A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF ENTERPRISE COMPETITIVE ABILITY AND PERFORMANCE THROUGH A PARTICULAR EMDEN-FOWLER EQUATION

In this paper we work with the ordinary diffential equation u′′ u3 = 0 and obtain some interesting phenomena concerning blow-up, blow-up rate, life-spann, zeros and critical points of solutions to this equation.

A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF ENTERPRISE COMPETITIVE ABILITY AND PERFORMANCE THROUGH EMDEN-FOWLER EQUATION FOR SOME ENTERPRISES

In this paper, we work with the ordinary differential equation n^2u （n）＂ = u（n）^p and obtain some interesting phenomena concerning, boundedness, blow-up, blow-up rate, life-span of solutions to those equations.

Effects of water and nitrogen on growth and relative competitive ability of introduced versus native C_(4)grass species in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China

Switchgrass is an introduced C_(4)grass in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China,but there is a lack of information to assess its ecological invasive risk.In this study,Old World bluestems(native C_(4)grass)and switchgrass were sowed at five mixture ratios(8:0,6:2,4:4,2:6 and 0:8)under two soil water levels(80%field capacity(FC)and 40%FC)and two nitrogen(N)treatments(0 and 100 mg N/kg dry soil,termed N0-unfertilized and N1-fertilized treatments,respectively)in a pot experiment in 2012.Biomass,root morphological traits and relative competitive abilities of these two species were analyzed.Results showed that biomass of both species was significantly greater under 80%FC or N fertilization,and switchgrass had a relatively larger root:shoot ratio(RSR).Total root length(TRL)and root surface area(RSA)of switchgrass were significantly higher under 80%FC irrespective of N treatment,while those of Old World bluestems were only significantly higher under N fertilization.N had no significant effect on TRL and RSA of switchgrass,while RSA of Old World bluestems significantly increased under 80%FC and N fertilization.Under 40%FC and N0-unfertilized treatment,the aggressivity of Old World bluestems was larger than zero at 2:6 and 4:4 mixture ratios of two species,whereas it was close to zero at 6:2 mixture ratio.Root competitive ability of switchgrass significantly increased under 80%FC or N fertilization.The aggressivity of Old World bluestems was negative at 6:2 mixture ratio under 80%FC and N fertilization,while it was positive at 2:6 mixture ratio.Switchgrass may become more aggressive when N deposition or rainfall increases,while a proper mixture ratio with appropriate water and N management could help with grassland management in the semi-arid Loess Plateau.

GLOBAL ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY IN N-SPECIES NONAUTONOMOUS LOTKA-VOLTERRACOMPETITIVE SYSTEMS WITH DELAYS

A delayed n-species nonautonomous Lotka-Volterra type competitive system without dominating instantaneous negative feedback is investigated. By means of a suitable Lyapunov functional, sufficient conditions are derived for the global asymptotic stability of the positive solutions of the system. As a corollary, it is shown that the global asymptotic stability of the positive solution is maintained provided that the delayed negative feedbacks dominate other interspecific interaction effects with delays and the delays are sufficiently small.

Design for a Crane Metallic Structure Based on Imperialist Competitive Algorithm and Inverse Reliability Strategy

Uncertainties in parameters such as materials, loading, and geometry are inevitable in designing metallic structures for cranes. When considering these uncertainty factors, reliability-based design optimization （RBDO） offers a more reasonable design approach. However, existing RBDO methods for crane metallic structures are prone to low convergence speed and high computational cost. A unilevel RBDO method, combining a discrete imperialist competitive algorithm with an inverse reliabil- ity strategy based on the performance measure approach, is developed. Application of the imperialist competitive algorithm at the optimization level significantly improves the convergence speed of this RBDO method. At the reli- ability analysis level, the inverse reliability strategy is used to determine the feasibility of each probabilistic constraint at each design point by calculating its a-percentile per- formance, thereby avoiding convergence failure, calcula- tion error, and disproportionate computational effort encountered using conventional moment and simulation methods. Application of the RBDO method to an actual crane structure shows that the developed RBDO realizes a design with the best tradeoff between economy and safety together with about one-third of the convergence speed and the computational cost of the existing method. This paper provides a scientific and effective design approach for the design of metallic structures of cranes.

