On the Role of Mutuality in Ironic Communication and Cognition

When ironic communication occurs,there must be a basic cognitive environment that may include inexhaustible elements,among which is a suggestion of complicity between the ironist and the hearer,which makes the process simple,convenient and fast.Complicity refers to the mutuality tacitly established or implied between the participants.This stduy explores its components,necessity and possibility in processing ironic communication and cognition.

Towards Mutuality in the Canada-China Relationship:The Experience of the Department of Surgery at Laval University since the 1980s

The Department of Surgery at Laval University has been a key player in the development of Canada-China cooperation since the 1980s.The projects initiated and developed by Jean Couture and Guojin Liu to address cancer issues,and specifically breast cancer,were heralded as outstanding successes.In the meantime,the Department of Surgery at Laval University trained numerous Chinese scholars,students,and post-doctoral fellows who became leaders in their fields of expertise.A few of these scholars and students settled in Canada,but the vast majority returned home.Since 2007,a highly specialized research program related to surgical implants with the College of Textiles at Donghua University has been opening new avenues in medical textiles to develop expertise through student training,to launch bridges between textile engineers and clinicians,and to provide the industry with a unique expertise.The final goal is to improve the accessibility and affordability of health care delivery in both Canada and China.China is now a key player in related research and no longer requires foreign assistance.Since it can easily find multiple partners,Canada must be alert to building on its legacy and maintaining its privileged position.China is now a place for Canadian champions.

Institutionalized Mutuality in Canada-China Management Education Collaboration

This paper examines the Canada-China Management Education Program(CCMEP,1983-1996)between the University of Toronto(UT)and Huazhong University of Science and Technology(HUST).In this paper,we create a“Three Levels/Four Parameters”analytical framework,based on the concept of mutuality from Johan Galtung(1980)and the concept of institutions from W.Richard Scott(2007).We use this framework to analyze management cooperation between UT and HUST.Qualitative data is collected through open-ended interviews with participants of the CCMEP and from a review of historical literature.Through this analysis,we find that mutuality in the CCMEP was gradually established.During this process,the national macro-level institutional framework,the interactive consultations between UT and HUST,and the increased understanding of HUST’s needs and culture constitute the three levels of institutionalized mutuality in the CCMEP.The UT project directors’understanding about Chinese culture,values,and beliefs was the key to the success of the CCMEP.Among the four parameters of mutuality,autonomy is the core parameter.

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.

Tuning the diffusion constant to optimize the readout of positional information of spatial concentration patterns

Positional information encoded in spatial concentration patterns is crucial for the development of multicellular organisms.However,it is still unclear how such information is affected by the physically dissipative diffusion process.Here we study one-dimensional patterning systems with analytical derivation and numerical simulations.We find that the diffusion constant of the patterning molecules exhibits a nonmonotonic effect on the readout of the positional information from the concentration patterns.Specifically,there exists an optimal diffusion constant that maximizes the positional information.Moreover,we find that the energy dissipation due to the physical diffusion imposes a fundamental upper limit on the positional information.

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.

New construction of mutually unbiased bases for odd-dimensional state space

We study the construction of mutually unbiased bases in Hilbert space for composite dimensions d which are not prime powers.We explore the results for composite dimensions which are true for prime power dimensions.We then provide a method for selecting mutually unbiased vectors from the eigenvectors of generalized Pauli matrices to construct mutually unbiased bases.In particular,we present four mutually unbiased bases in C^(15).

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.

Analytical modeling and approaches of multihelix cables incorporating with interwire mutual contacts

This study aims to develop an analytical model based on the curve beam theory to capture the mechanical response of a multihelix cable considering the internal contact displacements.Accordingly,a double-helix cable subjected to axial tension and torsion is analyzed,and both the line and point contacts between the neighboring wires and strands are considered via an equivalent homogenized approach.Then,the proposed theoretical model is extended to a hierarchical multihelix cable with mutual contact displacements by constructing a recursive relationship between the high-and low-level multihelix structures.The global tensile stiffness and torsional stiffness of the double-helix cable are successfully evaluated.The results are validated by a finite element(FE)model,and are found to be consistent with the findings of previous studies.It is shown that the contact deformations in multihelix cables significantly affect their equivalent mechanical stiffness,and the contact displacements are remarkably enhanced as the helix angles increase.This study provides insights into the interwire/interstrand mutual contact effects on global and local responses.

