamine. En el presente proyecto, se pretende desarrollar un método accesible que permita reutilizar gran cantidad de agua, la cual se realiza sometiendo a aguas a las que ya se les ha dado un uso a tratamientos; para afrontar ciertas tareas en la vivienda con el agua ya tratada, lo que conlleva un ahorro en recursos hídricos. El proceso consiste en captar tanto aguas pluviales como grises, procediendo estas últimas de lavadoras, lavabos, duchas, lavavajillas y fregaderos de una vivienda unifamiliar localizada en el municipio de Arnuero, Cantabria. Estas, son sometidas a un tratamiento que combina tratamiento primario, aireación y extracción de agua depurada, alcanzándose la calidad mínima requerida por el RD 1620/2007, por el que se establece el Régimen Jurídico de la Utilización de Aguas Depuradas para dos usos concretos a los que se ha decidido destinar: recarga de inodoros y riego de jardines. Este proceso es posible gracias a la instalación de un sistema de saneamiento que permite la recogida desde la cubierta y los puntos de consumo antes mencionados, y a través de colectores (tuberías enterradas) se envían al equipo de tratamiento. Una vez tratadas, un equipo de bombeo posibilita el retorno para la reutilización de aguas. La duración de obra prevista será de 21 días, y el equipo con el que se contará será de 3 trabajadores, que realizarán las tareas requeridas en una jornada laboral de lunes a viernes durante 8 horas diarias. Se ha estipulado que las obras comiencen el día 6 de abril de 2021. El presupuesto de Ejecución por Contrata asciende a 16.641,46 euros. De este modo, la realización de este proyecto resultará en varias ventajas. Por un lado, el ahorro económico a lo largo de los años será evidente, y al mismo tiempo, se colaborará en la lucha para poder alcanzar, Water is one of the most valued resources for the humans, because, without water, life wouldn ́t be possible in the Earth. Therefore, it ́s difficult to explain why the humans misuse, don ́t re-use, or pollute it. In this project, it is intended to develop an accessible method that allows to reuse a large amount of water, which is carried out by subjecting water that has already been used to treatments; to face certain tasks with the treated water, which results in saving water resources. The process consists of capturing both rainwater and gray water, coming the latter from washing machines, sinks, showers and dishwashers of a single-family home located in the village of Arnuero, Cantabria. These, are subjected to a combine of a primary treatment, aeration and extraction of purified water, reaching the minimum quality required by R.D: 1620/2007, which establishes the Legal Regime for the Use of Purified Water for two specific uses: recharging toilets and watering gardens. This process is possible thanks to an installation of a sanitation network that allows a rainwater and gray water collection, which is sent to the treatment equipment through the collectors. Once the water is treated, a pumping equipment enables the return of the water to the reuse points. The planned duration of the work will be 21 days, and the working team will be counted on 3 workers, who will carry out the required tasks from Monday to Friday, for 8 hours a day. It has been stipulated that the works will begin on April 6, 2021. The forecasted budget is 16.641,46 euros. This project will result in several advantages. On the one hand, the economic savings over the years will be evident; and, on the other hand, it will be a gun to collaborate in the fight to achieve sustainable development., Ura gizakiaren baliabiderik preziatuenetako bat da, izan ere, urik gabe, bizitza ez litzateke posible izango. Hori dela eta, ulertezina da urari erabilera okerra ematea, xahutzea, ez berrerabiltzea edo kutsatzea. Proiektu honetan, ur kopuru handia berrerabiltzeko aukera ematen duen metodo eskuragarria garatu nahi da, lehendik erabilitako urak tratatuz gero, etxeko zeregin batzuei aurre egiteko eta horrek ur baliabideetan aurrezteko. Prozesua euri ura eta ur grisak harrapatzean datza, azken hauek garbigailuetatik, konketetatik, dutxetatik, eta Kantabriako Arnuero udalerrian kokatutako familia bakarreko etxebizitzako ontzi garbigailuetatik datoz. Urak aireztapena eta erauzketa konbinatzen dituen tratamendu bat jasaten dute, 1620/2007 EDak eskatzen duen gutxieneko kalitatea lortuz, ur araztua erabiltzeko araubide juridikoa ezartzen duen bi erabilera zehatzetarako eta erabaki direnetarako: komunak kargatzea eta lorategiak ureztatzea. Prozesu hau teilatuetatik eta aipatutako kontsumo puntuetatik biltzea ahalbidetzen duen saneamendu sistema instalatzeari esker lortzen da eta kolektoreen bidez (lurperatutako hoditeriak) tratamendu ekipoetara bidaltzen dira. Tratatu ondoren, ponpaketa ekipo batek ura berrerabiltzeko aukera ematen du. Lanaren iraupena 21 egunekoa izango da, eta lan taldea 3 langilez osatuko da, astelehenetik ostiralera eguneko 8 orduz lanegunean eskatutako lanak burutuko dituztenak. Lanak 2021eko apirilaren 6an hasten direla zehaztu da. Kontratu bidez gauzatzeko aurrekontua 16.641,46 eurokoa da. Horrela, proiektu hau aurrera eramateak hainbat abantaila ekarriko ditu. Batetik, urtetako aurrezki ekonomikoa agerikoa izango da, eta, aldi berean, garapen iraunkorra lortzeko borrokan parte hartuko dugu.