New results on global exponential stability of competitive neural networks with different time scales and time-varying delays

This paper studies the global exponential stability of competitive neural networks with different time scales and time-varying delays. By using the method of the proper Lyapunov functions and inequality technique, some sufficient conditions are presented for global exponential stability of delay competitive neural networks with different time scales. These conditions obtained have important leading significance in the designs and applications of global exponential stability for competitive neural networks. Finally, an example with its simulation is provided to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed criteria.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE ENTERPRISE COMPETITIVE ABILITY AND PERFORMANCE THROUGH A PARTICULAR EMDEN-FOWLER EQUATION u〞-n^(-q-1)u(n)~q=0

In this article, we work with the ordinary equation u″-n-q-1u（n）q=0 and learn some interesting phenomena concerning the blow-up and the blow-up rate of solution to the equation.

A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF ENTERPRISE COMPETITIVE ABILITY AND PERFORMANCE THROUGH EMDEN-FOWLER EQUATION (Ⅱ)

In this paper we work with the ordinary equation u＇＇ - u2 （u ＋ ） = 0 and ob- tain some interesting phenomena concerning, blow-up, blow-up rate, life-span of solutions to those equations.

Export competitiveness of agricultural products and agricultural sustainability in China

The competitiveness of a country’s agricultural products is not only related to its capacity to export agricultural products,but also to the sustainability of its agricultural sector.How to improve the international competitiveness of a country’s agricultural products while maintaining the sustainability of its agricultural sector is a practical problem of great urgency for a country with a large agricultural sector such as China.With this in mind,this study should have a considerable policy and practical significance.We used two evaluation indices,namely trade competitiveness(TC)index and revealed comparative advantage(RCA)index,to measure and analyze the international competitiveness of six China’s representative agricultural products,i.e.,live pigs,live chickens,live cattle,apples,tea,and beer,and to examine the changing trends of these products’competitiveness during 1994-2013.The results indicate that the export competitiveness of China’s agricultural products is weak and likely to deteriorate further.However,some traditional agricultural products with distinctive regional characteristics,for example,tea and live pigs,are relatively strong internationally.To this end,China should vigorously promote the production and foreign trade in traditional agricultural products with distinctive regional characteristics.At the same time,comprehensive measures should be taken to enhance the international competitiveness of disadvantaged agricultural products.

Competitive oxidation behavior of Ni-based superalloy GH4738 at extreme temperature

A high thrust-to-weight ratio poses challenges to the high-temperature performance of Ni-based superalloys. The oxidation behavior of GH4738 at extreme temperatures has been investigated by isothermal and non-isothermal experiments. As a result of the competitive diffusion of alloying elements, the oxide scale included an outermost porous oxide layer (OOL), an inner relatively dense oxide layer (IOL), and an internal oxide zone (IOZ), depending on the temperature and time. A high temperature led to the formation of large voids at the IOL/IOZ interface. At 1200℃, the continuity of the Cr-rich oxide layer in the IOL was destroyed, and thus, spallation occurred. Extension of oxidation time contributed to the size of Al-rich oxide particles with the increase in the IOZ. Based on this finding,the oxidation kinetics of GH4738 was discussed, and the corresponding oxidation behavior at 900-1100℃ was predicted.

Developmental Change of Vegetative Plant Architecture of Annual-Form-Wild Rice (<i>Oryza rufipogon</i>Griff.) Elevates Competitive Ability during the Late Development under a Dense Condition

Annual-form-wild (AFW) rice developmentally changes the vegetative plant architecture from flat to elect shape. The main objective of the present study is to suggest that the change might be related to competitive ability (CA). Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between an AFW rice and a cultivar were grown under high-density (H) and low-density (L) conditions in a weedy paddy field. At two and three months after transplanting (MATs), we evaluated the two traits associated with utilization of light resource, tiller angle (TA) and actual plant height (APH), and amount of the growing weeds using an index, weed-denseness score (WDS). Then, DC-TA, DC-APH and SC-WDS was defined as the amount of change in TA, APH, and WDS from two to three MATs, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only DC-TA significantly affected SC-WDS specific under H condition that is relatively similar to habitats of AFW rice. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses identified that one of the two QTLs associated with DC-TA shared a linked molecular marker with a QTL associated with SC-WDS only under H condition. Further, RILs with AFW-rice-derived allele on the QTL associated with DC-TA tended to show drastic changes of TA toward narrow angle as well as large decreases of weed amount. All the QTLs associated with DC-APH were not linked to the QTL associated with SC-WDS under H condition. Therefore, it is suggested that under the crowded conditions during the late plant development, AFW-rice plants might not survive through canopy domination but elevate CA through increases of efficiency of capturing light due to changes from wide to narrow tiller angle. Since flat-plant shape of AFW rice during the early development would have been evolved by trampling pressures, the present finding suggest that different selective pressures in life time might have cooperatively evolved the developmental change.

