Mixing Properties Research Articles

Sampling from the random cluster model on random regular graphs at all temperatures via Glauber dynamics

Abstract We consider the performance of Glauber dynamics for the random cluster model with real parameter $q\gt 1$ and temperature $\beta \gt 0$ . Recent work by Helmuth, Jenssen, and Perkins detailed the ordered/disordered transition of the model on random $\Delta$ -regular graphs for all sufficiently large $q$ and obtained an efficient sampling algorithm for all temperatures $\beta$ using cluster expansion methods. Despite this major progress, the performance of natural Markov chains, including Glauber dynamics, is not yet well understood on the random regular graph, partly because of the non-local nature of the model (especially at low temperatures) and partly because of severe bottleneck phenomena that emerge in a window around the ordered/disordered transition. Nevertheless, it is widely conjectured that the bottleneck phenomena that impede mixing from worst-case starting configurations can be avoided by initialising the chain more judiciously. Our main result establishes this conjecture for all sufficiently large $q$ (with respect to $\Delta$ ). Specifically, we consider the mixing time of Glauber dynamics initialised from the two extreme configurations, the all-in and all-out, and obtain a pair of fast mixing bounds which cover all temperatures $\beta$ , including in particular the bottleneck window. Our result is inspired by the recent approach of Gheissari and Sinclair for the Ising model who obtained a similar flavoured mixing-time bound on the random regular graph for sufficiently low temperatures. To cover all temperatures in the RC model, we refine appropriately the structural results of Helmuth, Jenssen and Perkins about the ordered/disordered transition and show spatial mixing properties ‘within the phase’, which are then related to the evolution of the chain.

Investigating the Multifaceted Changes in Physicochemical and Nutritional Attributes of Chicken-Based Nutri Cereal Mix under Cold Plasma Treatment

In this study multifaceted changes in physicochemical and nutritional properties of nutri-cereal mix (NCM) under cold plasma treatment (CPT) were investigated. In present investigation NCM was prepared and treated under CPT using a DBD-based plasma source for 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min at 9 kv. The results revealed that the water and oil absorbing capacity of cold plasma treated Nutri cereal mix (CPT-NCM) increased with increasing CPT time. The carbohydrate content in CPT-NCM decreased with increasing CPT time. From the colour analysis it was observed that the total colour difference (TCD) and whiteness index (WI) increased from 0.23 (NCM -5) to 0.97 (NCM -15), and 55.11 (NCM -5) to 56.08 (NCM -15), respectively. Additionally, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis suggested that the thermostability of CPT-NCM is likely affected by NCM levels and changes in protein structure and conformation. The diffractograms and micrographs confirmed the crystallinity and microstructural changes in protein content, respectively. Amino acid profiling confirmed that NCM -10 comprises the higher amount of most of the analysed amino acids. Overall, the current study recommends that CPT enhances the physicochemical and nutritional properties of NCM, making it suitable for producing a variety of food products with improved quality characteristics.

AB-Couped fixed point theorems results in partially ordered S-metric spaces

The concepts presented in this paper pertain to the development and examination of AB-coupled fixed point results for mapping in partially ordered S-metric spaces that possess the strong mixed monotone property. The existence and uniqueness of AB-coupled fixed points are also demonstrated. We generalize the main theorems of Gnana Bhaskar and Lakshmikantham (2006) in [15] and Virendra Singh Chouhan and Richa Sharma (2015) [4].

State-dependent prox-regular sweeping process with a general nonconvex composed perturbation

We consider a sweeping process with a triple perturbation defined on a separable Hilbert space. The values of the moving set are time- and state-dependent prox-regular sets. The perturbation is given by the sum of three multivalued mappings having different semicontinuity properties with respect to the state variable. The first mapping with closed, possibly, nonconvex values is lower semicontinuous. The second one with closed convex values has weakly sequentially closed graph. The values of the third mapping can be both convex and nonconvex closed sets. This mapping has closed graph at the points where it is convex-valued. At a point therein its value is a nonconvex set, the mapping is lower semicontinuous on a neighborhood of this point. Usually, the latter mapping is called a mapping with mixed semicontinuity properties. We prove the existence of a solution to our sweeping process. To this aim, we propose a new method that is not related to the catching-up algorithm or its modifications often used in the existence proofs for sweeping processes. We use classical approaches based on a priori estimates and a fixed-point argument for multivalued mappings. Our existence result is completely new and it implies the existing results for the considered class of sweeping processes with state-dependent moving sets.