Neurotrophins and neural stem cells in posttraumatic brain injury repair

Traumatic brain injury(TBI)is the main cause of disability,mental health disorder,and even death,with its incidence and social costs rising steadily.Although different treatment strategies have been developed and tested to mitigate neurological decline,a definitive cure for these conditions remains elusive.Studies have revealed that vari-ous neurotrophins represented by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor are the key regulators of neuroinflammation,apoptosis,blood-brain barrier permeability,neurite regeneration,and memory function.These factors are instrumental in alleviating neu-roinflammation and promoting neuroregeneration.In addition,neural stem cells(NSC)contribute to nerve repair through inherent neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties,the release of neurotrophins,the activation of endogenous NSCs,and in-tercellular signaling.Notably,innovative research proposals are emerging to combine BDNF and NSCs,enabling them to synergistically complement and promote each other in facilitating injury repair and improving neuron differentiation after TBI.In this review,we summarize the mechanism of neurotrophins in promoting neurogen-esis and restoring neural function after TBI,comprehensively explore the potential therapeutic effects of various neurotrophins in basic research on TBI,and investigate their interaction with NSCs.This endeavor aims to provide a valuable insight into the clinical treatment and transformation of neurotrophins in TBI,thereby promoting the progress of TBI therapeutics.

Robust and Discriminative Feature Learning via Mutual Information Maximization for Object Detection in Aerial Images

Object detection in unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)aerial images has become increasingly important in military and civil applications.General object detection models are not robust enough against interclass similarity and intraclass variability of small objects,and UAV-specific nuisances such as uncontrolledweather conditions.Unlike previous approaches focusing on high-level semantic information,we report the importance of underlying features to improve detection accuracy and robustness fromthe information-theoretic perspective.Specifically,we propose a robust and discriminative feature learning approach through mutual information maximization(RD-MIM),which can be integrated into numerous object detection methods for aerial images.Firstly,we present the rank sample mining method to reduce underlying feature differences between the natural image domain and the aerial image domain.Then,we design a momentum contrast learning strategy to make object features similar to the same category and dissimilar to different categories.Finally,we construct a transformer-based global attention mechanism to boost object location semantics by leveraging the high interrelation of different receptive fields.We conduct extensive experiments on the VisDrone and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Benchmark Object Detection and Tracking(UAVDT)datasets to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.The experimental results show that our approach brings considerable robustness gains to basic detectors and advanced detection methods,achieving relative growth rates of 51.0%and 39.4%in corruption robustness,respectively.Our code is available at https://github.com/cq100/RD-MIM(accessed on 2 August 2024).

Prediction of Ground Vibration Induced by Rock Blasting Based on Optimized Support Vector Regression Models

Accurately estimating blasting vibration during rock blasting is the foundation of blasting vibration management.In this study,Tuna Swarm Optimization(TSO),Whale Optimization Algorithm(WOA),and Cuckoo Search(CS)were used to optimize two hyperparameters in support vector regression(SVR).Based on these methods,three hybrid models to predict peak particle velocity(PPV)for bench blasting were developed.Eighty-eight samples were collected to establish the PPV database,eight initial blasting parameters were chosen as input parameters for the predictionmodel,and the PPV was the output parameter.As predictive performance evaluation indicators,the coefficient of determination(R2),rootmean square error(RMSE),mean absolute error(MAE),and a10-index were selected.The normalizedmutual information value is then used to evaluate the impact of various input parameters on the PPV prediction outcomes.According to the research findings,TSO,WOA,and CS can all enhance the predictive performance of the SVR model.The TSO-SVR model provides the most accurate predictions.The performances of the optimized hybrid SVR models are superior to the unoptimized traditional prediction model.The maximum charge per delay impacts the PPV prediction value the most.