A Study of the Relationships Among Total Quality Management, Executive Ability, and Sustainable Competitive Advantage

It is very important for organization to deal with and balance the challenge of environmental complexity and inner resources scarcity. This study considers total quality management (TQM) as a factor linking internal and external of organization and executive ability as linkage to promote and coordinate internal-external elements and then organization obtains its sustainable competitive advantage. The research surveyed effective samples 252 and used Structural Equation Model (SEM) and discriminated analysis for analysis and testing. The results indicate that TQM positively affects executive ability and firm sustainable competitive advantage. Executive ability affects firm sustainable competitive advantage and has the mediating effect between TQM and firm sustainable competitive advantage. Managerial practice implications, limitations, and future research directions have been discussed.

ZnO Additive Boosts Charging Speed and Cycling Stability of Electrolytic Zn–Mn Batteries

Electrolytic aqueous zinc-manganese(Zn–Mn) batteries have the advantage of high discharge voltage and high capacity due to two-electron reactions. However, the pitfall of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries is the sluggish deposition reaction kinetics of manganese oxide during the charge process and short cycle life. We show that, incorporating ZnO electrolyte additive can form a neutral and highly viscous gel-like electrolyte and render a new form of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries with significantly improved charging capabilities. Specifically, the ZnO gel-like electrolyte activates the zinc sulfate hydroxide hydrate assisted Mn^(2+) deposition reaction and induces phase and structure change of the deposited manganese oxide(Zn_(2)Mn_(3)O_8·H_(2)O nanorods array), resulting in a significant enhancement of the charge capability and discharge efficiency. The charge capacity increases to 2.5 mAh cm^(-2) after 1 h constant-voltage charging at 2.0 V vs. Zn/Zn^(2+), and the capacity can retain for up to 2000 cycles with negligible attenuation. This research lays the foundation for the advancement of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries with enhanced charging capability.

Competitiveness and Profitability of Intercropping Sunflower with Peanut under Different Irrigation Water Levels and Potassium Fertilizer Rates

A two-year study was carried out at Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, Egypt during 2016 and 2017 summer seasons to evaluate competitive effects of intercropping sunflower and peanut under different drip irrigation water amounts and K fertilizer rates for increasing farmer profitability. Three irrigation amounts (70%, 100% and 120% ETo), three K fertilizer levels (57, 86 and 114 K2O kg/ha) and four intercropping patterns of sunflower and peanut (different spatial arrangements) were implemented. The experimental design was strip split plot with three replications. The results showed that there were no significant differences between 100% and 120% ETo on most of yield traits of the intercrops. The highest K fertilizer level had the highest values of most yield traits of the intercrops. The highest values of peanut and sunflower traits were obtained from intercropping sunflower with peanut, where peanut seeds were sown on both sides of all the raised beds, sunflower seeds were sown on one row above the raised beds and the following bed was left without intercropping (P1). Thus, to attain the highest yield of intercrops and water equivalent ratio (WER), the lowest competitive pressure and the highest farmer profitability, 120% ETo, 114 K2O kg/ha and P1 intercropping pattern should be implemented. This research found that the result of competitiveness was consistent with the result of profitability.

Research About Measures of Enhancing Stability of Competitive Strategic Alliance

With the global economy and the intensification of market competition, more and more enterprises in the same industry to establish a new alliance---competitive strategic alliance. Competitive strategic alliance is not only in the strategic choice of the existence of a potential to create value, but also the existence of synergy. Competition and cooperation between the two conflicting complex logic relations coexist in the competitive strategic alliances （CSA）. Therefore maintaining the relative stability of alliance is the premise and necessary condition of alliance to success. In this paper, on the basis of the literature review, we discuss the significance and principles of improving CSA＇s stability; in the way of case analysis and expert interviews construct the hierarchy analysis model of improving CSA＇s stability; and then further put forward a series of measures which can maintain the CSA＇s stability, such as strengthen the ability of technological innovation, protection and development of the core ability of the enterprise, to develop a coherent strategy alliance target, choose a suitable alliance partner, coordinate the corporate culture between partners, establish alliance risk prevention mechanism, and so on. It will provide theoretical support and practical guidance to relevant departments and relevant personnel in policy decision-making and problem-solving

Validation of Competitive Ability of Diverse Canola Accessions against Annual Ryegrass under Glasshouse and Field Conditions

