The Role of Impulsivity and Addiction in Gambling Behaviors: How Applied Neuroscience Research Can Help in the Monitoring and Management of Mental Health Issues

One in five Americans experience symptoms associated with at least one mental health disorder every year. These include behavioral addictions, which have long been overlooked despite their similar neural bases with substance addictions. Gambling addiction, a type of behavioral addiction, deserves particular attention given the significant negative effects, this addiction has on financial and interpersonal health. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature concerning the behavioral and neural processes involved in gambling addiction, including: the anticipation of reward, the role of dopamine, and the neural substrates of the decision-making processes involved in gambling addiction. Market research has also identified solutions that integrate applied neuroscience and self-tracking systems to monitor and manage mental health issues associated with gambling addiction. The authors then propose a gambling treatment-focused mobile app solution that addresses outstanding issues with a special design aimed at reversing plasticity in order to relieve the effects of gambling addiction. .

Mutual Information Maximization via Joint Power Allocation in Integrated Sensing and Communications System

In this paper, we focus on the power allocation of Integrated Sensing and Communication(ISAC) with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(OFDM) waveform. In order to improve the spectrum utilization efficiency in ISAC, we propose a design scheme based on spectrum sharing, that is,to maximize the mutual information(MI) of radar sensing while ensuring certain communication rate and transmission power constraints. In the proposed scheme, three cases are considered for the scattering off the target due to the communication signals,as negligible signal, beneficial signal, and interference signal to radar sensing, respectively, thus requiring three power allocation schemes. However,the corresponding power allocation schemes are nonconvex and their closed-form solutions are unavailable as a consequence. Motivated by this, alternating optimization(AO), sequence convex programming(SCP) and Lagrange multiplier are individually combined for three suboptimal solutions corresponding with three power allocation schemes. By combining the three algorithms, we transform the non-convex problem which is difficult to deal with into a convex problem which is easy to solve and obtain the suboptimal solution of the corresponding optimization problem. Numerical results show that, compared with the allocation results of the existing algorithms, the proposed joint design algorithm significantly improves the radar performance.

Quantized Decoders that Maximize Mutual Information for Polar Codes

In this paper,we innovatively associate the mutual information with the frame error rate(FER)performance and propose novel quantized decoders for polar codes.Based on the optimal quantizer of binary-input discrete memoryless channels(BDMCs),the proposed decoders quantize the virtual subchannels of polar codes to maximize mutual information(MMI)between source bits and quantized symbols.The nested structure of polar codes ensures that the MMI quantization can be implemented stage by stage.Simulation results show that the proposed MMI decoders with 4 quantization bits outperform the existing nonuniform quantized decoders that minimize mean-squared error(MMSE)with 4 quantization bits,and yield even better performance than uniform MMI quantized decoders with 5 quantization bits.Furthermore,the proposed 5-bit quantized MMI decoders approach the floating-point decoders with negligible performance loss.

Generative Multi-Modal Mutual Enhancement Video Semantic Communications

Recently,there have been significant advancements in the study of semantic communication in single-modal scenarios.However,the ability to process information in multi-modal environments remains limited.Inspired by the research and applications of natural language processing across different modalities,our goal is to accurately extract frame-level semantic information from videos and ultimately transmit high-quality videos.Specifically,we propose a deep learning-basedMulti-ModalMutual Enhancement Video Semantic Communication system,called M3E-VSC.Built upon a VectorQuantized Generative AdversarialNetwork(VQGAN),our systemaims to leverage mutual enhancement among different modalities by using text as the main carrier of transmission.With it,the semantic information can be extracted fromkey-frame images and audio of the video and performdifferential value to ensure that the extracted text conveys accurate semantic information with fewer bits,thus improving the capacity of the system.Furthermore,a multi-frame semantic detection module is designed to facilitate semantic transitions during video generation.Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed model maintains high robustness in complex noise environments,particularly in low signal-to-noise ratio conditions,significantly improving the accuracy and speed of semantic transmission in video communication by approximately 50 percent.

