scholarly journals Towards physical principles of biological evolution

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikhail I. Katsnelson ◽  
Yuri I. Wolf ◽  
Eugene V. Koonin
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Physics ◽  
Biological Evolution ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Theoretical Physics ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Biological Complexity ◽  
Minimal Free Energy ◽  
Major Transitions ◽  
Biological Entities

AbstractBiological systems reach organizational complexity that far exceeds the complexity of any known inanimate objects. Biological entities undoubtedly obey the laws of quantum physics and statistical mechanics. However, is modern physics sufficient to adequately describe, model and explain the evolution of biological complexity? Detailed parallels have been drawn between statistical thermodynamics and the population-genetic theory of biological evolution. Based on these parallels, we outline new perspectives on biological innovation and major transitions in evolution, and introduce a biological equivalent of thermodynamic potential that reflects the innovation propensity of an evolving population. Deep analogies have been suggested to also exist between the properties of biological entities and processes, and those of frustrated states in physics, such as glasses. Such systems are characterized by frustration whereby local state with minimal free energy conflict with the global minimum, resulting in “emergent phenomena”. We extend such analogies by examining frustration-type phenomena, such as conflicts between different levels of selection, in biological evolution. These frustration effects appear to drive the evolution of biological complexity. We further address evolution in multidimensional fitness landscapes from the point of view of percolation theory and suggest that percolation at level above the critical threshold dictates the tree-like evolution of complex organisms. Taken together, these multiple connections between fundamental processes in physics and biology imply that construction of a meaningful physical theory of biological evolution might not be a futile effort. However, it is unrealistic to expect that such a theory can be created in one scoop; if it ever comes to being, this can only happen through integration of multiple physical models of evolutionary processes. Furthermore, the existing framework of theoretical physics is unlikely to suffice for adequate modeling of the biological level of complexity, and new developments within physics itself are likely to be required.

scholarly journals The Physics of the Ideal Continuum

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 974-978
Author(s):  
Vedran Furtula
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Physics ◽  
Physical Constant ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Theoretical Physics ◽  
Scientific Disciplines ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Universe ◽  
The Ideal

In this paper from the domain of theoretical physics, there have been stated and briefly described the basic principles and laws that apply to the new scientific discipline of physics, which we call the Physics of the Ideal Continuum. In addition to the definition of the ideal continuum, it also defines and describes other phenomena such as the origin of matter, the origin of space-time, the origin and role of black holes and other phenomena in the universe. Special attention has been focused on the energy balance in the universe, as well as on the universal physical constant and its role in the development of the mathematical and physical models of the universe. Through the presentation of the differences between the physics of the ideal continuum, the quantum physics and classical physics, an additional stride has been made in understanding the most important laws and their applicability in these scientific disciplines, as well as their inter-connectedness. Other terms that have been given a significant role in this paper include equilibrium and gravitationalsheds (gravitational divisions).

Covariant Physics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moataz H. Emam
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Theoretical Physics ◽  
Newtonian Mechanics ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
College Physics ◽  
Introductory Courses ◽  
Tensor Calculus ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Intended Reader ◽  
Theory Of Fields

This book is an introduction to the modern methods of the general theory of relativity, tensor calculus, space time geometry, the classical theory of fields, and a variety of theoretical physics oriented topics rarely discussed at the level of the intended reader (mid-college physics major). It does so from the point of view of the so-called principle of covariance; a symmetry that underlies most of physics, including such familiar branches as Newtonian mechanics and electricity and magnetism. The book is written from a minimalist perspective, providing the reader with only the most basic of notions; just enough to be able to read, and hopefully comprehend, modern research papers on these subjects. In addition, it provides a (hopefully short) preparation for the student to be able to conduct research in a variety of topics in theoretical physics; with particular emphasis on physics in curved spacetime backgrounds. The hope is that students with a minimal mathematical background in calculus and only some introductory courses in physics may be able to study this book and benefit from it.

