Efficient Monte Carlo algorithm in quasi-one-dimensional Ising spin systems

We have developed an efficient Monte Carlo algorithm, which accelerates slow Monte Carlo dynamics in quasi-one-dimensional Ising spin systems. The loop algorithm of the quantum Monte Carlo method is applied to the classical spin models with highly anisotropic exchange interactions. Both correlation time and real CPU time are reduced drastically. The algorithm is demonstrated in the layered triangular-lattice antiferromagnetic Ising model. We have obtained the relation between the transition temperature and the exchange interaction parameters, which modifies the result of the chain-mean-field theory.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Machine learning as an improved estimator for magnetization curve and spin gap

The magnetization process is a very important probe to study magnetic materials, particularly in search of spin-liquid states in quantum spin systems. Regrettably, however, progress of the theoretical analysis has been unsatisfactory, mostly because it is hard to obtain sufficient numerical data to support the theory. Here we propose a machine-learning algorithm that produces the magnetization curve and the spin gap well out of poor numerical data. The plateau magnetization, its critical field and the critical exponent are estimated accurately. One of the hyperparameters identifies by its score whether the spin gap in the thermodynamic limit is zero or finite. After checking the validity for exactly solvable one-dimensional models we apply our algorithm to the kagome antiferromagnet. The magnetization curve that we obtain from the exact-diagonalization data with 36 spins is consistent with the DMRG results with 132 spins. We estimate the spin gap in the thermodynamic limit at a very small but finite value.Comment: 10pages, 4figures. Revised and the algorithm improve

How to transform a ‘place of violence’ into a ‘space of collective remembering’: Italy and its traumatic past

This paper seeks to analyse cultural trauma theories and their consequences as well as their potential applicability to cases of collective trauma where access to the legal arena in the rehabilitation process is not possible. When ‘state terror’ occurs, such as in Latin America, or, more arguably Italy, access to the legal arena is systematically denied through a variety of criminal strategies. In these cases, the cultural working through of trauma takes place on the aesthetic level. What are the consequences of this process both for the inscription of the crucial event in public discourse and for its relationship with justice? Moreover, how do aesthetic codes affect the public definition of justice and a collective understanding of what happened?Publisher PD

Laboratory Studies on Granular Filters and Their Relationship to Geotextiles for Stormwater Pollutant Reduction

Applications of geotextiles within tertiary stormwater treatment systems and for stormwater infiltration can provide a substrate for biofilm formation, enabling biological treatment of contaminants. Geotextiles can serve as an efficient part of stormwater filtration within the urban water environment. The project assessed the applications of three experimental granular filters as a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) for the decomposition of organic pollutant loading present in stormwater. The three filter rigs were packed with alternating layers of filter media consisting of gravel, pea gravel, sand and either a single, double or no layer of geotextile membrane. A nonwoven geotextile was layered within the filter media. The hydraulic loading capacity for the three filters matched that commonly used with conventional sand filters systems. Water quality parameters were quantified by measuring suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrate-nitrogen, and phosphate concentrations. It was found that Filter Rig No. 3 (upper and lower geotextile membrane) and Filter Rig No. 2 (single geotextile membrane) had a significant statistical difference in treatment performance from Filter Rig No. 1 (no geotextile membrane)

Sustainable approaches for stormwater quality improvements with experimental geothermal paving systems

This article has been made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund.This research assesses the next generation of permeable pavement systems (PPS) incorporating ground source heat pumps (geothermal paving systems). Twelve experimental pilot-scaled pavement systems were assessed for its stormwater treatability in Edinburgh, UK. The relatively high variability of temperatures during the heating and cooling cycle of a ground source heat pump system embedded into the pavement structure did not allow the ecological risk of pathogenic microbial expansion and survival. Carbon dioxide monitoring indicated relatively high microbial activity on a geotextile layer and within the pavement structure. Anaerobic degradation processes were concentrated around the geotextile zone, where carbon dioxide concentrations reached up to 2000 ppm. The overall water treatment potential was high with up to 99% biochemical oxygen demand removal. The pervious pavement systems reduced the ecological risk of stormwater discharges and provided a low risk of pathogen growth