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Oil waste is one of the most important pollutants in the oil and gas industry. Since the oil owing in the wells contains significant amount of saltwater, the effluent amount rises upon increasing the oil reservoir extraction. Separating the saltwater from the extracted oil before starting the refinery process plays an essential role in reducing the oil costs and benefiting from the transfer capacity as well. This paper presents a new Chapman-Kolmogorov Equation-Based (CKEB) method to evaluate the availability of a desalination system with three-state equipment and weighted-k-out-of-n configuration. In this system, the equipment is repairable, and each repair facility can repair all equipment types of different sub-systems (pump stations). All failures and repairs were considered to have a constant rate (with exponential distribution) and use the Chapman-Kolmogorov equations to drive the system availability. Then, the presented method was validated using a simulation technique. Finally, the elapsed times of solving both techniques were calculated and compared. The results confirmed the superiority of the CKEB technique in terms of computational time. Compared with the simulation technique, the computational time ratio for the CKEB method was in the range of 0:0002%0:0058% for the small-size problems, 0:05%0:94% for the medium-size problems, and 1.31%-5.39% for the large-size problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because proper disposals of municipal sewage sludge and lead-containing wastewater are still open questions, the novel sludge-derived mesoporous nanospinel ferrite adsorbents were prepared from municipal sewage sludge (S-MZF) and its incineration ash (A-MZF) for Pb(II) removal from water. S-MZF and A-MZF had similar mesoporous structures with an average pore size at around 4.13–5.51 nm. A-MZF displayed a larger specific surface area (254 m2/g) and pore volume (0.3 m3/g) but inferior magnetic property, while S-MZF showed abundant surface functional groups and higher saturation magnetization (12.3 emu/g). The adsorption capacity of S-MZF and A-MZF for Pb(II) was close to each other at 50 °C, reaching 160 mg/g. Initial adsorption of A-MZF for Pb(II) was dominated by intraparticle diffusion, while the evident liquid film diffusion existed in that of S-MZF. Advanced statistical physics modeling found that multiple divalent lead ions were anchored simultaneously by each site of S-MZF mainly via multi-interactions where physical force and precipitation played a key role, while each site of A-MZF anchored only one Pb(II) ion by the physical interaction. As a result, the adsorption capacity of S-MZF mainly depended upon the number of Pb(II) ions adsorbed by each active site, while the available density of active sites on the surface of A-MZF primarily controlled its adsorption capacity for Pb(II). [Display omitted] • Sludge-based mesoporous nanospinel ferrite adsorbents were prepared. • Municipal sewage sludge and its incineration ash were used as feedstocks. • Statistical physics modelling was used to explain special adsorption mechanism. • Multiple Pb(II) ions were simultaneously anchored by each active site of S-MZF. • A-MZF has a higher adsorption site density than S-MZF to capture Pb(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel surface amino-functionalized activated carbon (T-AC) was synthesized from coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) and used as an adsorbent for heavy metal ions. T-AC exhibits excellent adsorption capacity for Cd2+ and Pb2+. The adsorption process of Cd2+ and Pb2+ onto T-AC was found to be spontaneous. The dominant adsorption process was chemisorption, primarily involving chelation and covalent bonding. In binary systems, as the initial concentration increases, the independent adsorption effect of Pb2+ and Cd2+ gradually becomes a competitive adsorption effect. Statistical physical models revealed that the adsorption of T-AC for Cd2+ and Pb2+ in single systems followed a multi-molecular adsorption process, whereas in binary systems, it involved a multi-anchorage process. The adsorption capacity was primarily influenced by the number of ions attached to the receptor sites and the density of the adsorbent receptor sites. Moreover, elevating temperature enhanced the thermal movement of heavy metal ions within the pore structure of the adsorbent, reducing their tendency to aggregate at the active sites. This work provides insights into the microscopic-level adsorption process of heavy metal ions by carbon-based materials and contributed to understand of the adsorption behavior. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of amino-modified activated carbon for efficient removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+. • Adsorption mechanism elucidated using classical and statistical physics models. • Multi-molecular adsorption process investigated within a single system. • Binary system explored to understand the multi-anchoring process. • Elucidation of chelation and covalent bonding as the primary adsorption mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Informatica (03505596) is the property of Slovene Society Informatika and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A theoretical model of an n-dimensional toroidal interconnection network with the virtual cut-through routing is developed. The network performance is characterized as a function of the message load for various values of the network and communication parameters. An exact analytical expression for the saturation point has been obtained. The method of statistical physics known as the mean field theory approximation has been used in order to derive analytical expressions of latency as a function of message generation rate for the full range of the network load. The saturation point has been found proportional to the number of the torus dimensions and inversely proportional to the message length and to the length of the path from the source to the destination. It was found that the transition to the saturation state is a second-order (continuous) phase transition with a critical exponent equal to 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses some methods based on the random search problem over the bound domain. The particle moves randomly with a bounded two-dimensional stochastic process in a bounded area. The physical phenomenon determines the boundaries of this area. We have a smart nanosensor tracks randomly for this particle. The necessary condition that maximizes the probability of the first meeting time between the nanosensor and the particle is derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Estudios Filosóficos is the property of Estudios Filosoficos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microplastics and antibiotics are emerging pollutants in the environment and have received widespread attention globally. In coastal areas, microplastic and antibiotic pollution is ubiquitous and often overlapping. Microplastic-antibiotic compound pollutants that are formed through adsorption have thus become a major concern. However, modeling knowledge of microplastic transport in coastal areas is still limited, and research on the impact of compound pollutants caused by Polythene (PE)-antibiotics in such settings is in early stages. In this study, using a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and temporal Markov method (TMM) under a statistical-physical framework, we simulated pollutant transport and PE-antibiotic compound pollutants in coastal areas. First, a series of models are proposed, including an LBM wave-current coupling model, an LBM antibiotic transport model, an LBM particle-tracking model, a TMM microplastic transport model and the final LBM-TMM hybrid compound pollutant model. Then, the suitability and applicability of the models was validated using experimental data and numerical simulations. Finally, the models were applied to a study area, Laizhou Bay (China). The simulation results demonstrate that adsorption will reduce the concentration of antibiotics in the water environment. Within 44 days, the adsorbed antibiotic carried by PE particles migrate further, and the width of the pollution zone escalates from 234.2 m to 689.0 m. • A statistical-physical framework is proposed and validated to study transport of Polythene (PE)-antibiotic. • The transport of PE-antibiotic compound pollutants in Laizhou Bay is studied. • Adsorption between PE and antibiotics will reduce the concentration of antibiotics in the water. • The width of the compound pollution zone triples from 234.2 m to 689.0 m within 44 days. • When the PE-antibiotic continuously moves, antibiotic mass in its vicinity increases at a faster rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Física is the property of Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Física is the property of Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We study the knowledge acquisition process in a teaching-learning scenario that takes place within the classroom. We explore two complementary approaches, which include classroom observations and student surveys, and the formulation of theoretical models through the use of statistical physics tools. We develop an analytical model and a set of dynamics agent-based models that allow us to understand global behaviors, as well as to follow individual trajectories in the knowledge acquisition process. As a proxy of the final achievements of the students we use their final grade, allowing us to assess the validity of our approach. Our models, supported by observations and surveys, reproduce fairly well the process of acquiring knowledge of the students. This work sheds light on the internal dynamics of the classroom and allows us to understand some global aspects of the teaching-learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown macroalgae Bifurcaria bifurcata was valued and used to develop a