In this paper, I propose to imagine, through Non–Cartesian substance dualism (NCSD), how we could resurrect. Even though many objections have been addressed to the classic conception of eschatology since the beginning of the century of eschatology, I propose we have some reasons to think that a more corporeal conception of the eschaton is not only desirable but also metaphysically possible and compatible with biblical data. I shall explore what I call the Christ Body Argument, which invites us to reject, on the one hand, a disembodied existence in heaven, and on the other side to adopt a corporeal existence of Christ in heaven. A kind of Dualism, and more precisely, one possessing NCSD’s virtues, could play a role in exploring this new theological option. I expect to show that NCSD is a metaphysical option allowing us to understand better what we are. If we hope and believe in the resurrection of the dead, NCSD provides an interesting model to think about it.

We propose a model of inflation driven by the relaxation of an initially Planckian cosmological constant due to diffusion. The model can generate a (approximately) scale invariant spectrum of (adiabatic) primordial perturbations with the correct amplitudes and red tilt without an inflaton. The inhomogeneities observable in the CMB arise from those associated to the fundamental Planckian granularity that are imprinted into the standard model Higgs scalar fluctuations during the inflationary phase. The process admits a semiclassical interpretation and avoids the trans-Planckian problem of standard inflationary scenarios based on the role of vacuum fluctuations. The deviations from scale invariance observed in the CMB are controlled by the self coupling constant of the Higgs scalar of the standard model of particle physics. The thermal production of primordial black holes can produce the amount of cold dark matter required by observations. For natural initial conditions set at the Planck scale the amplitude and tilt of the power spectrum of perturbations observed at the CMB depend only on known parameters of the standard model such as the self coupling of the Higgs scalar and its mass., Comment: Peer reviewed version

