Quantum decoherence and the approach to equilibrium (II)

In a previous paper [Hemmo, M & Shenker, O (2003). Quantum decoherence and the approach to equilibrium I. Philosophy of Science, 70, 330–358] we discussed a recent proposal by Albert [(2000). Time and chance. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Chapter 7] to recover thermodynamics on a purely dynamical basis, using the quantum theory of the collapse of the quantum state of [Ghirardi, G, Rimini, A and Weber, T., (1986). Unified dynamics for microscopic and macroscopic systems. Physical Review, D 34, 470–479]. We proposed an alternative way to explain thermodynamics within no collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics. In this paper some difficulties faced by both approaches are discussed and solved: the spin echo experiments, and the problem of extremely light gases. In these contexts, we point out several ways in which the above quantum mechanical approaches as well as some other classical approaches to the foundations of statistical mechanics may be distinguished experimentally.     

岩芯筒压入地层的塑性力学问题

摘要首先从库仑定律出发导出了地层介质塑性流动条件。其结果类似于一般塑性力学中的Tresca,Mises条件。其次列出了轴对称地层塑性流动的微分方程组,并推出了其简化近似方程。最后提出了简化方程的特征线解法,并举例说明。     

国际发展趋势下实验力学的未来作用

考察了分析结构、结构构件以及技术系统中的位移、应变与应力的测量和实验方法在目前和未来的作用。现在,比以往任何时候都更有理由和有更广阔的领域需要用到实验力学方法;许多先进、现代化技术,新型测量设备,测量和赋值过程自动化系统可供使用;以先进的测量技术和计算机技术相结合而形成的各种杂交法已被提出来。利用这些方法,可以优化结构和产品,节约能源和原材料,提高产品质量,增强结构、技术系统的可靠、安全性,控制生产过程以及监督操作系统的安全性;利用这些方法,能够并且应当使技术系统可能发生的危险以及对环境的毁损降至最低程度。     

儒家"诚信"特色及其现代转化

儒家"诚信"作为具有中国特色的古典伦理形态,与现代"信用"有许多本质差异。要实现其现代转化,必须达到:由适用于"熟人"社会的特定伦理,转变为适用于"陌生人"社会的普遍伦理;由一般人伦伦理,引入经济伦理;由主观"自诚"模式,转变为契约"合意"模式;由从属于封建礼教的次要道德义务,转变为从属于"社会公正"的道德义务,并进而提升为反映现代人本质的基本道德义务。为达此转化,需要创设诸如完善市场机制、推行宪政民主、培养契约文明观念等社会文化条件。这将是一个艰难漫长的自然历史进程。     

如何在材料力学实验中提高学生的学习兴趣

文章分析了材料力学实验的现状和目前存在的问题,针对性地进行了实验教学改革的探索,并应用于实验教学当中,取得了良好的教学效果。     

300 MN水压机垫板组力学行为规律研究

针对巨型水压机多层垫板组力学行为的多维非线性特征,本文应用作者开发的多体接触有限元程序,分析了300MN水压机垫板组力学行为规律,揭示了垫板组加载方式为几何空间状态与力学行为的相关性,说明了垫板组异常变形机制,提出了垫板组设计和使用的几点准则。     

一类四阶线性双曲型方程的边值

考虑了一类四阶线性双曲型方程以特征线为数据支柱的边值问题，在支柱上给出了函数值或导数值，用迭代法讨论了问题的正规解或古典解。     

Forecasting recessions using the yield curve

We compare forecasts of recessions using four different specifications of the probit model: a time invariant conditionally independent version; a business cycle specific conditionally independent model; a time invariant probit with autocorrelated errors; and a business cycle specific probit with autocorrelated errors. The more sophisticated versions of the model take into account some of the potential underlying causes of the documented predictive instability of the yield curve. We find strong evidence in favour of the more sophisticated specification, which allows for multiple breakpoints across business cycles and autocorrelation. We also develop a new approach to the construction of real time forecasting of recession probabilities. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finding global minima with a new dynamical evolutionary algorithm

A new dynamical evolutionary algorithm (DEA) based on the theory of statistical mechanics is presented. This algorithm is very different from the traditional evolutionary algorithm and the two novel features are the unique of selecting strategy and the determination of individuals that are selected to crossover and mutate. We use DEA to solve a lot of global optimization problems that are nonlinear, multimodal and multidimensional and obtain satisfactory results. Foundation item: Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 60133010, NO. 60073043 and No. 700/1042) Biography: Zou Xiu-fen(1996-), female, Ph. D candidate, Associate professor, research direction: evolutionary computing, parallel computing.     

Why the Afshar experiment does not refute complementarity

A modified version of Young's experiment by Shahriar Afshar demonstrates that, prior to what appears to be a “which-way” measurement, an interference pattern exists. Afshar has claimed that this result constitutes a violation of the Principle of Complementarity. This paper discusses the implications of this experiment and considers how Cramer's Transactional Interpretation easily accommodates the result. It is also shown that the Afshar experiment is analogous in key respects to a spin one-half particle prepared as “spin up along x”, subjected to a nondestructive confirmation of that preparation, and post-selected in a specific state of spin along z. The terminology “which-way” or “which-slit” is critiqued; it is argued that this usage by both Afshar and his critics is misleading and has contributed to confusion surrounding the interpretation of the experiment. Nevertheless, it is concluded that Bohr would have had no more problem accounting for the Afshar result than he would in accounting for the aforementioned pre- and post-selection spin experiment, in which the particle's preparation state is confirmed by a nondestructive measurement prior to post-selection. In addition, some new inferences about the interpretation of delayed choice experiments are drawn from the analysis.