Using the Transversal Admittance to Understand Organic Electrochemical Transistors.

The transient behavior of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) is complex due to mixed ionic-electronic properties that play a central role in bioelectronics and neuromorphic applications. Some works applied impedance spectroscopy in OECTs for understanding transport properties and the frequency-dependent response of devices. The transversal admittance (drain current vs gate voltage) is used for sensing applications. However, a general theory of the transversal admittance, until now, has been incomplete. The derive a model that combines electronic motion along the channel and vertical ion diffusion by insertion from the electrolyte, depending on several features as the chemical capacitance, the diffusion coefficient of ions, and the electronic mobility. Based on transport and charge conservation equations, it is shown that the vertical impedance produces a standard result of diffusion in intercalation systems, while the transversal impedance contains the electronic parameters of hole accumulation and transport along the channel. The spectral shapes of drain and gate currents and the complex admittance spectra are established by reference to equivalent circuit models for the vertical and transversal impedances, that describe well the measurements of a PEDOT:PSS OECT. New insights are provided to the determination of mobility by the ratio between drain and gate currents.

Determination of residual stress in hybrid laser-arc welded U-rib-to-deck joints by thermo-metallurgical-mechanical simulation and neutron diffraction

Welding residual stress is crucial to the fatigue performance and reliability of U-rib-to-deck joints, and its accurate measurement and control remains challenging and lacking an effective approach. In this paper, a thermo-metallurgical-mechanical finite element model considering solid-state phase transformation was developed to investigated the residual stress states of U-rib-to-deck joints fabricated using hybrid laser-arc welding technique. Neutron diffraction testing was conducted to determine the residual stress distribution in three orthogonal directions to validate the model. The results showed that solid-state phase transformation involving changes in mixed phase properties and transformation strain significantly influenced the residual stress in hybrid laser-arc welded U-rib-to-deck joints. The low yield strength property of the supercooled austenite and the volumetric expansion of the bainite transformation strain are crucial for residual stress reduction. A reasonable S-shaped agreement trend was observed between residual stress simulation and neutron diffraction data along the potential crack propagated path. Thermo-metallurgical-mechanical modeling helps to control welding residual stress fields via simulation methods, which is crucial to consider solid-state phase transformation. These findings provide support for assessing the fatigue performance of U-rib structures using hybrid laser-arc welding.

Cement-grouted bituminous mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement material: design and mechanical properties

The design and mechanical properties of cement-grouted bituminous mixes (CGBM) containing reclaimed asphalt pavement material (RAP) will differ from that of virgin CGBM due to the presence of RAP material. Research studies have solely reported the micromechanical behaviour of CGBM-RAP mixes. The current study aims to design and evaluate the mechanical properties of CGBM-containing RAP material (0, 20, 35, and 50%) and compare it with the properties of a bituminous concrete (BC) mix. It was observed that the permeability of the porous asphalt mixture decreased with an increase in RAP content, which hindered the full-depth grout penetration. Grout penetration studies were conducted to identify suitable cement grout. CGBM-RAP mixes had better mechanical properties and lower temperature susceptibility when compared to CGBM without RAP and bituminous mixture due to the higher stiffness imparted by the blended binder and cement grout. The physical properties of blended binders correlated well with the mechanical properties of CGBM.