Hybrid bonding of GaAs and Si wafers at low temperature by Ar plasma activation

High-quality bonding of 4-inch GaAs and Si is achieved using plasma-activated bonding technology.The influence of Ar plasma activation on surface morphology is discussed.When the annealing temperature is 300℃,the bonding strength reaches a maximum of 6.2 MPa.In addition,a thermal stress model for GaAs/Si wafers is established based on finite element analysis to obtain the distribution of equivalent stress and deformation variables at different temperatures.The shape varia-tion of the wafer is directly proportional to the annealing temperature.At an annealing temperature of 400℃,the maximum protrusion of 4 inches GaAs/Si wafers is 3.6 mm.The interface of GaAs/Si wafers is observed to be dense and defect-free using a transmission electron microscope.The characterization of interface elements by X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy indi-cates that the elements at the interface undergo mutual diffusion,which is beneficial for improving the bonding strength of the interface.There is an amorphous transition layer with a thickness of about 5 nm at the bonding interface.The preparation of Si-based GaAs heterojunctions can enrich the types of materials required for the development of integrated circuits,improve the performance of materials and devices,and promote the development of microelectronics technology.

Side-Channel Leakage Analysis of Inner Product Masking

The Inner Product Masking(IPM)scheme has been shown to provide higher theoretical security guarantees than the BooleanMasking(BM).This scheme aims to increase the algebraic complexity of the coding to achieve a higher level of security.Some previous work unfolds when certain(adversarial and implementation)conditions are met,and we seek to complement these investigations by understanding what happens when these conditions deviate from their expected behaviour.In this paper,we investigate the security characteristics of IPM under different conditions.In adversarial condition,the security properties of first-order IPMs obtained through parametric characterization are preserved in the face of univariate and bivariate attacks.In implementation condition,we construct two new polynomial leakage functions to observe the nonlinear leakage of the IPM and connect the security order amplification to the nonlinear function.We observe that the security of IPMis affected by the degree and the linear component in the leakage function.In addition,the comparison experiments from the coefficients,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and the public parameter show that the security properties of the IPM are highly implementation-dependent.

Mutual effects between a gliding arc discharge and a premixed flame

Mutual effects between a gliding arc(GA)discharge at atmospheric pressure and a premixed CH_(4)/air flame were experimentally investigated.Effects of the flame on the GA were studied using simultaneous measurements of the current,the voltage,and the instantaneous images of the plasma columns.The GA in the flame has a thicker and more diffusive plasma column,and it is more frequently ignited at a smaller breakdown voltage than that in the air.The GA extension velocity and the gliding velocity in the flame are larger than those in the air.The electrode voltage drop of the GA discharge in the flame is about 160 V,whereas that in the air is about 220 V.Compared with the GA in the air,the different features of the GA in the flame can be explained by high-temperature,weakly ionized,and species-abundant environment that are generated by the premixed CH_(4)/air flame.Effects of the gliding arc discharge on the premixed flames were demonstrated using planar laser-induced fluorescence of hydroxyl radicals(OH)and formaldehyde(CH_(2)O).OH and CH_(2)O can be formed in the CH_(4)/air mixture in the presence of the GA due to kinetic effects,and the increase of OH and CH_(2)O shows the great potential of the GA for combustion enhancement.