Performance analysis of the mutual coupling effect on Phased Array Feeds

A phased array feed(PAF)is a type of receiving array that places phased array antennas on the focal plane of a radio telescope to expand its field of view and improve observation efficiency.Owing to the mutual coupling effect between elements caused by a tightly arranged feed array,which changes the performance of a PAF,this paper presents a 7×7 rectangular feed array model for a 25 m reflector telescope.By adjusting the element spacings,the performance of a PAF with different spacings is comprehensively analyzed with respect to the mutual coupling effect via performance statistics and comparison.This research aims to provide a reference for the preliminary design of a related PAF.

China-Russian Managed to Achieve Closer Collaboration with Mutual Complementarity

This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations.Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to China in May.The heads of state of both China and Russia held a sincere,friendly and informative meeting,signed and issued a joint statement,and witnessed the signing of more than 10 important cooperation documents.These bilateral relations have shown a sound momentum of mutual benefit,in-depth coordination and long-term stability.

Strengthening Exchange and Mutual Learning Between China and the Rest of the World

CPPCC member Du Zhanyuan gives an exclusive interview to China Today on how to enhance international communication and tell positive stories of Chinese modernization.AS an ancient Chinese philosopher said,“Amity between peoples holds the key to sound state-to-state relations.”This is often cited by President Xi Jinping to emphasize the importance of exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations in the development of international relations.

Exchanges,Mutual Learning and Looking Forward to the Future The Exhibition of Oil Paintings of China and Five Central Asian Countries

Exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese and foreign civilizations are an important part of human cultural development.The Chinese civilization adopts an all-embracing,open and inclusive attitude to understand the different views of different civilizations on the connotation of values.The ancient Silk Road has opened a new window of friendship between countries and written a new chapter in the development of mankind.

Mutual Respect and Win-Win Cooperation 50 years of China-Malaysia relations

Friendly exchanges between China and Malaysia date back more than 2,000 years,and a profound traditional friendship has been forged between the two countries.By adhering to the principles of mutual trust,win-win cooperation,and equal assistance,China and Malaysia have become good neighbors,good friends,and good partners.In 2013,China and Malaysia established a comprehensive strategic partnership,accelerating the development of bilateral relations.

Degree of Freedom Analysis for Holographic MIMO Based on a Mutual-Coupling-Compliant Channel Model

Degree of freedom(DOF)is a key indicator for spatial multiplexing layers of a wireless channel.Traditionally,the channel of a multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO)half-wavelength dipole array has a DOF that equals the antenna number.However,recent studies suggest that the DOF could be less than the antenna number when strong mutual coupling is considered.We utilize a mutual-coupling-compliant channel model to investigate the DOF of the holographic MIMO(HMIMO)channel and give a upper bound of the DOF with strong mutual coupling.Our numerical simulations demonstrate that a dense array can support more DOF per unit aperture as compared with a half-wavelength MIMO system.

Boundless Potential China-Africa cooperation in the space sector exemplifies mutually beneficial partnerships

Exports of Chinese satellites,joint construction of space infrastructure,and joint research and development of satellites...The recent years have seen substantial growth in China-Africa cooperation in the space sector,which is bringing tangible benefits to both sides.

The Study of Mutual Benefits and Potential in China-Mongolia Agricultural Trade

This article aims to explore the mutual benefits and potential of agricultural trade between China and Mongolia,analyzing the current situation of agricultural resources,trade history,and policy environment of the two countries.The study finds that China-Mongolia agricultural trade shows significant economic complementarity.Trade activities not only promote economic growth in both countries but also deepen social and cultural exchanges.However,technical standards,political risks,and logistics costs remain major challenges facing trade cooperation.By strengthening policy coordination,investing in agricultural technology and infrastructure,and expanding the variety and markets of trade,the potential for cooperation in China-Mongolia agricultural trade can be further enhanced.These measures will help improve the efficiency and benefits of bilateral trade,achieving a win-win development.