Quantum walks advantage on the dihedral group for uniform sampling problem

Random walk algorithms are crucial for sampling and approximation problems in statistical physics and theoretical computer science. The mixing property is necessary for Markov chains to approach stationary distributions and is facilitated by walks. Quantum walks show promise for faster mixing times than classical methods but lack universal proof, especially in finite group settings. Here, we investigate the continuous-time quantum walks on Cayley graphs of the dihedral group D 2n for odd n, generated by the smallest inverse closed symmetric subset. We present a significant finding that, in contrast to the classical mixing time on these Cayley graphs, which typically takes at least order Ω(n2log(1/2ϵ)) , the continuous-time quantum walk mixing time on D 2n is of order O(n(logn)5log(1/ϵ)) , achieving a quadratic improvement over the classical case. Our paper advances the general understanding of quantum walk mixing on Cayley graphs, highlighting the improved mixing time achieved by continuous-time quantum walks on D 2n . This work has potential applications in algorithms for a class of sampling problems based on non-abelian groups.

Utilization of cement deep mixing pile for soft soil foundation: a malaysian case study

Cement deep mixing piles, as representatives of deep mixing technology, are mature and widely applied. However, effective application cases of cement deep mixing piles are relatively scarce in countries like Malaysia in Southeast Asia. In this paper, the application of cement deep mixing pile reinforcement in Malaysia is presented. Solidifying material was selected for deep mixing piles based on the soil conditions using unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. The relationship between the strength of deep mixing piles on-site and soil properties (type, organic matter content, and ion content) was analyzed. And a quality evaluation of the deep mixing piles in the project is conducted based on Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests and relevant standards. Results show that fly ash cement is suitable as a solidifying agent for acidic soil layers containing organic matter in the local area. The strength of piles is significantly related to the soil condition. The UCS of cement mixing piles in silty clay and peat soils is smaller than clay. The overall correlation between organic matter content in the soil and UCS is negative, particularly when the organic matter content ranges from 10% to 14%, resulting in a significant drop in UCS. The bilateral significance probability is greater than 0.05 in K-S test, indicating that the UCS results in the projectconform to a normal distribution. Additionally, the evaluation of the overall quality of the mixing piles aligns with the requirements in the Japanese standard “Manual of Deep Mixing Construction Technology for Harbors and Airports” and the Chinese standard “Technical Code for Building Foundation Detection”.

Understanding Electrochemical Reaction Mechanisms of All-Electrochem-Active Mg2Si Electrode in All-Solid-State Batteries.

To better understand the electrochemical reaction mechanism of the Mg2Si electrode in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), a rational all-electrochem-active Mg2Si electrode is first designed to minimize the inactive component-related interfacial degradation. This is due to its unique mixed conductivity properties, including a high electronic conductivity of up to 8.9 × 10-2 S cm-1 and an ionic conductivity of 9.7 × 10-5 S cm-1, which allow for fast charges transport. In ASSBs, the Mg2Si electrode exhibits a higher initial Coulombic efficiency of 83.5% at 300 mA g-1 compared with the Si electrode (72.3%). X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results demonstrate that intermediate products (LixMg2Si, Li-Si alloy, and Li-Mg alloy) can form when the Mg2Si electrode discharges to 0.01 V, and partial Mg2Si still does not react with lithium. This work provides valuable insights into the reaction mechanisms and guides optimization strategies for developing next-generation Si-based ASSBs.

New a Priori estimate for stochastic 2D Navier–Stokes equations with applications to invariant measure

AbstractThe paper deals with the stochastic two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations for homogeneous and incompressible fluids, set in a bounded domain with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We consider additive noise in the form $$G\,\textrm{d}W$$ G d W , where W is a cylindrical Wiener process and G a bounded linear operator with range dense in the domain of $$A^\gamma $$ A γ , A being the Stokes operator. While it is known that existence of invariant measure holds for $$\gamma >1/4$$ γ > 1 / 4 , previous results show its uniqueness only for $$\gamma > 3/8$$ γ > 3 / 8 . We fill this gap and prove uniqueness and strong mixing property in the range $$\gamma \in (1/4, 3/8]$$ γ ∈ ( 1 / 4 , 3 / 8 ] by adapting the so-called Sobolevskiĭ-Kato-Fujita approach to the stochastic N–S equations. This method provides new a priori estimates, which entail both better regularity in space for the solution and strong Feller and irreducibility properties for the associated Markov semigroup.