El agua es uno de los recursos más preciados del ser humano, dado que, sin agua, la vida no sería posible. Por ello, cuesta entender que se le dé un mal uso, se malgaste, no se reutilice o se contamine. En el presente proyecto, se pretende desarrollar un método accesible que permita reutilizar gran cantidad de agua, la cual se realiza sometiendo a aguas a las que ya se les ha dado un uso a tratamientos; para afrontar ciertas tareas en la vivienda con el agua ya tratada, lo que conlleva un ahorro en recursos hídricos. El proceso consiste en captar tanto aguas pluviales como grises, procediendo estas últimas de lavadoras, lavabos, duchas, lavavajillas y fregaderos de una vivienda unifamiliar localizada en el municipio de Arnuero, Cantabria. Estas, son sometidas a un tratamiento que combina tratamiento primario, aireación y extracción de agua depurada, alcanzándose la calidad mínima requerida por el RD 1620/2007, por el que se establece el Régimen Jurídico de la Utilización de Aguas Depuradas para dos usos concretos a los que se ha decidido destinar: recarga de inodoros y riego de jardines. Este proceso es posible gracias a la instalación de un sistema de saneamiento que permite la recogida desde la cubierta y los puntos de consumo antes mencionados, y a través de colectores (tuberías enterradas) se envían al equipo de tratamiento. Una vez tratadas, un equipo de bombeo posibilita el retorno para la reutilización de aguas. La duración de obra prevista será de 21 días, y el equipo con el que se contará será de 3 trabajadores, que realizarán las tareas requeridas en una jornada laboral de lunes a viernes durante 8 horas diarias. Se ha estipulado que las obras comiencen el día 6 de abril de 2021. El presupuesto de Ejecución por Contrata asciende a 16.641,46 euros. De este modo, la realización de este proyecto resultará en varias ventajas. Por un lado, el ahorro económico a lo largo de los años será evidente, y al mismo tiempo, se colaborará en la lucha para poder alcanzar, Water is one of the most valued resources for the humans, because, without water, life wouldn ́t be possible in the Earth. Therefore, it ́s difficult to explain why the humans misuse, don ́t re-use, or pollute it. In this project, it is intended to develop an accessible method that allows to reuse a large amount of water, which is carried out by subjecting water that has already been used to treatments; to face certain tasks with the treated water, which results in saving water resources. The process consists of capturing both rainwater and gray water, coming the latter from washing machines, sinks, showers and dishwashers of a single-family home located in the village of Arnuero, Cantabria. These, are subjected to a combine of a primary treatment, aeration and extraction of purified water, reaching the minimum quality required by R.D: 1620/2007, which establishes the Legal Regime for the Use of Purified Water for two specific uses: recharging toilets and watering gardens. This process is possible thanks to an installation of a sanitation network that allows a rainwater and gray water collection, which is sent to the treatment equipment through the collectors. Once the water is treated, a pumping equipment enables the return of the water to the reuse points. The planned duration of the work will be 21 days, and the working team will be counted on 3 workers, who will carry out the required tasks from Monday to Friday, for 8 hours a day. It has been stipulated that the works will begin on April 6, 2021. The forecasted budget is 16.641,46 euros. This project will result in several advantages. On the one hand, the economic savings over the years will be evident; and, on the other hand, it will be a gun to collaborate in the fight to achieve sustainable development., Ura gizakiaren baliabiderik preziatuenetako bat da, izan ere, urik gabe, bizitza ez litzateke posible izango. Hori dela eta, ulertezina da urari erabilera okerra ematea, xahutzea, ez berrerabiltzea edo kutsatzea. Proiektu honetan, ur kopuru handia berrerabiltzeko aukera ematen duen metodo eskuragarria garatu nahi da, lehendik erabilitako urak tratatuz gero, etxeko zeregin batzuei aurre egiteko eta horrek ur baliabideetan aurrezteko. Prozesua euri ura eta ur grisak harrapatzean datza, azken hauek garbigailuetatik, konketetatik, dutxetatik, eta Kantabriako Arnuero udalerrian kokatutako familia bakarreko etxebizitzako ontzi garbigailuetatik datoz. Urak aireztapena eta erauzketa konbinatzen dituen tratamendu bat jasaten dute, 1620/2007 EDak eskatzen duen gutxieneko kalitatea lortuz, ur araztua erabiltzeko araubide juridikoa ezartzen duen bi erabilera zehatzetarako eta erabaki direnetarako: komunak kargatzea eta lorategiak ureztatzea. Prozesu hau teilatuetatik eta aipatutako kontsumo puntuetatik biltzea ahalbidetzen duen saneamendu sistema instalatzeari esker lortzen da eta kolektoreen bidez (lurperatutako hoditeriak) tratamendu ekipoetara bidaltzen dira. Tratatu ondoren, ponpaketa ekipo batek ura berrerabiltzeko aukera ematen du. Lanaren iraupena 21 egunekoa izango da, eta lan taldea 3 langilez osatuko da, astelehenetik ostiralera eguneko 8 orduz lanegunean eskatutako lanak burutuko dituztenak. Lanak 2021eko apirilaren 6an hasten direla zehaztu da. Kontratu bidez gauzatzeko aurrekontua 16.641,46 eurokoa da. Horrela, proiektu hau aurrera eramateak hainbat abantaila ekarriko ditu. Batetik, urtetako aurrezki ekonomikoa agerikoa izango da, eta, aldi berean, garapen iraunkorra lortzeko borrokan parte hartuko dugu.