纤维矿物粉尘在Gamble溶液中的溶解行为

本文用人工配制的Gamble溶液和三个酸度系列 ,研究了 6对粉尘在模拟人体环境下 96d的溶解特征和生物持久性。结果表明 :不同粉尘中铁元素的溶解速率多数出现两个峰值区 ,三八面体结构型粉尘中铁与镁元素溶解同步。高镁矿物粉尘溶解速率在第一阶段多出现峰值 ;沸石、硅灰石的钙溶解速率比较稳定 ,硅灰石在低 pH值区表现出前高后低的特点 ;Si在Gam ble溶液中的溶解峰点在pH5体系中出现在 48d以前 ,在pH7体系中出现在 48d以后 ;Al则表现为在pH3和 pH5体系中易于出溶而在pH7体系中难于出溶。纤维矿物粉尘中的所有元素在Gamble溶液中的累计溶解总量均随时间的增长而增加 ;纤状样品的溶解总量多大于土状样品。溶液作用过程中纤维矿物表面有裂开、凹蚀、脱皮现象并趋向分散或折断 ;片状粉尘颗粒溶解速率与台阶步密度或与含铁样品的氧化速率正相关 ,溶解总量基本与体系酸度和有机离子的总量成正比。富钙、镁或铝的粉尘溶解速率高于富钾、硅的粉尘。环境的低 pH值、高溶解氧量或氧化反应、高盐溶液均可促进溶解。

Do Gamblers Think Differently?:Differences in Lay Beliefs Concerning Luck in Gamblers and Non-gamblers

When individuals are not good at grasping coincidence events in the gambling mechanism,they take particular note of lay beliefs in luck.Among the lay beliefs in luck,that concerning“strength of luck”is often specific for gambling behavior.We conducted a survey that compared gamblers and non-gamblers,and examined whether this way of thinking is related to gambling addiction.An Internet survey was completed by 550 people.A cluster analysis based on gambling frequency extracted three clusters(non-,moderate-,and heavy-gambler groups).The South Oaks Gambling Screen(SOGS)score was highest in the heavy-gambler group.Differences were seen in three items:a belief in differences in luck among individuals;a belief in the“flow of Tsuki(in luck)”;and conscious behaviors regarding luck.For all three,the scores of the moderate-and heavy-gambler groups tended to be higher than those of the non-gambler group.Regarding“strength of luck”and“strength of luck in gambling”,the heavy-gambler group perceived that they had the strongest luck,followed,in order,by the moderate-and non-gambler groups.These three factors could lead to sustained gambling behavior.Those who felt that their“strength of luck in gambling”was strong tended to be pathological gamblers.This result supports a previous study.

Online Gambling Addiction in Parakou (Benin, 2022)

Introduction: Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. With its well-crafted visual and audio marketing, it is attracting more and more young people in Africa, where problems linked to employment and poverty are undermining youth. The consequences of gaming-related practices for health in general, and mental health in particular, are not negligible. The aim of this study was to measure the extent of the phenomenon within an urban community in Benin. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical aim conducted in the general population of Parakou, northern Benin, from December 2021 to November 2022. A self-administered questionnaire incorporating DSM 5 criteria for pathological gambling was used to collect data. Results: A total of 576 subjects divided into 30 clusters of 19 to 20 individuals consented to participate in the study. The proportion of gamblers was 30.56%. The prevalence of pathological gambling calculated according to DSM 5 criteria was 24.65% [21.31% - 28.33%] in the general population. The prevalence of severe pathological gambling was estimated at 8.16% [5.96% - 10.44%] in the general population. The prevalence of anxiety was 28.30% ([24.62% - 31.98%]), compared with 15.10% ([12.18% - 18.02%]) for depression. Factors with a significant association with pathological gambling were: age, access to online gambling, access to video games, exposure to gambling advertisement, having gambling friends, debt accumulation. A statistically significant link was also found between pathological gambling and anxiety/depression. Conclusion: The reality of pathological gambling in northern Benin calls for effective preventive action among vulnerable groups at national level, involving various actors at different levels.

