Monte Carlo Study of the Spin-1 Baxter-Wu Model

The two-dimensional spin-1 Baxter-Wu model is studied by using Monte Carlo simulations. The standard single-spin-flip Metropolis algorithm is used to generate the configurations from which the order parameter, specific heat and magnetic susceptibility are measured. The finite-size scaling procedure is employed in order to get the critical behavior. The extensive simulations shown that the critical exponents are different from those of the spin-1/2 model suggesting that the spin-1 model is in a different universality class.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl

Experimental and numerical analysis of the cyclic behaviour of RC beam-column connections with plain reinforcing bars

The information available in the literature about the cyclic behaviour of reinforced concrete elements with plain reinforcing bars is scarce. As a consequence, the influence of bar slippage in elements with plain bars is not yet comprehensively understood. In this paper are presented and discussed the main results of the cyclic tests carried out on five full-scale reinforced concrete beam-column joints with plain bars and without specific detailing for seismic demands. An additional joint specimen with deformed bars was also tested for comparison. Furthermore, numerical models were built to simulate the response of two of the specimens. Particular attention was given to the influence of bar slippage. The results of the conducted analyses underline the importance of accounting for bond-slip in the numerical modelling of elements with plain bars and also highlight the need for specific models to simulate the effects of this mechanism in the presence of plain bars

Zero-temperature TAP equations for the Ghatak-Sherrington model

The zero-temperature TAP equations for the spin-1 Ghatak-Sherrington model are investigated. The spin-glass energy density (ground state) is determined as a function of the anisotropy crystal field $D$ for a large number of spins. This allows us to locate a first-order transition between the spin-glass and paramagnetic phases within a good accuracy. The total number of solutions is also determined as a function of $D$.Comment: 11 pages, 2 ps figures include

Knowledge and attitude towards the gradual reduction of salt in bread – an online survey

Aim: Assess knowledge and attitude towards the gradual reduction of salt in bread and the potential impact on eating habits of children (6-18 years) and their families, as part as a Health Impact Assessment pilot study.N/

Middle Man: An Efficient Two-Factor Authentication Framework

Two-factor authentication (TFA) is increasingly becoming a go-to for user security and identification. With an increase in cyber crimes each year more and more businesses (ranging from financial institutions to retail) are implementing TFA mechanisms as a way to ensure user credibility within their systems which in turn decreases the risk of any malicious users infiltrating their systems. In this invited paper, we describe a lightweight two-factor authentication system where legitimate users are using their mobile devices in order to get access to certain services. In addition to that, our service can be used as a single-sign-on framework since our system allows many different services to connect to our platform and give the option to their users to connect to their services via our TFA framework. To achieve that, we have built an Application Programming Interface (API) that can receive requests from authorised (i.e. registered) businesses. Finally, users are able to login to a server by using an iOS app, that we have developed, to receive a dynamic one-time-password (OTP). The OTP generated in a dynamic and random way with high entropy and it is valid only for a short period of time

Validation of water flux and body composition in Glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus)

Water influx rates (WIR) measured with tritiated water dilution were compared with direct measures of water and energy intake in glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus). Total body water (TBW) measured isotopically was also compared with TBW determined by body composition analysis (BCA) of the same birds. Seventeen wild gulls were captured and studied in outdoor enclosures at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in July 2002. Gulls were hand-fed known quantities of Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) or given water on the basis of one of four experimental treatments: (A) fasting, (B) fish only, (C) water only, or (D) fish and water. Water and energy content of Arctic cod was also determined. WIR of gulls (after subtracting metabolic water production) in treatments A, B, C, and D were 0, 101 ± 5, 62 ± 19, and 122 ± 21 SD g d-1, respectively. Measured water intake in each group was 0, 111 ± 2, 64 ± 3, and 134 ± 15 SD g d-1, respectively. On average, WIR underestimated measured water intake in each group. Errors were lowest but most variable for gulls fed water only (-2.2% ± 32.8%) compared with gulls fed fish only (-9.0% ± 5.4%) or fish and water (-9.0% ± 7.0%). Compared with measured water intake, errors in WIR were relatively low overall (-6.9% ± 17.4%) and comparable to previous validation studies. The difference in TBW determined by BCA versus isotopic dilution ranged between -1.02% and +8.59% of mass. On average, TBW measured isotopically (632 ± 24 g kg-1) overestimated true body water by a factor of 1.033