Quail eggs have been widely used in field experiments, mainly to study factors associated with the risk of nest predation. Some shortcomings of using quail eggs in this type of study have been previously addressed (e.g., these eggs might be too big for some predators of eggs of small birds). Here, we show experimental evidence of another shortcoming of the use of these eggs in field experiments. Quail eggs exposed to sunlight rapidly faded in colour after three days, both in the visible and UV spectra, and this change was related to the amount of solar radiation received. This caused changes in the camouflage of the eggs, which may be perceived by predators with different visual systems (dichromatic, trichromatic, and tetrachromatic (for both violet- and UV-sensitive species)). Therefore, the results of field studies of nest predation using quail eggs might be questioned in those cases in which the camouflage has been altered due to the rapid changes in coloration, as this can affect the resulting predation rates. We recommend that researchers planning to use quail eggs should perform a prospective assessment of changes in coloration of eggs exposed to environmental conditions in the nest sites used by the target species

The tension between the value of the Hubble constant $H_0$ determined from local supernovae data and the one inferred from the cosmic microwave background based on the $\Lambda$CDM cosmological model may indicate the need for new physics. Here, we show that this `Hubble tension' can be resolved in models involving an effective energy flux from the matter sector into dark energy resulting naturally from a combination of unimodular gravity and an energy diffusion process. The scheme is one where dark energy has the standard equation of state $w=-1$. This proposal provides an alternative phenomenological paradigm accounting for the observations, while offering a general framework to study diffusion effects coming from novel fundamental physical processes., Comment: 12 pages. v2: Minor changes; v3: minor changes, references added

The tension between the value of the Hubble constant $H_0$ determined from local supernovae data and the one inferred from the cosmic microwave background based on the $\Lambda$CDM cosmological model may indicate the need for new physics. Here, we show that this `Hubble tension' can be resolved in models involving an effective energy flux from the matter sector into dark energy resulting naturally from a combination of unimodular gravity and an energy diffusion process. The scheme is one where dark energy has the standard equation of state $w=-1$. This proposal provides an alternative phenomenological paradigm accounting for the observations, while offering a general framework to study diffusion effects coming from novel fundamental physical processes., Comment: 12 pages. v2: Minor changes; v3: minor changes, references added

The tension between the value of the Hubble constant $H_0$ determined from local supernovae data and the one inferred from the cosmic microwave background based on the $\Lambda$CDM cosmological model may indicate the need for new physics. Here, we show that this `Hubble tension' can be resolved in models involving an effective energy flux from the matter sector into dark energy resulting naturally from a combination of unimodular gravity and an energy diffusion process. The scheme is one where dark energy has the standard equation of state $w=-1$. This proposal provides an alternative phenomenological paradigm accounting for the observations, while offering a general framework to study diffusion effects coming from novel fundamental physical processes., Comment: 12 pages. v2: Minor changes; v3: minor changes, references added

