Mixing Times for the Mean-Field Blume-Capel Model via Aggregate Path Coupling

In this paper we investigate the relationship between the mixing times of the Glauber dynamics of a statistical mechanical system with its thermodynamic equilibrium structure. For this we consider the mean-field Blume-Capel model, one of the simplest statistical mechanical models that exhibits the following intricate phase transition structure: within a two dimensional parameter space there exists a curve at which the model undergoes a second-order, continuous phase transition, a curve where the model undergoes a first-order, discontinuous phase transition, and a tricritical point which separates the two curves. We determine the interface between the regions of slow and rapid mixing. In order to completely determine the region of rapid mixing, we employ a novel extension of the path coupling method, successfully proving rapid mixing even in the absence of contraction between neighboring states

The Aaron Diamond Foundation AIDS Research in New York City

Case study examines a foundation that spent down its $200 million endowment over 10 years on programs in medical research, minority education, and culture in New York City

An overview of the marine fish landings in Andhra Pradesh during 2014

The estimated marine fish landings in Andhra Pradesh during the year 2014 was 3.41 lakh tonnes (t) as compared to 2.66 lakh t in 2013 showing an increase of 28%. The state’s contribution to the all India landings during 2014 was 9.5 %. Resources such as Indian mackerel and lesser sardines constituted the maximum, being 16.3% and 12.2% of the landings respectively. Tunnies and penaeid prawns landings contributed 8% each while the other important species/ groups were ribbon fishes 5.9%, carangids 5.5%, perches 4.2%, croakers 3.8%, oil sardine 3.5%, goatfishes 2.3%, seer fishes 2.3%, Stolephorus spp. 2%, crabs 2%, Silverbellies 1.9% and elasmobranchs 1.6%. Landings of crabs, Indian mackerel, oil sardine, lesser sardines, seer fishes and tunnies had increased by 0.4, 0.65, 1.04, 2.32, 0.56, 1.07 times respectively when compared to 2013 landing trends. Other clupeids and silverbellies had decreased when compared to the previous year landings

Tribo-Corrosion behaviour of TiCxOy thin films in bio fluids

In recent years, the development of thin film systems for decorative applications has attracted significant attention in scientific research. These decorative coatings require, not only an attractive appearance for market applications, but also an ability to protect the surface underneath. Because of this, corrosion, wear and their combined effects (termed tribo-corrosion) are particularly important for lifetime prediction. The tribo-corrosion behaviour of a range of single layered titanium oxycarbide, TiCxOy,coatings, produced by DC reactive magnetron sputtering, has been studied and reported as a function of electrode potential (-0.9 V, -0.5 V, 0.0 V and +0.5 V) and applied load (3, 6 and 9 N). The study was conducted in a reciprocating sliding tribosystem (Plint TE 67/E) in a bio fluid (an artificial perspiration solution) at room temperature. During the wear tests, both the open-circuit potential and the corrosion current were monitored. The results showed that electrode potential and load have a significant influence on the total material loss. The variations in Rp (polarization resistance) and Cf(capacitance) before and after sliding, obtained by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were evaluated in order to provide an understanding of the resistance of the film in such conditions. Tribo-corrosion maps were generated, based on the results, indicating the change in mechanisms of the tribological and corrosion parameters for such coatings

Micro-abrasion-corrosion interactions of Ni-Cr/WC based coatings : approaches to construction of tribo-corrosion maps for the abrasion-corrosion synergism

The process of micro-abrasion-corrosion has been the subject of much research in recent years due to the fact that the action of micron sized particles, typically less than 10 um in diameter, can cause significant degradation of materials in many diverse environments involving aqueous corrosion. Cermet based coatings are often used to combat micro-abrasion-corrosion, but has been little work carried out to characterize the performance of such coatings exposed to micro-abrasion-corrosion or to provide a basis for coating optimisation. In addition, a basis for defining the various micro-abrasion-corrosion interactions has not been suggested to date. In this study the micro-abrasion-corrosion performance of a Ni-Cr/WC coating was assessed and compared to the performance of the steel substrate. The results were used to identify regimes of micro-abrasion as a function of applied load and pH of the solution. In addition, micro-abrasion-corrosion maps were constructed based on the results, showing the variation between micro-abrasion-corrosion regimes, as a function of applied load and pH of the solution

Alpine vertebrates of mount Kenya, with particular notes on the Rock Hyrax

Volume: 8

Using Noninvasive Brain Measurement to Explore the Psychological Effects of Computer Malfunctions on Users during Human-Computer Interactions

In today’s technologically driven world, there is a need to better understand the ways that common computer malfunctions affect computer users. These malfunctions may have measurable influences on computer user’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses. An experiment was conducted where participants conducted a series of web search tasks while wearing functional nearinfrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and galvanic skin response sensors. Two computer malfunctions were introduced during the sessions which had the potential to influence correlates of user trust and suspicion. Surveys were given after each session to measure user’s perceived emotional state, cognitive load, and perceived trust. Results suggest that fNIRS can be used to measure the different cognitive and emotional responses associated with computer malfunctions. These cognitive and emotional changes were correlated with users’ self-report levels of suspicion and trust, and they in turn suggest future work that further explores the capability of fNIRS for the measurement of user experience during human-computer interactions