carbonaceous material activated by H 2 SO 4 (AC-BB@H 2 SO 4), with the goal of assessing its adsorption ability against Bisphenol A (BPA). During the adsorption experiments, the effects of the adsorbent dose, solution pH, and contact time were examined, and the results were m = 0.4 g/L, pH = 8.3, and t = 120 min, with an elimination yield of 91.6 %. With comparatively high R2 values, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model perfectly fitted the experimental data. Langmuir's model was found to be the best appropriate for describing the adsorption equilibrium of BPA on AC-BB@H 2 SO 4. The thermodynamic findings show that BPA adsorption on AC-BB@H 2 SO 4 was spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic in nature. Even after six cycles of reuse, regeneration testing demonstrated that our adsorbent could eliminate BPA by >50 %. The BPA adsorption mechanism's statistical physics control parameters were determined and analyzed. BPA's adsorption energies were <40 kJ/mol, indicating that the interactions between BPA and AC-BB@H 2 SO 4 were governed by physical forces (i.e., hydrogen bonding and van der Waals and electrostatic interactions). All of these intriguing findings indicate that our carbonaceous material might have direct ramifications in the field of wastewater treatment, notably for the clearance of BPA, which is difficult to biodegrade. • Bifurcaria bifurcata was successfully utilized in the development of a carbonaceous material. • Langmuir's model effectively describing the BPA adsorption equilibrium. • Statistical physics modeling was utilized to assess steric and energetic parameters. • Thermodynamic findings suggesting spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic BPA adsorption. • BPA's adsorption energies (<40 kJ/mol) indicating interactions governed by physical forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient removal of Congo Red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions is an important issue in environmental protection. This study presents the synthesis and optimization of a polyaminoimide homopolymer (PHP) adsorbent for the removal of CR dye. To optimize the synthesis of PHP, ten different compositions of maleic anhydride and ethylene diamine were tested, with PHP3 demonstrating the highest efficacy. The adsorption process was further enhanced by optimizing pH, temperature, adsorbent dose, and initial dye concentration. Isotherm and kinetic studies revealed that the Langmuir-Freundlich model and the pseudo-second-order kinetics best described the adsorption process. Moreover, PHP3 demonstrated significantly greater selectivity for CR compared to Synozol yellow, and Sulfasalazine. Advanced statistical models were used to analyze the adsorption data, and the single-layer model with single energy (M1) being the most suitable, suggesting that CR molecules were adsorbed onto PHP3 in a perpendicular position through a multimolecular process, the adsorption process is physical, endothermic, spontaneous and specific surface area of PHP3 increased from 54.31 to 115.74 m2 g−1 as temperature rose from 288 to 318 K. Site energy distribution and pore size distribution studies showed that PHP3 has a heterogeneous energy distribution on its surface, and that the adsorption of CR dye primarily takes place in the macropores of PHP3. Density Functional Theory analysis indicated that PHP3 has electron-rich amine groups that can interact with electron-deficient sulfonate groups in CR, while electron-poor amide groups in the polymer can interact with the electron-rich azo group in Congo Red. It also shows that the presence of NaF, Na 2 SO 4 , and KCl salts did not significantly affect the CR adsorption, indicating the potential affinity/selectivity of PHP3 towards CR dye. The findings suggest that PHP3 could be an effective and promising adsorbent for industrial applications in wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • Efficient Congo Red dye removal using optimized polyaminoimide homopolymer (PHP). • Optimizing pH, temperature, dose, and dye level boosts the adsorption process. • PHP showed higher selectivity for CR over Synozol yellow and Sulfasalazine. • Advanced isotherms & DFT confirmed PHP's potential for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper three orchestrations of the pupils' investigation concerning the concept of density are described. Three different groups of children (pre-school children, pupil of grade 2 and grade 4) were inquired about the differences of densities regarding the various kinds of candies. The substantial environment allowed an experienced teacher to tailor the investigations according to the needs, particularly the knowledge about density and statistical literacy of participating children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Economique is the property of Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• A novel BC/RF/MNPs adsorbent was prepared to remove ibuprofen at 25 - 50 ºC. • Classical and advanced