In approaches to quantum gravity, where smooth spacetime is an emergent approximation of a discrete Planckian fundamental structure, any effective smooth field theoretical description would miss part of the fundamental degrees of freedom and thus break unitarity. This is applicable also to trivial gravitational field (low energy) idealizations realized by the use of the Minkowski background geometry which, as any other spacetime geometry, corresponds, in the fundamental description, to infinitely many different and closely degenerate discrete microstates. The existence of such microstates provides a large reservoir for information to be coded at the end of black hole evaporation and thus opens the way to a natural resolution of the black hole evaporation information puzzle. In this paper we show that these expectations can be made precise in a simple quantum gravity model for cosmology motivated by loop quantum gravity. Concretely, even when the model is fundamentally unitary, when microscopic degrees of freedom irrelevant to low-energy cosmological observers are suitably ignored, pure states in the effective description evolve into mixed states due to decoherence with the Planckian microscopic structure. Moreover, in the relevant physical regime these hidden degrees freedom do not carry any `energy' and thus realize in a fully quantum gravitational context the idea (emphasized before by Unruh and Wald) that decoherence can take place without dissipation, now in a concrete gravitational model strongly motivated by quantum gravity. All this strengthen the perspective of a quite conservative and natural resolution of the black hole evaporation puzzle where information is not destroyed but simply degraded (made unavailable to low energy observers) into correlations with the microscopic structure of the quantum geometry at the Planck scale.

In approaches to quantum gravity, where smooth spacetime is an emergent approximation of a discrete Planckian fundamental structure, any standard effective field theoretical description will miss part of the degrees of freedom and thus break unitarity. Here we show that these expectations can be made precise in loop quantum cosmology. Concretely, even when loop quantum cosmology is unitary at the fundamental level, when microscopic degrees of freedom, irrelevant to low-energy cosmological observers, are suitably ignored, pure states in the effective description evolve into mixed states due to decoherence with the Planckian microscopic structure. When extrapolated to black hole formation and evaporation, this concrete example provides a key physical insight for a natural resolution of Hawking's information paradox.

In a recent work we have argued that nosy energy momentum diffusion due to space-time discreteness at the Planck scale (naturally expected to arise from quantum gravity) can be responsible for the generation of a cosmological constant during the electro-weak phase transition era of the cosmic evolution. Simple dimensional analysis and an effectively Brownian description of the propagation of fundamental particles on a granular background yields a cosmological constant of the order of magnitude of the observed value, without fine tuning. While the energy diffusion is negligible for matter in standard astrophysical configurations (from ordinary stars to neutron stars) here we argue that a similar diffusion mechanism could, nonetheless be important for black holes. If such effects are taken into account two observational puzzles might be solved by a single mechanism: the `$H_0$ tension' and the relatively low rotational spin of the black holes detected via gravitational wave astronomy.

In approaches to quantum gravity, where smooth spacetime is an emergent approximation of a discrete Planckian fundamental structure, any effective smooth field theoretical description would miss part of the fundamental degrees of freedom and thus break unitarity. This is applicable also to trivial gravitational field (low energy) idealizations realized by the use of the Minkowski background geometry which, as any other spacetime geometry, corresponds, in the fundamental description, to infinitely many different and closely degenerate discrete microstates. The existence of such microstates provides a large reservoir for information to be coded at the end of black hole evaporation and thus opens the way to a natural resolution of the black hole evaporation information puzzle. In this paper we show that these expectations can be made precise in a simple quantum gravity model for cosmology motivated by loop quantum gravity. Concretely, even when the model is fundamentally unitary, when microscopic degrees of freedom irrelevant to low-energy cosmological observers are suitably ignored, pure states in the effective description evolve into mixed states due to decoherence with the Planckian microscopic structure. Moreover, in the relevant physical regime these hidden degrees freedom do not carry any `energy' and thus realize in a fully quantum gravitational context the idea (emphasized before by Unruh and Wald) that decoherence can take place without dissipation, now in a concrete gravitational model strongly motivated by quantum gravity. All this strengthen the perspective of a quite conservative and natural resolution of the black hole evaporation puzzle where information is not destroyed but simply degraded (made unavailable to low energy observers) into correlations with the microscopic structure of the quantum geometry at the Planck scale.