Time-lapsed in-situ monitoring of mechanical property in deep soil mixing with surface wave

Evaluating the mechanical properties of deep soil mixing (DSM) requires destructive borehole coring because they are mainly situated underground. Although surface wave method offers potential for quality assurance, its complexity arises from multi-mode phenomena and the need to re-evaluate inversion results, often necessitating manual interpretation. This paper presents a data-driven surface wave framework to retrieve field DSM profile Vs over time, incorporating a mode-free forward operator and the Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) inversion. Validations using synthetic data affirmed the framework’s accuracy and efficiency in tracking subsurface shear wave velocity. In a real-world DSM site, the proposed method successfully captures the mechanical properties evolution across two DSM layers over the curing period, aligning well with site investigations and borehole coring. This pioneering monitoring framework integrates geotechnical engineering with geophysics expertise, underscoring the value of non-destructive seismic methods for measuring subsurface property evolution.

An investigation into the microstructural evolution and shrinkage control in internally cured mortars with milkweed fibres

This study presented a significant advancement in the use of Milkweed (MW) fibres as internal curing agents in low water-to-cement (w/c) cementitious materials. The research focused on how different pre-treated MW fibres, with different composition, can impact internal curing efficacy in reducing autogenous shrinkage of cement mortars. In addition, the hydration behaviour and microstructural development were revealed using a series of tests including setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG). A key finding of this study is the remarkable reduction in autogenous shrinkage, with using 0.1 % wt. pre-treated MW fibres leading to up to 28 % reduction at 7 days, compared to plain mortars. Furthermore, internal curing effect resulted in narrowing the compressive strength gap between the reference mixes and those with pre-treated MW fibres in the later stages of hydration. It was also found that the removal of hemicellulose through hybrid treatment can reduce the delay in the final setting time of cement from 45 minutes to 18 minutes. Additionally, while the incorporation of N- and HT-treated MW fibres had negligible effects on drying shrinkage, the inclusion of HY-treated MW fibres led to a 15 % increase in drying shrinkage at 7 days. This difference in behaviour was attributed to the presence of lignin in N- and HT-treated fibres. Lignin was found to play a crucial role in influencing the drying shrinkage, microstructural development, and mechanical properties of MW fibre-incorporated cementitious mixes. Acting as a protective barrier, lignin shielded the MW fibres from cement infiltration into their lumina. Moreover, it served as both a physical and chemical barrier, reducing moisture transport through the capillary network during drying. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of using pre-treated MW fibres as internal curing agents to effectively reduce autogenous shrinkage, with minimal compromise in terms of the compressive strength of cementitious composites.

Optimizing sustainable concrete mixes with recycled aggregate and Portland slag cement for reducing environmental impact

Concrete is the world’s most extensively manufactured material, with the integration of recycled materials becoming crucial for sustainable construction. This study investigates the mechanical properties of concrete mixes containing Recycled Aggregates (RA) and Portland Slag Cement (PSC) to understand their suitability for sustainable construction applications. Utilizing normal-strength concrete with a compressive strength of 35 MPa and a 0.45 water-to-cement ratio, fifteen mix designs were tested, varying RA and PSC replacement levels from 0 to 100% and 0% to 50%, respectively. Comprehensive mechanical testing, including compressive and tensile strength assessments at 7 and 28 days, alongside modulus of elasticity and stress–strain curve evaluations, was conducted. The results reveal that full replacement of Natural Aggregate (NA) with RA decreased compressive strength by 10% and modulus of elasticity by 20%. However, a partial replacement of 25% of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with PSC, in the presence of RA, moderated the reduction of compressive strength to 0.92% and increased the modulus of elasticity by 3.7%. The optimum mix, consisting of 75% OPC, 25% PSC, and 50% RA, significantly enhances concrete’s mechanical properties, recommending it for reinforced concrete applications due to its potential environmental and structural benefits.