Theory of the Stationary Self-Consistent Universe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Shamailovich Avshalumov
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Physics ◽  
Space Time ◽  
Theoretical Physics ◽  
Time Model ◽  
Zero Curvature ◽  
Modern Cosmology ◽  
Simultaneous Existence ◽  
Three Space ◽  
Space Time Model ◽  
The Universe

Since the creation of GR and subsequent works in cosmology, the question of the curvature of space in the Universe is considered one of the most important and debated to this day. This is evident, because the curvature of space depends whether the Universe expands, contracts or is static. These discussions allowed the author to propose a paradoxical idea: simultaneous existence in the Universe of three interconnected space-times (positive, negative and zero curvature) and on this basis, to develop a theory in which each space-time plays its own role and develops in a strict accordance with its sign of curvature. The three space-time model of the structure of the Universe, proposed by the author, allows to solve many fundamental problems of modern cosmology and theoretical physics and creates the basis for building a unified physical theory (including one that unites GR and quantum physics).

scholarly journals ACTIVE POWER LOSS REDUCTION BY FLOWER POLLINATION ALGORITHM

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 223-231
Author(s):  
K. Lenin
Keyword(s):  
Power Loss ◽  
Reactive Power ◽  
Biological Evolution ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Flower Pollination Algorithm ◽  
Real Power ◽  
Flower Pollination ◽  
Power Loss Reduction ◽  
Nature Inspired Algorithm ◽  
Survival Of The Fittest

This paper presents Flower Pollination (FP) algorithm for solving the optimal reactive power problem. Minimization of real power loss is taken as key intent. Flower pollination algorithm is a new nature-inspired algorithm, based on the characteristics of flowering plants. The biological evolution point of view, the objective of the flower pollination is the survival of the fittest and the optimal reproduction of plants in terms of numbers as well as the largely fittest. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed Flower Pollination (FP) algorithm, it has been tested on IEEE 57 bus system and compared to other standard reported algorithms. Simulation results show that FP algorithm is better than other algorithms in reducing the real power loss and voltage profiles are within the limits.

scholarly journals Management of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giampaolo Perri ◽  
Giovanni Marchegiani ◽  
Isabella Frigerio ◽  
Christos G. Dervenis ◽  
Kevin C. Conlon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outpatient Clinic ◽  
Malignant Lesion ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Cystic Neoplasms ◽  
Selective Approach ◽  
Intraoperative Management ◽  
Diagnostic Hypothesis ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Biological Entities

Background: The prevalence of undefined pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) is high in the general population, increasing with patient age. PCNs account for different biological entities with different potential for malignant transformation. The clinician must balance his or her practice between the risk of surgical overtreatment and the error of keeping a malignant lesion under surveillance. Methods: We review and discuss the clinical management of PCNs. Specifically, we analyze the main features of PCNs from the surgeon’s point of view, as they present in the outpatient clinic. We also review the different consensus guidelines, address recent controversies in the literature, and present the current clinical practice at 4 different European Centers for pancreatic surgery. Results: The main features of PCNs were analyzed from the surgeon’s point of view as they present in the outpatient clinic. All aspects of surgical management were discussed, from indications for surgery to intraoperative management and surveillance strategies. Conclusions: Management of PCNs requires a selective approach with the aim of minimizing clinically relevant diagnostic mistakes. Through the evaluation of clinical and radiological features of a PCN, the surgeon can elaborate on a diagnostic hypothesis and assess malignancy risk, but the final decision should be tailored to the individual patient’s need.

scholarly journals Separation of Biological Entities from Human Blood by Using Magnetic Nanocomposites Obtained from Zeolite Precursors

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1803
Author(s):  
Serena Esposito ◽  
Antonello Marocco ◽  
Gianfranco Dell’Agli ◽  
Barbara Bonelli ◽  
Franca Mannu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Blood ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Industrial Process ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Magnetic Adsorbents ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Magnetic Metal ◽  
Biological Entities

In this work, three novel magnetic metal–ceramic nanocomposites were obtained by thermally treating Fe-exchanged zeolites (either A or X) under reducing atmosphere at relatively mild temperatures (750–800 °C). The so-obtained materials were thoroughly characterized from the point of view of their physico-chemical properties and, then, used as magnetic adsorbents in the separation of the target gene factors V and RNASE and of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria DNA from human blood. Such results were compared with those obtained by using a top ranking commercial separation system (namely, SiMAG-N-DNA by Chemicell). The results obtained by using the novel magnetic adsorbents were similar to (or even better than) those obtained by using the commercial system, both during manual and automated separations, provided that a proper protocol was adopted. Particularly, the novel magnetic adsorbents showed high sensitivity during tests performed with small volumes of blood. Finally, the feasible production of such magnetic adsorbents by an industrial process was envisaged as well.