In a recent work we have argued that nosy energy momentum diffusion due to space-time discreteness at the Planck scale (naturally expected to arise from quantum gravity) can be responsible for the generation of a cosmological constant during the electro-weak phase transition era of the cosmic evolution. Simple dimensional analysis and an effectively Brownian description of the propagation of fundamental particles on a granular background yields a cosmological constant of the order of magnitude of the observed value, without fine tuning. While the energy diffusion is negligible for matter in standard astrophysical configurations (from ordinary stars to neutron stars) here we argue that a similar diffusion mechanism could, nonetheless be important for black holes. If such effects are taken into account two observational puzzles might be solved by a single mechanism: the `$H_0$ tension' and the relatively low rotational spin of the black holes detected via gravitational wave astronomy.

In approaches to quantum gravity, where smooth spacetime is an emergent approximation of a discrete Planckian fundamental structure, any standard effective field theoretical description will miss part of the degrees of freedom and thus break unitarity. Here we show that these expectations can be made precise in loop quantum cosmology. Concretely, even when loop quantum cosmology is unitary at the fundamental level, when microscopic degrees of freedom, irrelevant to low-energy cosmological observers, are suitably ignored, pure states in the effective description evolve into mixed states due to decoherence with the Planckian microscopic structure. When extrapolated to black hole formation and evaporation, this concrete example provides a key physical insight for a natural resolution of Hawking's information paradox.

Published online 8 December 2018, The study explores interbrain neural coupling when interlocutors engage in a conversation whether it be in their native or nonnative language. To this end, electroencephalographic hyperscanning was used to study brain-to-brain phase synchronization during a two-person turn-taking verbal exchange with no visual contact, in either a native or a foreign language context. Results show that the coupling strength between brain signals is increased in both, the native language context and the foreign language context, specifically, in the alpha frequency band. A difference in brain-to speech entrainment to native and foreign languages is also shown. These results indicate that between brain similarities in the timing of neural activations and their spatial distributions change depending on the language code used. We argue that factors like linguistic alignment, joint attention and brain-entrainment to speech operate with a language-idiosyncratic neural configuration, modulating the alignment of neural activity between speakers and listeners. Other possible factors leading to the differential interbrain synchronization patterns as well as the potential features of brain-to-brain entrainment as a mechanism are briefly discussed. We concluded that linguistic context should be considered when addressing interpersonal communication. The findings here open doors to quantifying linguistic interactions.

Patients suffering from heart failure and left bundle branch block show electrical ventricular dyssynchrony causing an abnormal blood pumping. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is recommended for these patients. Patients with positive therapy response normally present QRS shortening and an increased left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction. However, around one third do not respond favorably. Therefore, optimal location of pacing leads, timing delays between leads and/or choosing related biomarkers is crucial to achieve the best possible degree of ventricular synchrony during CRT application. In this study, computational modeling is used to predict the optimal location and delay of pacing leads to improve CRT response. We use a 3D electrophysiological computational model of the heart and torso to get insight into the changes in the activation patterns obtained when the heart is paced from different regions and for different atrioventricular and interventricular delays. The model represents a heart with left bundle branch block and heart failure, and allows a detailed and accurate analysis of the electrical changes observed simultaneously in the myocardium and in the QRS complex computed in the precordial leads. Computational simulations were performed using a modified version of the O’Hara et al. action potential model, the most recent mathematical model developed for human ventricular electrophysiology. The optimal location for the pacing leads was determined by QRS maximal reduction. Additionally, the influence of Purkinje system on CRT response was assessed and correlation analysis between several parameters of the QRS was made. Simulation results showed that the right ventricle (RV) upper septum near the outflow tract is an alternative location to the RV apical lead. Furthermore, LV endocardial pacing provided better results as compared to epicardial stimulation. Finally, the time to reach the 90% of the QRS area was a good predictor of the instant at which 90

