This thesis concerns applications of some probabilistic tools to phylogeny reconstruction and population genetics. Modelling the evolution of species by continuous-time random walks on the signed permutation groups, we study the asymptotic medians of a set of random permutations sampled from simple random walks at time 0.25cn, for c> 0. Running k independent random walks all starting at identity, we prove that the medians approximate the ancestor (identity permutation) up to time 0.25n, while there exists a constant c>1 after which the medians loose credibility as an estimator. We study the median of a set of random permutations on the symmetric group endowed with different metrics. In particular, for a special metric of dissimilarity, called breakpoint, where the space is not geodesic, we find a large group of medians of random permutations using the concept of partial geodesics (or geodesic patches). Also, we study the Fleming-Viot process in random environment (FVRE) via martingale and duality methods. We develop the duality method to the case of time-dependent and quenched martingale problems. Using a family of dual processes we prove the convergence of the Moran processes in random environments to FVRE in Skorokhod topology. We also study the long-time behaviour of FVRE and prove the existence of equilibrium for the joint annealed-environment process and prove an ergodic theorem for the latter.

Orientador: Marcos César de Oliveira / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-30T18:19:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DoriguelloDiniz_JoaoFernando_M.pdf: 5802868 bytes, checksum: 75d67be6662dcc05e681b956a5848b12 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016 / Resumo: Passeios quânticos são a contrapartida quântica aos passeios aleatórios clássicos e têm um papel crucial no desenho de algoritmos quânticos eficientes que superam algoritmos clássicos. Durante os últimos anos, um grande esforço tem sido feito para implementar passeios quânticos experimentalmente, principalmente unidimensionais. Entretanto, implementações experimentais de passeios quânticos em duas dimensões ainda são escassas, e é justamente a partir de duas dimensões em que há algum ganho computacional. Este projeto parte desta necessidade para propor um sistema físico capaz de implementar um passeio quântico bidimensional: um qubit superconductor acoplado capacitivamente a um oscilador mecânico. Este sistema já foi estudado anteriormente e mostrou-se ser capaz de reproduzir um passeio quântico unidimensional. O projeto centrou-se então em generalizar este sistema acoplamento um segundo oscilador mecânico ao qubit e em demonstrar que o sistema assim obtido é capaz, teoricamente, de gerar um passeio quântico bidimensional. Foram conduzidas simulações da distribuição de probabilidade do sistema sem e com decoerência. Além disso, estudamos a recente relação entre mecânica quântica relativística e passeios quânticos; mais especificamente, revisamos a semelhança entre as equações de Klein-Gordon e Dirac e as equações de evolução do passeio quântico / Abstract: Quantum walks are the quantum counterpart to classic random walks and have a crucial role in the design of efficient quantum algorithms that overcome classic algorithms. During the last years a great effort has been dedicated to implement quantum walks experimentally. However, bi-dimensional quantum walk implementations are still scarce and it is precisely starting from two dimensions that there exists some computational gain. This dissertation is based on this necessity to propose a physical system capable of implementing a two-dimensional quantum walk: a superconducting qubit capacitively coupled to a mechanical oscillator. This system has already been studied in the literature and was shown to adequately generate a one-dimensional quantum walk. The dissertation was thus centred in generalizing this system by coupling a second mechanical resonator to the qubit and in demonstrating that this resulting system is theoretically capable of simulating a two-dimensional quantum walk. Simulations of the probability distribution with and without decoherence were conducted. Moreover, we studied the recent connection between relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum walks; more specifically, we revised the resemblance between the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations and the quantum walk time evolution equations / Mestrado / Física / Mestre em Física / 2014/12617-5 / FAPESP

This research examined underpinning aspects of decolonised support service needs and preferences of open distance learning students with disabilities. In order to fulfil this purpose, views and perceptions of students with disabilities on the importance, availability, and accessibility of student support services were investigated. The extensive literature review done confirms the extent to which decolonisation of higher education has received prominence however, that prominence is not given to the decolonisation of support services for students with disabilities. The Capabilities Approach is utilized as the theoretical framework for this study. It coupled with the Social Model of disability channels our focus on the person's abilities rather than the impairments. Positioned as a qualitative illustrative case study, it sought to examine the factors that positively and negatively affect increased decolonisation of the higher education experiences of students with disabilities in South African universities. As the foremost Open Distance Learning institution in South Africa; the University of South Africa is the primary site for the study. Interviews with students with disabilities, the student representative council and staff members responsible for student support revealed the current experiences and perceptions of both students and staff regarding the topic. The study findings revealed key aspects of a decolonised Student Walk as being internationally relevant, students playing a pivotal role as a stakeholder, controlling worldviews, replicating inequalities and curriculum and power plays and clear strategy as a cardinal aspect of the process. It also discovered that decolonisation was not well understood by both staff and students, hypothetically pointing to many barriers than opportunities. There was disjointed institutional support initiatives that needed to be decolonised, inclusive, teaching and student support aligned. The major implications are linked to institutional level strategic support, staff training and awareness, policy reflection and strategy, inclusive initiatives and student involvement. Above all, a decolonised Student Walk framework has been proposed.