models were used in fitting the adsorption data. • The IBP adsorption capacities ranged from 45.73 to 67.90mg/g and the adsorption energy extended from 0.42 to 3.42kJ/mol. • Thermodynamic functions clarified the endothermic and spontaneous nature of IBP adsorption onto BC/RF/MNPs. The combination between magnetite nanoparticles with natural carbohydrate polymers and aluminosilicates is recommended to be a positive strategy in the design of a new type of low-cost, high–efficiency, and eco-friendly magnetic adsorbents for decontamination of toxic pharmaceutical compounds from water. In particular, ibuprofen (IBP) is found to be one of the common drugs detected in water bodies, which is a suggestively alarming state. A fresh sample of gossan (iron-bearing weathered product) was used in the fabrication of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) to be used in the decoration of a bio-composite prepared from H 2 O 2 -activated black clay (BC) and biodegradable rice flour (RF) interface. The as-synthesized magnetic biosorbent (BC/RF/MNPs) was characterized by FTIR, FESEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, and TGA techniques and employed in the remediation of ibuprofen at pH 7.0 and temperatures of 25, 40, and 50°C. The adsorption results were fitted to kinetics, traditional isotherms, and statistical physical models to better understand the interaction between IBP and BC/RF/MNPs adsorbent. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Freundlich equations described the IBP adsorption system. Monolayer and double-layer advanced statistical physics models were employed to analyze the geometry and interactions mechanism at the molecular scale. The double-layer model showed the best-fitting results, and thus, its steric and energetic parameters and thermodynamic functions were explained. The number of the removed IBP molecules per site (steric n parameter) ranged from 0.55 to 0.84 suggesting the involvement of parallel and non-parallel orientations in the removal process. The adsorption capacity at saturation (Q sat) increased from 45.73 to 67.90mg/g at 25 - 50 ºC signifying endothermic interactions. The adsorption energy ranged from 0.42 to 3.42kJ/mol reflecting the physical interactions between IBP and BC/RF/MNPs. Thermodynamic functions suggested the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the IBP adsorption process. Adsorption/desorption results suggested the high stability and economic benefit of BC/RF/MNPs sorbent. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alkali-activated binder with a high mechanical strength was prepared via mixing up 5, 10, and 15 wt% of purified diatom (PD) with dolomite waste (DW) in a DW/PD mixture and sodium silicate (7.5 wt% of Na 2 O) activation. The formed alkali-activated DW/PD with 10 wt% PD exhibited the highest compressive strength (51.51 MPa) compared to the 36.3 MPa and 41.4 MPa of those with 5.0 wt% PD and 15.0 wt% PD, respectively. The characterization of the binder with the optimal mechanical performance (DW/PD-AAC) was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and zeta potential techniques and this sample was employed in the removal of Mn(VII) from aqueous solutions. The physicochemical study of the Mn(VII) adsorption orientation and mechanism at 25 – 45 ºC was performed via the integration of adsorption experiments and statistical physics modeling. The Freundlich and the advanced double layer adsorption models fitted well the Mn(II) adsorption process. The number of removed Mn(VII) ions per active site (n) ranged from 0.75 to 0.87, which reflected a group of horizontal and vertical ion anchoring at all temperatures. The Mn(VII) adsorption capacity at saturation (Q sat) increased from 322.03 to 364.12 mg/g (i.e., endothermic interaction). Energetically, the Mn(VII) adsorption onto the developed binder was ruled by physical interactions (i.e., ∆ E < 40 kJ/mol). The calculated Gibbs free energy, entropy, and internal energy showed the spontaneous nature of Mn(VII) adsorption process. The compressive strength and adsorption performance indicated that DW/PD-AAC is a strong and promising adsorbent for removing hazardous water pollutants. • Dolomite waste/purified diatom mixture was activated to eco-design Mn(VII) adsorbent. • The mechanical performance of the developed binder was determined. • Statistical physics models were used to understand the adsorption mechanism. • The Mn(VII) adsorption capacities ranged from 322.03 to 364.12 mg/g. • Thermodynamic parameters explained the spontaneous nature of Mn(VII) uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on understanding and modeling the mechanical behavior of aggregating suspensions, commonly found in materials like paint, cement, and biological substances. It discuss using population balance modeling to study the aggregation and breakage kinetics and their impact on the rheological properties of these suspensions, contributing to the development of multiscale models for complex materials.