Effects of Emotion on Decision-Making ofMethamphetamine Users: Based on theEmotional Iowa Gambling Task

The relapse of methamphetamine (meth) is associated with decision-making dysfunction. The present study aims to investigate theimpact of different emotions on the decision-making behavior of meth users. We used 2 (gender: male, female) × 3 (emotion:positive, negative, neutral) × 5 (block: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) mixed experiment design. The study involved 168 meth users who weredivided into three groups: positive emotion, negative emotion and neutral emotion group, and tested by the emotional IowaGambling Task (IGT). The IGT performance of male users exhibited a decreasing trend from Block 1 to Block 3. Female methusers in positive emotion had the best performance in IGT than females in the other two groups. In positive emotion, the IGTperformance of female meth users was significantly better than that of men. Female meth users in positive emotion had betterdecision-making than those in negative or neutral emotion. Female meth users in positive emotion had better decision-makingperformance than males in positive emotion. In negative and neutral emotions, there was no significant gender difference indecision-making.

Automatic Aggregation Enhanced Affinity Propagation Clustering Based on Mutually Exclusive Exemplar Processing

Affinity propagation(AP)is a widely used exemplar-based clustering approach with superior efficiency and clustering quality.Nevertheless,a common issue with AP clustering is the presence of excessive exemplars,which limits its ability to perform effective aggregation.This research aims to enable AP to automatically aggregate to produce fewer and more compact clusters,without changing the similarity matrix or customizing preference parameters,as done in existing enhanced approaches.An automatic aggregation enhanced affinity propagation(AAEAP)clustering algorithm is proposed,which combines a dependable partitioning clustering approach with AP to achieve this purpose.The partitioning clustering approach generates an additional set of findings with an equivalent number of clusters whenever the clustering stabilizes and the exemplars emerge.Based on these findings,mutually exclusive exemplar detection was conducted on the current AP exemplars,and a pair of unsuitable exemplars for coexistence is recommended.The recommendation is then mapped as a novel constraint,designated mutual exclusion and aggregation.To address this limitation,a modified AP clustering model is derived and the clustering is restarted,which can result in exemplar number reduction,exemplar selection adjustment,and other data point redistribution.The clustering is ultimately completed and a smaller number of clusters are obtained by repeatedly performing automatic detection and clustering until no mutually exclusive exemplars are detected.Some standard classification data sets are adopted for experiments on AAEAP and other clustering algorithms for comparison,and many internal and external clustering evaluation indexes are used to measure the clustering performance.The findings demonstrate that the AAEAP clustering algorithm demonstrates a substantial automatic aggregation impact while maintaining good clustering quality.

4-Port Octagonal Shaped MIMO Antenna with Low Mutual Coupling for UWB Applications

A4-port multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO)antenna exhibiting lowmutual coupling andUWBperformance is developed.The octagonal-shaped four-antenna elements are connected with a 50microstrip feed line that is arranged rotationally to achieve the orthogonal polarization for improving the MIMO system performance.The antenna has a wideband impedance bandwidth of 7.5GHz with S11<−10 dB from(103.44%)3.5–11GHz and inter-element isolation higher than 20 dB.Antenna validation is carried out by verifying the simulated and measured results after fabricating the antenna.The results in the form of omnidirectional radiation patterns,peak gain(≥4 dBi),and Envelope Correlation Coefficient(ECC)(≤0.01)are extracted to validate the suggested antenna performance.Aswell,time-domain analysis was investigated to demonstrate the operation of the suggested antenna in wideband applications.Finally,the simulated and experimental outcomes have almost similar tendenciesmaking the antenna suitable for its use in UWBMIMOapplications.

Remarks of Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng at the Third Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilisations and the First World Conference of Sinologists

Distinguished guests,Ladies and gentlemen,Friends,I'm delighted to join representatives of various countries in Beijing for the Third Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilisations and the First World Conference of Sinologists.President Xi Jinping highly values exchanges and mutual understanding amongcivilisations.