This thesis deals with the fine art based on the experience of peregrination and walking - from plein air landscape painting to the works of action art and land art. These contemporary art movements regards the act of peregrination itself as an artwork. Didactic part of this thesis aims to employment of physical experience of walking in art education.

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What is the probability that in a fair coin toss game (a simple random walk) we go bankrupt in n steps when there is an initial lead of some known or unknown quantity $m? What is the distribution of the number of steps N that it takes for the lead to vanish? This thesis explores some of the features of this first passage to the origin (FPO) distribution. First, we explore the distribution of N when m is known. Next, we compute the maximum likelihood estimators of m for a fixed n and also the posterior distribution of m when we are given that m follows some known prior distribution.

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In this paper we will investigate the connection between a random walk and a continuous time stochastic process. Donsker's Theorem states that a random walk under certain conditions will converge to a Wiener process. We will provide a detailed proof of this theorem which will be used to prove that a geometric random walk converges to a geometric Brownian motion.

Objectives: The purpose is to see if there is a relationship between declining walk-in visitor counts and increased library web access. The overall objective is to evaluate library services and find better and more efficient ways to meet the needs of walk-in and virtual patrons. Methods: Compile past five years of walk-in visitor statistics from the library. Retrieve past five years of website statistics from Google Analytics. These two sets of data will be compared and analyzed for any correlation. We hypothesize the data will show a steady decrease in walk-in visitors along with a continued increase in website visitors. We hope to find a period during the past five years where the two values intersect. If a clear relation exists, we will identify possible factors that can be attributed to these changes. Results: The combination of online “visits” combined with walk-in visits gives an entirely different picture of the use of libraries by patrons. Conclusion: Librarians should not be wedded to success markers of past eras. By updating measures of recording “attendance,” a more truthful picture emerges about the true popularity of libraries. This type of data is essential, since libraries are under more pressure to justify their existence.

En la actualidad, todos los seres humanos utilizan dispositivos móviles. Con el pasar del tiempo, las personas utilizan los diversos servicios que éstos ofrecen. Entre sus principales atributos están las aplicaciones móviles (“Apps”); y se han vuelto parte esencial de la vida. Por otro lado, los animales domésticos, especialmente los perros, han pasado de ser mascotas a miembros importantes en los hogares. Las familias reconocen su influencia positiva en lo psicológico y social. En el presente trabajo se busca determinar la viabilidad de un servicio que mezcla la tecnología que ofrecen los dispositivos móviles con las necesidades de los perros y a su vez de sus dueños, es decir, los paseos. Este proyecto pretende ofrecer una aplicación móvil que facilitará la conexión entre los dueños de mascotas y paseadores capacitados, seleccionando el horario, seguimiento en tiempo real y cuidados especiales en caso se necesite. Para ello se ha realizado un proceso de ideación, desarrollo de modelo de negocio, considerando la descripción del problema a solucionar del usuario, y la determinación del segmento objetivo. Además, se diseñó experimentos que permitan validar el modelo de negocio, las estrategias para la ejecución del concierge y las proyecciones de ventas. Una vez consolidada toda la información mencionada anteriormente, se desarrolló planes que requiere el negocio, los cuales son: Estratégico, Operativo, Recursos Humanos, Marketing, Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, Financiero y Financiamiento. Por último, se hallarán las conclusiones del trabajo y el resultado potencial que tendría el negocio una vez sea implementado. / En la actualidad, todos los seres humanos utilizan dispositivos móviles. Con el pasar del tiempo, las personas utilizan los diversos servicios que éstos ofrecen. Entre sus principales atributos están las aplicaciones móviles (“Apps”); y se han vuelto parte esencial de la vida. Por otro lado, los animales domésticos, especialmente los perros, han pasado de ser mascotas a miembros importantes en los hogares. Las familias reconocen su influencia positiva en lo psicológico y social. En el presente trabajo se busca determinar la viabilidad de un servicio que mezcla la tecnología que ofrecen los dispositivos móviles con las necesidades de los perros y a su vez de sus dueños, es decir, los paseos. Este proyecto pretende ofrecer una aplicación móvil que facilitará la conexión entre los dueños de mascotas y paseadores capacitados, seleccionando el horario, seguimiento en tiempo real y cuidados especiales en caso se necesite. Para ello se ha realizado un proceso de ideación, desarrollo de modelo de negocio, considerando la descripción del problema a solucionar del usuario, y la determinación del segmento objetivo. Además, se diseñó experimentos que permitan validar el modelo de negocio, las estrategias para la ejecución del concierge y las proyecciones de ventas. Una vez consolidada toda la información mencionada anteriormente, se desarrolló planes que requiere el negocio, los cuales son: Estratégico, Operativo, Recursos Humanos, Marketing, Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, Financiero y Financiamiento. Por último, se hallarán las conclusiones del trabajo y el resultado potencial que tendría el negocio una vez sea implementado. / Trabajo de investigación