Published online 8 December 2018, The study explores interbrain neural coupling when interlocutors engage in a conversation whether it be in their native or nonnative language. To this end, electroencephalographic hyperscanning was used to study brain-to-brain phase synchronization during a two-person turn-taking verbal exchange with no visual contact, in either a native or a foreign language context. Results show that the coupling strength between brain signals is increased in both, the native language context and the foreign language context, specifically, in the alpha frequency band. A difference in brain-to speech entrainment to native and foreign languages is also shown. These results indicate that between brain similarities in the timing of neural activations and their spatial distributions change depending on the language code used. We argue that factors like linguistic alignment, joint attention and brain-entrainment to speech operate with a language-idiosyncratic neural configuration, modulating the alignment of neural activity between speakers and listeners. Other possible factors leading to the differential interbrain synchronization patterns as well as the potential features of brain-to-brain entrainment as a mechanism are briefly discussed. We concluded that linguistic context should be considered when addressing interpersonal communication. The findings here open doors to quantifying linguistic interactions.

Published online 8 December 2018, The study explores interbrain neural coupling when interlocutors engage in a conversation whether it be in their native or nonnative language. To this end, electroencephalographic hyperscanning was used to study brain-to-brain phase synchronization during a two-person turn-taking verbal exchange with no visual contact, in either a native or a foreign language context. Results show that the coupling strength between brain signals is increased in both, the native language context and the foreign language context, specifically, in the alpha frequency band. A difference in brain-to speech entrainment to native and foreign languages is also shown. These results indicate that between brain similarities in the timing of neural activations and their spatial distributions change depending on the language code used. We argue that factors like linguistic alignment, joint attention and brain-entrainment to speech operate with a language-idiosyncratic neural configuration, modulating the alignment of neural activity between speakers and listeners. Other possible factors leading to the differential interbrain synchronization patterns as well as the potential features of brain-to-brain entrainment as a mechanism are briefly discussed. We concluded that linguistic context should be considered when addressing interpersonal communication. The findings here open doors to quantifying linguistic interactions.

In a recent work we have argued that nosy energy momentum diffusion due to space-time discreteness at the Planck scale (naturally expected to arise from quantum gravity) can be responsible for the generation of a cosmological constant during the electro-weak phase transition era of the cosmic evolution. Simple dimensional analysis and an effectively Brownian description of the propagation of fundamental particles on a granular background yields a cosmological constant of the order of magnitude of the observed value, without fine tuning. While the energy diffusion is negligible for matter in standard astrophysical configurations (from ordinary stars to neutron stars) here we argue that a similar diffusion mechanism could, nonetheless be important for black holes. If such effects are taken into account two observational puzzles might be solved by a single mechanism: the `$H_0$ tension' and the relatively low rotational spin of the black holes detected via gravitational wave astronomy.

When probed with conformally invariant matter fields, light cones in Minkowski spacetime satisfy thermodynamical relations which are the analog of those satisfied by stationary black holes coupled to standard matter fields. These properties stem from the fact that light cones are conformal Killing horizons stationary with respect to observers following the radial conformal Killing fields in flat spacetime. The four laws of light cone thermodynamics relate notions such as (conformal) temperature, (conformal) surface gravity, (conformal) energy and a conformally invariant notion related to area change. These quantities do not admit a direct physical interpretation in flat spacetime. However, they become the usual thermodynamical quantities when Minkowski is mapped, via a Weyl transformation, to a target spacetime where the conformal Killing field becomes a proper Killing field. In this paper we study the properties of such spacetimes. The simplest realisation turns out to be the Bertotti-Robinson solution, which is known to encode the near horizon geometry of near extremal and extremal charged black holes. The analogy between light cones in flat space and black hole horizons is therefore strengthened. The construction works in arbitrary dimensions; in two dimensions one recovers the Jackiv-Teitelboim black hole of dilaton gravity. Other interesting realisations are also presented., Comment: 23 pages, 7 figures; v2: typos corrected, matches published version

The value of the cosmological constant is explained in terms of a noisy diffusion of energy from the low energy particle physics degrees of freedom to the fundamental Planckian granularity which is expected from general arguments in quantum gravity. The quantitative success of our phenomenological model is encouraging and provides possibly useful insights about physics at the scale of quantum gravity., Comment: Essay written for the Gravity Research Foundation 2018 Awards for Essays on Gravitation. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1711.05183