A Study on Development in Engineering Properties of Dense Grade Bituminous Mixes with Coal Ash by Using Natural Fiber

Coal-based thermal power plants in India produce significant waste, primarily fly ash and bottom ash, which poses environmental and health risks when disposed of in large quantities. This research explores the effective use of these waste products in bituminous paving mixes, substituting natural aggregates to conserve resources. Dense-graded bituminous macadam (DBM) specimens were prepared using natural coarse aggregates, bottom ash as fine aggregate, and fly ash as filler, with sisal fiber as a reinforcing additive. Varying percentages (0–1%) and lengths (5–20 mm) of SS1 emulsion- coated sisal fiber were tested to optimize the mix’s engineering properties. VG30 bitumen, chosen for its superior Marshall characteristics, resulted in an optimum binder content of 5.57%, fiber content of 0.5%, and fiber length of 10 mm, achieving a Marshall stability of 15 kN. Additional performance tests, including moisture susceptibility, indirect tensile strength (ITS), creep, and tensile strength ratio assessments, confirmed that the coal ash and sisal fiber mix significantly enhances pavement durability. This approach offers an eco-friendly and economical solution for bituminous pavement construction, addressing coal ash disposal challenges and conserving natural aggregates. Keywords: Bottom ash, Fly ash, Sisal fiber, Emulsion, Indirect tensile strength, Static creep test, Tensile strength ratio.

Starch and Protein Characteristics of Chestnut Flours and Their Applications in Gluten-Free Products.

In the context of valorizing underutilized crops, this study investigated the starch and protein characteristics of chestnut varieties (Balestrera and Rossera) and their potential for use at 15% and 25% in reformulating gluten-free baked snacks and fresh pasta. Chestnut varieties differ in protein and starch content (Balestrera > Rossera), as well as in amylose, dietary fiber, and lipids (Balestrera < Rossera). Differences in starch and amylose content affected starch gelatinization (Balestrera < Rossera), pasting and retrogradation properties, and water absorption capacity at 90 °C (Balestrera > Rossera). No differences in water and oil absorption capacity and mixing properties were observed, neither in the protein profile nor in the nature of protein aggregates. Both varieties exhibited a good aptitude for producing gluten-free baked snacks and fresh pasta, even at enrichment levels of 25%. Overall, this study could provide valuable information for the development of gluten-free products using sustainable, underutilized crops.

Mixed metric dimension and exchange property of hexagonal nano-network

The mixed metric dimension of a graph is an important parameter in characterizing its structural complexity, specifically in nanoscale networks where precision is paramount. In this article, we calculate the mixed metric dimension of hexagonal nano-network, a modal with significant applications in nanotechnology and material science. Through rigorous analysis, we set up that the mixed metric dimension of the hexagonal nano-network is exactly three, highlighting its minimal but enough resolving set that uniquely identifies all vertices. Furthermore, we check out the exchange property within this context, demonstrating the robust adaptability of the hexagonal network’s resolving sets. Our findings display that the alternate assets aren’t the handiest preserved but stronger in these nano-networks, allowing for flexible adjustments in resolving sets without compromising the network’s integrity. This examination offers critical insights into the fundamental properties of hexagonal nano-networks, offering a theoretical foundation for future research in nanomaterial design and optimization. The results underscore the potential of leveraging mixed metric dimensions and exchange properties to achieve efficient and scalable solutions in nano-network applications.

