12,751 research outputs found
Ising model on the Apollonian network with node dependent interactions
This work considers an Ising model on the Apollonian network, where the
exchange constant between two neighboring spins
is a function of the degree of both spins. Using the exact
geometrical construction rule for the network, the thermodynamical and magnetic
properties are evaluated by iterating a system of discrete maps that allows for
very precise results in the thermodynamic limit. The results can be compared to
the predictions of a general framework for spins models on scale-free networks,
where the node distribution , with node dependent
interacting constants. We observe that, by increasing , the critical
behavior of the model changes, from a phase transition at for a
uniform system , to a T=0 phase transition when : in the
thermodynamic limit, the system shows no exactly critical behavior at a finite
temperature. The magnetization and magnetic susceptibility are found to present
non-critical scaling properties.Comment: 6 figures, 12 figure file
Computer simulation of fatigue under diametrical compression
We study the fatigue fracture of disordered materials by means of computer
simulations of a discrete element model. We extend a two-dimensional fracture
model to capture the microscopic mechanisms relevant for fatigue, and we
simulate the diametric compression of a disc shape specimen under a constant
external force. The model allows to follow the development of the fracture
process on the macro- and micro-level varying the relative influence of the
mechanisms of damage accumulation over the load history and healing of
microcracks. As a specific example we consider recent experimental results on
the fatigue fracture of asphalt. Our numerical simulations show that for
intermediate applied loads the lifetime of the specimen presents a power law
behavior. Under the effect of healing, more prominent for small loads compared
to the tensile strength of the material, the lifetime of the sample increases
and a fatigue limit emerges below which no macroscopic failure occurs. The
numerical results are in a good qualitative agreement with the experimental
findings.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures, RevTex forma
Family and parenting characteristics associated with marijuana use by Chilean adolescents
OBJECTIVE: Family involvement and several characteristics of parenting have been suggested to be protective factors for adolescent substance use. Some parenting behaviors may have stronger relationships with adolescent behavior while others may have associations with undesirable behavior among youth. Although it is generally acknowledged that families play an important role in the lives of Chilean adolescents, scant research exists on how different family and parenting factors may be associated with marijuana use and related problems in this population which has one of the highest rates of drug use in Latin America.
METHODS: Using logistic regression and negative binomial regression, we examined whether a large number of family and parenting variables were associated with the possibility of Chilean adolescents ever using marijuana, and with marijuana-related problems. Analyses controlled for a number of demographic and peer-related variables.
RESULTS: Controlling for other parenting and family variables, adolescent reports of parental marijuana use showed a significant and positive association with adolescent marijuana use. The multivariate models also revealed that harsh parenting by fathers was the only family variable associated with the number of marijuana-related problems youth experienced.
CONCLUSION: Of all the family and parenting variables studied, perceptions of parental use of marijuana and harsh parenting by fathers were predictors for marijuana use, and the experience of marijuana-related problems. Prevention interventions need to continue emphasizing the critical socializing role that parental behavior plays in their children's development and potential use of marijuana.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3109755/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3109755/Accepted manuscrip
The influence of statistical properties of Fourier coefficients on random surfaces
Many examples of natural systems can be described by random Gaussian
surfaces. Much can be learned by analyzing the Fourier expansion of the
surfaces, from which it is possible to determine the corresponding Hurst
exponent and consequently establish the presence of scale invariance. We show
that this symmetry is not affected by the distribution of the modulus of the
Fourier coefficients. Furthermore, we investigate the role of the Fourier
phases of random surfaces. In particular, we show how the surface is affected
by a non-uniform distribution of phases
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