SpK is part of the numerical codebase at Imperial College London used to model high energy density physics (HEDP) experiments. SpK is an efficient atomic and microphysics code used to perform detailed configuration accounting calculations of electronic and ionic stage populations, opacities and emissivities for use in post-processing and radiation hydrodynamics simulations. This is done using screened hydrogenic atomic data supplemented by the NIST energy level database. An extended Saha model solves for chemical equilibrium with extensions for non-ideal physics, such as ionisation potential depression, and non thermal equilibrium corrections. A tree-heap (treap) data structure is used to store spectral data, such as opacity, which is dynamic thus allowing easy insertion of points around spectral lines without a-priori knowledge of the ion stage populations. Results from SpK are compared to other codes and descriptions of radiation transport solutions which use SpK data are given. The treap data structure and SpK's computational efficiency allows inline post-processing of 3D hydrodynamics simulations with a dynamically evolving spectrum stored in a treap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the life and works of the late American theoretical physicist Kenneth Geddes Wilson. Topics mentioned include Wilson's acquisition of the 1982 Nobel Prize in Physics, his works in particle physics, condensed matter, and problems in statistical physics, and his academic background at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts wherein he majored in mathematics.

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) has been a pollutant of main interest globally for more than two decades, owing to its well-known adverse health effects. For developing effective management strategies for PM 2.5 , it is vital to identify its major sources and quantify how much they contribute to ambient PM 2.5 concentrations. With the expanded monitoring efforts established during recent decades in Korea, speciated PM 2.5 data needed for source apportionment of PM 2.5 are now available for multiple sites (cities). However, many cities in Korea still do not have any speciated PM 2.5 monitoring station, although quantification of source contributions for those cities is in great need. While there have been many PM 2.5 source apportionment studies throughout the world for several decades based on monitoring data collected from receptor site(s), none of those receptor-oriented studies could predict unobserved source contributions at unmonitored sites. This study predicts source contributions of PM 2.5 at unmonitored locations using a recently developed novel spatial multivariate receptor modeling (BSMRM) approach, which incorporates spatial correlation in data into modeling and estimation for spatial prediction of latent source contributions. The validity of BSMRM results is also assessed based on the data from a test site (city), not used in model development and estimation. [Display omitted] • Latent source contributions of PM 2.5 along with uncertainty were estimated by BSMRM. • BSMRM performed spatial prediction of source contributions at unmonitored sites. • BSMRM results were verified using held-out test data. • Maps of source-specific pollution surfaces over South Korea were constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new type of adsorbent MXene/carbon foam hybrid aerogel (MCF) was synthesized from Ti 3 C 2 T X -MXene and melamine foam (MF), and its removal properties of both cationic and anionic dyes were studied. The physicochemical properties of MCF were analyzed by a variety of characterization techniques, while its dye adsorption mechanism was further elucidated by the statistical physics models. The results show that MCF exhibited excellent adsorptive efficiency towards the two hazardous dyes methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR), and their adsorption capacity were 356.97 mg/g and 647.75 mg/g, respectively, which were fitted better for the Langmuir equation and quasi-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, the mechanism of MCF-MB and MCF-CR adsorption systems was discussed through the saturated multilayer model at the molecular level. The numerical simulation results show that the MB molecules were adsorbed by MCF in the form of dimer, which was a process of multi-anchoring (303 K and 318 K), single connection (333 K) and mixed adsorption orientation. On the contrary, CR molecules were adsorbed as monomers, which was a process of multi-anchored and pure non-parallel adsorption directions (303 K and 318 K) and mixed adsorption orientation (333 K). From the statistical physical and thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption mechanism of MB and CR onto MCF was mainly determined by the receptor density (D m), which was a reversible endothermic adsorption process driven by the physical interaction, and high temperature was beneficial to the occurrence of high adsorption capacity. • MCF aerogel was fabricated by bridging and cross-linking of MXene and MFCS. • MCF exhibited excellent adsorption capacity for both cationic and anionic dyes. • MCF also showed favorable properties of mechanical strength. • Statistical physics models were applied