Anisotropy and lateral compressive strength of large-size cement-stabilized macadam for bulging deformation resistance: A numerical analysis

Large-size cement-stabilized macadam (LCSM) base effectively hinders bulging deformation in asphalt pavements. Under vibratory compaction, the embedded skeleton structure and anisotropy of large-size aggregates (LSA) impact the mechanical properties of LCSM mixes. To reveal the mesostructure and anisotropy of LSA and determine the optimal volume percentage of LSA in LCSM mixes against bulging deformation, this study first characterized the bulging deformation resistance of LCSM mixes using lateral compressive strength (LCS). Next, the evolution of coordination number (CN) and distributions of contact force and contact normal for LSAs at different volume percentages under dynamic cyclic loading were investigated using the discrete element method (DEM). In particular, the induced anisotropic behavior was explored. Then, indoor tests and numerical simulations were conducted to assess the mixes’ LCS and vertical compressive strength (VCS); additionally, the compressive damage characteristics were analyzed. The results indicate that increasing the volume percentage of LSA and dynamic cyclic loading enhanced the CN, strong contact force, and contact normal density. LSAs at varying volume percentages exhibited pronounced anisotropic characteristics before and after loading, and the anisotropy factor of the LSA dropped after loading at a volume percentage of 65 %. Furthermore, the mixes’ VCS values exceeded LCS ones at the same LSA volume percentage, and there was a consistent relationship between the LSA anisotropy and the VCS/LCS ratio, suggesting that the optimal LSA volume percentage in LCSM mixes ranged from 60 % to 65 %. Finally, as the LSA volume increased, the skeleton effect became more pronounced than the interface attenuation effect, leading to higher VCS and LCS values in the mixes, thus improving their resistance to bulging deformation.

Optimizing concrete rheology to mitigate aerosol pollutants in wet-mix shotcrete processes

Studies focusing on optimizing the pumpability and sprayability of concrete exist; however, research addressing the control of aerosol pollutants during the spraying process is limited. This study investigated the intricate relationships among additive formulations, rheology properties of fresh mixes, and aerosol pollutant emissions using a Box–Behnken design, combined with response surface methodology and gray correlation coefficient analysis. The developed high-accuracy regression model offers valuable insights into the impact of water-reducing agents (WRA), air-entraining agents (AEA), thickening agents (TA), and defoaming agents (DA) on the zeta potential, slump, surface tension of fresh mix concrete, and spread angle during wet-mix shotcrete (WMS), with R2 values of 0.94, 0.95, 0.95, and 0.95, respectively. Additionally, by considering both sprayability and a low spread angle, this approach facilitated the development of an optimal composite incorporating 1.36 % WRA, 1.50 % AEA, 0.20 % TA, and 1.00 % DA, yielding desired properties, including a slump of 200 mm, spread angle of 20°, and aerosol pollutant concentration of 21 mg/m3. This study provides a model to aid the formulation of shotcrete that mitigates aerosol pollutant generation during the WMS process, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of environmental sustainability and workplace safety.

Expanding the application of germinated wheat by examining the impact of varying alpha-amylase levels from grain to bread

Controlled germination is recognized for its potential to enhance both the nutritional profile and functional properties of grains, but there is limited information about the level of wheat germination that promotes functional changes without losing breadmaking potential. This research aims to analyze the physicochemical changes in wheat during germination for 36 hours, focusing on evaluating kernel changes, the flour breadmaking functionality, and bread characteristics. Pasting properties progressively decreased as the germination progressed, and apparent viscosity was barely detected after 36 hours germination. Initial decline in gluten index was observed at 24 and 36 hours germination, but gluten kept its aggregation capabilities. Optimal germination periods of 6 to 18 hours significantly improved flour functionality, evidenced by increased Gluten Performance Index, gluten index, and enhanced dough mixing properties. Further, mini-breads, developed after optimizing breadmaking conditions, displayed increased 2D areas in 24 and 36 hours and lower crumb hardness in 24 and 36 hours of germinated bread compared to those obtained with sound wheat flour. Significant correlations were found among alpha-amylase activity, Falling number, total and damaged starch content, RVA parameters, gelatinization enthalpy, and breadcrumb texture parameters. Developing mini bread using different levels of germinated flour demonstrates its viability for breadmaking offering a promising innovation within the whole-grain food industry.