Weeds are a major constraint in canola (Brassica napus L.) production worldwide, as they cause significant reductions in seed yield and quality. Crop interference is one of the approaches to tackle weed infestation along with other agronomic interventions. In Australia, studies have shown genetic variation in the canola capability to suppress annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) in the field and under in vitro conditions. Early-season crop biomass accumulation and greater plant height are desired attributes for suppression weeds in canola. However, the canola ideotype for interference traits against this weed has not been studied under glasshouse conditions. In this study, we compared the competitive ability of 26 canola genotypes against annual ryegrass under both glasshouse and field conditions. Five canola genotypes consistently showed the ability to suppress growth of annual ryegrass. Both at glasshouse and field conditions, the shoot biomass, largely contributed by leaf biomass, was significantly associated with suppression ability. Our results suggest that a glasshouse-based evaluation approach can be used to determine the suppressive ability of advanced breeding lines for suppression of ryegrass growth. Based on our analysis, we suggest that initial screening of large collections of germplasm can be conducted under glasshouse conditions, with selected genotypes further evaluated in the field.

Complex Standardization as the Factor of Flexibility and Competitive Ability

Research, performed by the authors proved that one of the most significant factors affecting the increase in flexibility and competitive ability of a firm is the conceptual, complex intra-plant standardization. The enterprise implementing the standardization is capable of flexible responding to customer＇s demands for the assortment, accelerates considerably research, and offers satisfactory delivery terms. That means the selection of types of the input factors and the method how to use them, the selection of working procedures and procedures of intermediary consumption, definition of the relations in the process of control, rational structure of the final products etc.. The permanent innovative atmosphere is presupposed.

Whole-process case management effects on mental state and selfcare ability in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND Regarding the incidence of malignant tumors in China,the incidence of liver cancer ranks fourth,second only to lung,gastric,and esophageal cancers.The case fatality rate ranks third after lung and cervical cancer.In a previous study,the whole-process management model was applied to patients with breast cancer,which effectively reduced their negative emotions and improved treatment adherence and nursing satisfaction.METHODS In this single-center,randomized,controlled study,60 randomly selected patients with liver cancer who had been admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly divided into an observation group(n=30),who received whole-process case management on the basis of routine nursing mea-sures,and a control group(n=30),who were given routine nursing measures.We compared differences between the two groups in terms of anxiety,depression,the level of hope,self-care ability,symptom distress,sleep quality,and quality of life.RESULTS Post-intervention,Hamilton anxiety scale,Hamilton depression scale,memory symptom assessment scale,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores in both groups were lower than those pre-intervention,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group(P<0.05).Herth hope index,self-care ability assessment scale-revision in Chinese,and quality of life measurement scale for patients with liver cancer scores in both groups were higher than those pre-intervention,with higher scores in the observation group compared with the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Whole-process case management can effectively reduce anxiety and depression in patients with liver cancer,alleviate symptoms and problems,and improve the level of hope,self-care ability,sleep quality,and quality of life,as well as provide feasible nursing alternatives for patients with liver cancer.

Capability Innovation and Competitiveness

A firm can be thought as the combination of a series of capabilities. Some key capabilities owned by a firm are untradable, unimitable and unsubstitutable. These capabilities are considered to be the core capabilities. The core capabilities determine the firm＇s comparable competitive advantages. The continuous capability inrtovation can further strengthen the firm＇s competitiveness. Resources are the foundation of the capabilities. The foundation of capability innovation depends on the investment and restructuring of resources. The core products are the carders to the firm＇s core capabilities and other capabilities to satisfy the market＇s needs. The core products are the core components of the end products. The market share of the core products is more important to a firm.

Optimal Allocation of STATCOM to Enhance Transient Stability Using Imperialist Competitive Algorithm

With the daily expansion of global energy consumption,developing the power grids is of uttermost importance.However,building a new trans-mission line is costly and time-consuming,so utilizing the same lines with possible higher transmission capacity is very cost-effective.In this regard,to increase the capacity of the transmission lines,the flexible alternating current transmission system(FACTS)has been widely used in power grids in recent years by industrialized countries.One of the essential topics in electrical power systems is the reactive power compensation,and the FACTS plays a significant role in controlling the reactive power current in the power grid and the system voltage oscillations and stability.When a static synchronous compensator(STATCOM)is embedded in a power system to increase the bus voltage,a supplementary damping controller can be designed to enhance the system oscillation damping.Given the expansion of the grids in the power system,the complexity of their optimization and the extraordinary ability of the imperialist competitive algorithm(ICA)for solving such problems,in this paper,the ICA has been used to determine the optimal position and size of the FACTS devices.