scholarly journals Probing quantum gravity effects with quantum mechanical oscillators

2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Bonaldi ◽  
Antonio Borrielli ◽  
Avishek Chowdhury ◽  
Gianni Di Giuseppe ◽  
Wenlin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Gravity ◽  
Quantum Physics ◽  
Deformation Parameter ◽  
Thermal State ◽  
Classical Trajectory ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Gravity Models ◽  
Gravity Effects ◽  
The Status ◽  
Mechanical Oscillators

Abstract Phenomenological models aiming to join gravity and quantum mechanics often predict effects that are potentially measurable in refined low-energy experiments. For instance, modified commutation relations between position and momentum, that account for a minimal scale length, yield a dynamics that can be codified in additional Hamiltonian terms. When applied to the paradigmatic case of a mechanical oscillator, such terms, at the lowest order in the deformation parameter, introduce a weak intrinsic nonlinearity and, consequently, deviations from the classical trajectory. This point of view has stimulated several experimental proposals and realizations, leading to meaningful upper limits to the deformation parameter. All such experiments are based on classical mechanical oscillators, i.e., excited from a thermal state. We remark indeed that decoherence, that plays a major role in distinguishing the classical from the quantum behavior of (macroscopic) systems, is not usually included in phenomenological quantum gravity models. However, it would not be surprising if peculiar features that are predicted by considering the joined roles of gravity and quantum physics should manifest themselves just on purely quantum objects. On the basis of this consideration, we propose experiments aiming to observe possible quantum gravity effects on macroscopic mechanical oscillators that are preliminary prepared in a high purity state, and we report on the status of their realization. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Environmental Hydraulics Research

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2749
Author(s):  
Helena M. Ramos ◽  
Armando Carravetta ◽  
Aonghus Mc Nabola ◽  
Kemi Adeyeye
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Water Environment ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Advanced Materials ◽  
Environmental Hydraulics ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
Disciplinary Field ◽  
To Come ◽  
Available Information

Environmental hydraulics research includes the different domains of hydrodynamics, such as the investigation and implementation of the physical and experimental applications, and research into the quantity, quality, modelling and simulation of the attributes associated with flowing water. This topic is studied both from a technical and environmental point of view, with the objective of protecting and enhancing the quality of the environment. It is a cross-disciplinary field of study which comprises open channel/river flows and pressurised systems, combining, among others, new technological, social, and environmental hydraulic challenges. It provides researchers and engineers working in water-related fields with available information, new concepts and tools, new design solutions, eco-friendly technologies, and the advanced materials necessary to address the increasing challenges of ensuring a sustainable water environment—that is, a water environment effectively managed and adequated for generations to come by promoting the adaptation, flexibility, integration and sustainability of recognised environmental solutions. Using advanced numerical and physical models in field experiments, and tests in different types of laboratory set-ups, specialists in environmental hydraulics produce the best analyses, concepts, techniques, tools, and solutions to environmental hydraulic problems, as well as in relation to the water, energy and environmental nexus.

scholarly journals The birth of E 8 out of the spinors of the icosahedron

2016 ◽  
Vol 472 (2185) ◽  
pp. 20150504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Philippe Dechant
Keyword(s):  
Clifford Algebra ◽  
Root System ◽  
Automorphism Groups ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Double Cover ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Theoretical Physics ◽  
Superstring Theory ◽  
3D Space

E 8 is prominent in mathematics and theoretical physics, and is generally viewed as an exceptional symmetry in an eight-dimensional (8D) space very different from the space we inhabit; for instance, the Lie group E 8 features heavily in 10D superstring theory. Contrary to that point of view, here we show that the E 8 root system can in fact be constructed from the icosahedron alone and can thus be viewed purely in terms of 3D geometry. The 240 roots of E 8 arise in the 8D Clifford algebra of 3D space as a double cover of the 120 elements of the icosahedral group, generated by the root system H 3 . As a by-product, by restricting to even products of root vectors (spinors) in the 4D even subalgebra of the Clifford algebra, one can show that each 3D root system induces a root system in 4D, which turn out to also be exactly the exceptional 4D root systems. The spinorial point of view explains their existence as well as their unusual automorphism groups. This spinorial approach thus in fact allows one to construct all exceptional root systems within the geometry of three dimensions, which opens up a novel interpretation of these phenomena in terms of spinorial geometry.

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