A novel fracture-cavity reservoir outcrop geological knowledge base construction method considering parameter collection and processing,mutual transformation of data-knowledge,application and update

This study endeavors to formulate a comprehensive methodology for establishing a Geological Knowledge Base(GKB)tailored to fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops within the North Tarim Basin.The acquisition of quantitative geological parameters was accomplished through diverse means such as outcrop observations,thin section studies,unmanned aerial vehicle scanning,and high-resolution cameras.Subsequently,a three-dimensional digital outcrop model was generated,and the parameters were standardized.An assessment of traditional geological knowledge was conducted to delineate the knowledge framework,content,and system of the GKB.The basic parameter knowledge was extracted using multiscale fine characterization techniques,including core statistics,field observations,and microscopic thin section analysis.Key mechanism knowledge was identified by integrating trace elements from filling,isotope geochemical tests,and water-rock simulation experiments.Significant representational knowledge was then extracted by employing various methods such as multiple linear regression,neural network technology,and discriminant classification.Subsequently,an analogy study was performed on the karst fracture-cavity system(KFCS)in both outcrop and underground reservoir settings.The results underscored several key findings:(1)Utilization of a diverse range of techniques,including outcrop observations,core statistics,unmanned aerial vehicle scanning,high-resolution cameras,thin section analysis,and electron scanning imaging,enabled the acquisition and standardization of data.This facilitated effective management and integration of geological parameter data from multiple sources and scales.(2)The GKB for fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops,encompassing basic parameter knowledge,key mechanism knowledge,and significant representational knowledge,provides robust data support and systematic geological insights for the intricate and in-depth examination of the genetic mechanisms of fracture-cavity reservoirs.(3)The developmental characteristics of fracturecavities in karst outcrops offer effective,efficient,and accurate guidance for fracture-cavity research in underground karst reservoirs.The outlined construction method of the outcrop geological knowledge base is applicable to various fracture-cavity reservoirs in different layers and regions worldwide.

Enhancing Unsupervised Domain Adaptation for Person Re-Identification with the Minimal Transfer Cost Framework

In Unsupervised Domain Adaptation(UDA)for person re-identification(re-ID),the primary challenge is reducing the distribution discrepancy between the source and target domains.This can be achieved by implicitly or explicitly constructing an appropriate intermediate domain to enhance recognition capability on the target domain.Implicit construction is difficult due to the absence of intermediate state supervision,making smooth knowledge transfer from the source to the target domain a challenge.To explicitly construct the most suitable intermediate domain for the model to gradually adapt to the feature distribution changes from the source to the target domain,we propose the Minimal Transfer Cost Framework(MTCF).MTCF considers all scenarios of the intermediate domain during the transfer process,ensuring smoother and more efficient domain alignment.Our framework mainly includes threemodules:Intermediate Domain Generator(IDG),Cross-domain Feature Constraint Module(CFCM),and Residual Channel Space Module(RCSM).First,the IDG Module is introduced to generate all possible intermediate domains,ensuring a smooth transition of knowledge fromthe source to the target domain.To reduce the cross-domain feature distribution discrepancy,we propose the CFCM Module,which quantifies the difficulty of knowledge transfer and ensures the diversity of intermediate domain features and their semantic relevance,achieving alignment between the source and target domains by incorporating mutual information and maximum mean discrepancy.We also design the RCSM,which utilizes attention mechanism to enhance the model’s focus on personnel features in low-resolution images,improving the accuracy and efficiency of person re-ID.Our proposed method outperforms existing technologies in all common UDA re-ID tasks and improves the Mean Average Precision(mAP)by 2.3%in the Market to Duke task compared to the state-of-the-art(SOTA)methods.

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.

Complementarity in nurse-herbalism: Partnering with plants for the purpose of promoting health

Complementarity is a concept that has been defined by physicist Niels Bohr as a general principle that promotes“mutual understanding and respect among diverse cultures and allows for the unity of human knowledge.”[1]In physics,complementarity is demonstrated as the inclusion of the existence of contrasting particle and wave theories of light.Bohr suggested that complementarity could be used by other disciplines outside of physics.Complementarity in nursing is demonstrated by the integration of diverse health beliefs,philosophies,and healing practices for promoting health as greater balance in body,mind,emotion,and spirit.