to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of rapid methods to synthesize cost-effective adsorbents for the dye removal is an emerging and relevant topic in the field of wastewater purification. This study focuses on the preparation of zinc-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) impregnated chitosan (CS@ZnO) nanocomposite beads via mechanical stirring (MS) and microwave-assisted (MA) routes. The beads were characterized and utilized for the removal of Eriochrome Black-T (EBT) dye. Results showed that the CS@ZnO-MA beads provided the best adsorption capacities for EBT removal (40.9 ± 0.83 mg g−1) at pH 3.5. The best composite (CS@ZnO-MA) can be regenerated 5 times without significantly affecting its adsorption properties and can remove 71 % of EBT dye from a multi-pollutant solution. The novelty of this study relies on the facile preparation and impregnation of the biopolymer with metal-oxide NPs, which render high adsorption capacity, mechanical strength and high specific surface area of the CS to contribute in the removal of dye molecules from textile wastewater. An enhanced statistical physics model revealed that the adsorption mechanism of EBT dye molecules on these composites was multimolecular. The study indicates an effective synthesis route that can be implemented to prepare new adsorbents using CS at a large-scale for water treatment. [Display omitted] • Synthesis routes for ZnO NPs impregnated chitosan beads fabrication were evaluated. • Statistical physics calculations confirmed multilayer adsorption of EBT. • Better regeneration properties (∼76%) of microwave synthesized beads with 0.1 M NaOH. • Microwave-assisted synthesized beads showed higher (x1.5) adsorption than mechanical stirring. • Columbic force could be the main interaction for dye adsorption mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The algorithm proposed by Shigeno et al. (2000) is a scaling method to solve the minimum cost-ow problem. In each phase, they applied the most positive cut canceling idea. In this paper, we present a new approach to solve the problem, which uses the scaling method of Shigeno et al. (2000); but, in each phase, we apply the out-of-kilter idea instead of the most positive cut canceling idea. Our algorithm is inspired by Ghiyasvand (2012). The algorithm gives a geometrical explanation for the optimality concept. For a network with n nodes and m arcs, the algorithm performs O(log(nU)) phases and runs in time O(m(m + n log n) log(nU)) (where U is the largest absolute arc bound), which is O(m(m+n log n) log n) under the similarity assumption. This time is the current best strongly polynomial time to solve the minimum cost-flow problem presented by Orlin (1993) and Vygen (2002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An obituary for theoretical physicist Leo Philip Kadanoff is presented.

This paper proposes a framework for exploring the main research approaches of the financial markets, conducted in the past years by statistical physics specialists. It, also, presents the global financial developments in the last few years, as well as a review of the most important steps in the development of the physical and mathematical modelling of the socioeconomic phenomena. In this regard, we analysed research findings published in the notable international journals. Our research demonstrated that the econophysical models developed in the past few years for the description of the financial phenomena and processes do not provide satisfactory results for the construction of complete solutions able to answer the nowadays financial challenges. We believe that research instrumentation of statistical physics has developed significantly lately and the research approaches in this field should continue and should be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we try to answer two questions about any given scientific discipline: first, how important is each subfield and second, how does a specific subfield influence other subfields? We modify the well-known open-system Leontief Input–Output Analysis in economics into a closed-system analysis focusing on eigenvalues and eigenvectors and the effects of removing one subfield. We apply this method to the subfields of physics. This analysis has yielded some promising results for identifying important subfields (for example the field of statistical physics has large influence while it is not among the largest subfields) and describing their influences on each other (for example the subfield of mechanical control of atoms is not among the largest subfields cited by quantum mechanics, but our analysis suggests that these fields are strongly connected). This method is potentially applicable to more general systems that have input–output relations among their elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a study is presented in which statistical methodologies were applied to evaluate the measurement of step gauges on an X-ray computed tomography (CT) system. In particular, the effects of step gauge material density and orientation were investigated. The step gauges consist of uni- and bidirectional lengths. By confirming the repeatability of measurements made on the test system, the number of required scans in the design of experiment (DOE) was