When probed with conformally invariant matter fields, light cones in Minkowski spacetime satisfy thermodynamical relations which are the analog of those satisfied by stationary black holes coupled to standard matter fields. These properties stem from the fact that light cones are conformal Killing horizons stationary with respect to observers following the radial conformal Killing fields in flat spacetime. The four laws of light cone thermodynamics relate notions such as (conformal) temperature, (conformal) surface gravity, (conformal) energy and a conformally invariant notion related to area change. These quantities do not admit a direct physical interpretation in flat spacetime. However, they become the usual thermodynamical quantities when Minkowski is mapped, via a Weyl transformation, to a target spacetime where the conformal Killing field becomes a proper Killing field. In this paper we study the properties of such spacetimes. The simplest realisation turns out to be the Bertotti-Robinson solution, which is known to encode the near horizon geometry of near extremal and extremal charged black holes. The analogy between light cones in flat space and black hole horizons is therefore strengthened. The construction works in arbitrary dimensions; in two dimensions one recovers the Jackiv-Teitelboim black hole of dilaton gravity. Other interesting realisations are also presented., Comment: 23 pages, 7 figures; v2: typos corrected, matches published version

Published: 12 March 2018, When a speaker's auditory feedback is altered, he adapts for the perturbation by altering his own production, which demonstrates the role of auditory feedback in speech motor control. In the present study, we explored the role of auditory acuity and executive control in this process. Based on the DIVA model and the major cognitive control models, we expected that higher auditory acuity, and better executive control skills would predict larger adaptation to the alteration. Thirty-six Spanish native speakers performed an altered auditory feedback experiment, executive control (numerical Stroop, Simon and Flanker) tasks, and auditory acuity tasks (loudness, pitch, and melody pattern discrimination). In the altered feedback experiment, participants had to produce the pseudoword “pep” (/pep/) while perceiving their auditory feedback in real time through earphones. The auditory feedback was first unaltered and then progressively altered in F1 and F2 dimensions until maximal alteration (F1 −150 Hz; F2 +300 Hz). The normalized distance of maximal adaptation ranged from 4 to 137 Hz (median of 75 ± 36). The different measures of auditory acuity were significant predictors of adaptation, while individual measures of cognitive function skills (obtained from the executive control tasks) were not. Better auditory discriminators adapted more to the alteration. We conclude that adaptation to altered auditory feedback is very well-predicted by general auditory acuity, as suggested by the DIVA model. In line with the framework of motor-control models, no specific claim on the implication of executive resources in speech motor control can be made.

Published: 12 March 2018, When a speaker's auditory feedback is altered, he adapts for the perturbation by altering his own production, which demonstrates the role of auditory feedback in speech motor control. In the present study, we explored the role of auditory acuity and executive control in this process. Based on the DIVA model and the major cognitive control models, we expected that higher auditory acuity, and better executive control skills would predict larger adaptation to the alteration. Thirty-six Spanish native speakers performed an altered auditory feedback experiment, executive control (numerical Stroop, Simon and Flanker) tasks, and auditory acuity tasks (loudness, pitch, and melody pattern discrimination). In the altered feedback experiment, participants had to produce the pseudoword “pep” (/pep/) while perceiving their auditory feedback in real time through earphones. The auditory feedback was first unaltered and then progressively altered in F1 and F2 dimensions until maximal alteration (F1 −150 Hz; F2 +300 Hz). The normalized distance of maximal adaptation ranged from 4 to 137 Hz (median of 75 ± 36). The different measures of auditory acuity were significant predictors of adaptation, while individual measures of cognitive function skills (obtained from the executive control tasks) were not. Better auditory discriminators adapted more to the alteration. We conclude that adaptation to altered auditory feedback is very well-predicted by general auditory acuity, as suggested by the DIVA model. In line with the framework of motor-control models, no specific claim on the implication of executive resources in speech motor control can be made.