Solving problems in finite time
Article Abstract:
A new analysis of the K-SAT problem, which was the first to be assigned to the class of nondeterministic polynomial time-complete problems, has provided the first direct link of a transition in computational complexity with a critical point of a statistical-mechanics transition. It was established that, below p = 0.41, the computational cost scales linearly with N. A critical value of alpha corresponding to a continuous transition from satisfiable to unsatisfiable solutions can be identified analytically. At p = 0.41, the phase transition adopts a new character and at the same time the computational cost of heuristic searches becomes exponentially large.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Thinking big
Article Abstract:
Fritz London, a physicist, is one of the originators of quantum theory during 1925-27 aimed at exploring the way quantum theory could work and be observed, on the macroscopic scale. In 1935, London was the first to propose that superfluidity was Bose-Einstein condensation, and then in the late 1930s, with his brother Heinz, he developed the first heuristic theory of superconductivity.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2005
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The domino effect: When taking a risk proved a wise choice for one postdoc
Article Abstract:
A postdoc talks about the risk he took in his life when he was doing his second postdoc at the National Institute for Medical Research (NMIR) in London. He accepted a challenge from a senior scientist by turning down a Senior Beit Fellowship to continue at NIMR. His decision paid off and quick succession of unexpected results enabled him to return to a secure career path.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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