reduced. The statistical model was checked using model adequacy principles; model adequacy checking is an important step in validating the applicability of a model to fitting experimental results. If the residuals after fitting the model are normally distributed (normality test), then the residuals represent random errors in the data. If the normality test is not satisfied, the model is said to fit the data poorly. If the model fit to the data were correct, the residuals would approximate the random errors (also called normality). The most common significance level is α = 0.05; for normality to be satisfied, the P value for the residuals must not be smaller than 0.05. The initial results show that the residuals failed the normality test due to a small P value ( P < 0.005). Some remedies in achieving a larger P value include (1) fitting a different model, (2) evaluating the data differently and (3) excluding outliers. The authors determined that there were too few data to delete outliers. Instead, discussions and conclusions were carried out based on main effect and interaction plots. It means that the conclusions were not based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The following conclusions can be drawn: X-ray scattering is more problematic for dense metal parts. Thus, the statement of “influence of orientation” should be constrained by the material type. But it is important to have in mention that probably the repeatability of the vertical case is much worse. This can be documented experimentally, by tracing back to the fitting quality of the planes. The fitting point deviation of these planes are typically larger when dense metal step gauges are scanned vertically; this can also be done with simulation, as it is “assumed” that the large errors related to “vertical direction” might be caused by X-ray scattering noise, this theory can be tested by simulating CT scans of metal and plastic step gauge without X-ray scattering and see whether “vertical direction” is still worse for aluminium step gauge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give an explicit entropy production formula for a class of quantum Markov semigroups, arising in the weak coupling limit of a system coupled with reservoirs, whose generators are sums of other generators associated with positive Bohr frequencies of the system. As a consequence, we show that any such semigroup satisfies the quantum detailed balance condition with respect to an invariant state if and only if all semigroups generated by each do so with respect to the same invariant state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Match probability calculation is deemed much more intricate for lineage genetic markers, including Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs), than for autosomal markers. This is because, owing to the lack of recombination, strong interdependence between markers is likely, which implies that haplotype frequency estimates cannot simply be obtained through the multiplication of allele frequency estimates. As yet, however, the practical relevance of this problem has not been studied in much detail using real data. In fact, such scrutiny appears well warranted because the high mutation rates of Y-STRs and the possibility of backward mutation should have worked against the statistical association of Y-STRs. We examined haplotype data of 21 markers included in the PowerPlex ® Y23 set (PPY23, Promega Corporation, Madison, WI) originating from six different populations (four European and two Asian). Assessing the conditional entropies of the markers, given different subsets of markers from the same panel, we demonstrate that the PowerPlex ® Y23 set cannot be decomposed into smaller marker subsets that would be (conditionally) independent. Nevertheless, in all six populations, >94% of the joint entropy of the 21 markers is explained by the seven most rapidly mutating markers. Although this result might render a reduction in marker number a sensible option for practical casework, the partial haplotypes would still be almost as diverse as the full haplotypes. Therefore, match probability calculation remains difficult and calls for the improvement of currently available methods of haplotype frequency estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fire is a state where forest affected by fire that led to forest damage and may cause disadvantages in human life. Forest fire event can be monitored using satellite by detecting hotspots as fire indicators at certain times and locations. The purpose of this work is to develop a decision tree to predict hotspot occurrences in Bengkalis district, Riau province Indonesia using the spatial entropy-based decision tree algorithm. The data used are forest fire data in Bengkalis area. The data include city centre, river, road, income source, land cover, population, precipitation, school, temperature, and wind speed. The results of this work using the 5-fold cross validation test are decision trees with the average accuracy of 89.04% on the training set and 52.05% on the testing set. The tree has 560 nodes with the land cover layer as the root node. From the decision tree, as many 255 rules were obtained to classify hotspot occurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]