A Fast Serial Algorithm for the Finite Temperature Quenched Potts Model

An efficient serial algorithm for finite temperature, quenched Potts model simulations of domain evolution has been developed. This \u27\u27n‐fold way\u27\u27 algorithm eliminates unsuccessful spin flip attempts a priori by flipping sites with a frequency proportional to their site activity, defined as the sum of the probability of success for every possible spin flip at that site. Finite temperature efficiency for high‐spin degeneracy systems is achieved by utilizing a new, analytical expression for the portion of the site activity due to flips to non-neighbor spin values. Hence, to determine the activity of a site, only flips to the nearest neighbor spin values need be considered individually; all other flips are evaluated in a single expression. A complexity analysis of this algorithm gives the dependence of computing time on system parameters and on simulation progress. While a conventional Potts model algorithm has a constant computing time per simulation timestep, the n-fold way algorithm increases in efficiency as domain coarsening progresses. Computer experiments confirm the complexity analysis results and indicate that the n-fold way algorithm is much more efficient than the conventional algorithm even at high fractions of the critical temperature

The Relationship Between Counseling Students’ Theoretical Orientation and Treatment Outcomes

A MANCOVA was conducted to determine differences in client treatment outcomes based on counseling students’ theoretical orientations. Results indicated that at a training clinic, clients demonstrated statistically significant improvement and, students’ theoretical orientation did not significantly affect client outcomes. Pedagogical strategies are suggested for counselor educators and supervisors

Pilot Study on PPCPs at Champaign and Urbana Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)

Two important sources of PPCPs and hormones in the environment are municipal/industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). WWTPs cannot completely eliminate all PPCPs and hormones, resulting in their discharge into the environment with effluent, while CAFO water is not required to undergo advanced treatment before it is reused. In spring 2013, Dr. Wei Zheng, senior research scientist at ISTC, and his team began investigating the concentrations and occurrence of 16 PPCPs and hormones at the Champaign and Urbana WWTPs to establish baseline information for the area.Illinois Hazardous Waste Research FundOpe