环保与减排:碳关税贸易壁垒的堂皇借口——《美国清洁能源与安全法案》第766-768节评析

《美国清洁能源安全法案》(ACESA,以下简称《法案》)第766-768节(碳关税条款)的出台已引起国际社会广泛争议。尽管WTO协议允许各成员采取措施"为保护人类的生命或健康,保护可能用竭的自然资源",但这些措施应为实现合法目标的必要措施,且实施中不得违反非歧视原则,也不能构成对国际贸易的变相限制,否则就构成了贸易壁垒。碳关税条款以减缓气候变化进程、保护环境为目标,但实际并非实现该目标的必要措施,反而可能引致国际贸易争端,构建新的绿色贸易壁垒。文章对此进行分析,并提出我国应对策略。

Multi-attribute decision-making based on subjective and objective integrated eigenvector method

An integrated approach is proposed to investigate the fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making （MADM） problems, where subjective preferences are expressed by a pairwise comparison matrix on the relative weights of attributes and objective information is expressed by a decision matrix. An eigenvector method integrated the subjective fuzzy preference matrix and objective information is proposed. Two linear programming models based on subjective and objective information are introduced to assess the relative importance weights of attributes in an MADM problem. The simple additive weighting method is utilized to aggregate the decision information, and then all the alternatives are ranked. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the method. The result shows that it is easier than other methods of integrating subjective and objective information.

DECISION-MAKING OF SLICING SCHEME IN FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING PROCESS BASED ON ANALYTICAL HIERARCHICAL PROCESS

Based on analyzing the influences of a slicing scheme on stair-stepping effect, supporting structure, efficiency and deformation, etc. , analytical hierarchical process （AHP） combining with fuzzy synthetic evaluation is introduced to make decision in slicing schemes for a processing part. The application in determining the slicing scheme for a computer mouse during prototyping shows that the method increases the rationality during decision- making and improves quality and efficiency for the prototyping part.

Method based on fuzzy linguistic scale and FIOWGA operator for decision-making problems

In this paper, we present a fuzzy linguistic scale, which is characterized by triangular fuzzy numbers on [1/9, 9], for the comparison between two alternatives, and introduce a possibility degree formula for comparing triangular fuzzy numbers. We utilize the fuzzy linguistic scale to construct a linguistic preference matrix, and propose a fuzzy induced ordered weighted geometric averaging (FIOWGA) operator to aggregate linguistic preference information. A method based on the fuzzy linguistic scale and FIOWGA operator for decision-making problems is presented. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify the developed method and to demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness.

Mineral processing plant location using the analytic hierarchy process——a case study:the Sangan iron ore mine(phase 1)

Locating the mineral processing plant near a mine is the most important parameter that affects the whole process.Many factors,and their preferences,should be considered in this stage.The factors include economical,geological,technical,environmental and tectonic parameters.A multi-criteria decision making method is necessary to rank the alternatives.In this paper we describe how plant location is selected by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP).This method,with eight criteria,was used to select a location for the mineral processing plant at the Sangan iron ore mine(phase 1).Three alternatives for the processing plant were evaluated.The main criteria were distance from the mine,access to heavy machinery transport,the amount of excavation required for grading,bed mixture capacity,belt conveyor length,distance from the tailing dam,distance from the waste dumps and surface water diversion requirements.Finally,the alternatives were ranked and the best location was proposed.

Safety and efficacy of self-expandable metallic stents in malignant small bowel obstructions

In this report, we present 3 cases of malignant small bowel obstruction, treated with palliative care using endoscopic self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS) placement, with the aim to identify the safety and efficacy of this procedure. Baseline patient characteristics, procedure methods, procedure time, technical and clinical success rates, complications, and patient outcomes were obtained. All 3 patients had pancreatic cancer with small bowel strictures. One patient received the SEMS using colonoscopy, while the other 2 patients received SEMS placement via double balloon endoscopy using the through-the-overtube technique. The median procedure time was 104 min. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. Post-treatment, obstructive symptoms in all patients improved, and a low-residue diet could be tolerated. All stents remained within the patients until their deaths. The median overall survival time(stent patency time) was 76 d. SEMS placement is safe and effective as a palliative treatment for malignant small bowel obstruction.

Algorithm for solving the bi-level decision making problem with continuous variables in the upper level based on genetic algorithm

Based on genetic algorithms, a solution algorithm is presented for the bi-level decision making problem with continuous variables in the upper level in accordance with the bi-level decision making principle. The algorithm is compared with Monte Carlo simulated annealing algorithm, and its feasibility and effectiveness are verified with two calculating examples.

Application of the optimal Latin hypercube design and radial basis function network to collaborative optimization

Improving the efficiency of ship optimization is crucial for modem ship design. Compared with traditional methods, multidisciplinary design optimization （MDO） is a more promising approach. For this reason, Collaborative Optimization （CO） is discussed and analyzed in this paper. As one of the most frequently applied MDO methods, CO promotes autonomy of disciplines while providing a coordinating mechanism guaranteeing progress toward an optimum and maintaining interdisciplinary compatibility. However, there are some difficulties in applying the conventional CO method, such as difficulties in choosing an initial point and tremendous computational requirements. For the purpose of overcoming these problems, optimal Latin hypercube design and Radial basis function network were applied to CO. Optimal Latin hypercube design is a modified Latin Hypercube design. Radial basis function network approximates the optimization model, and is updated during the optimization process to improve accuracy. It is shown by examples that the computing efficiency and robustness of this CO method are higher than with the conventional CO method.

Current management of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano

Fistula-in-ano is a difficult problem that physicians have struggled with for centuries.Appropriate treatment is based on 3 central tenets: (1) control of sepsis;(2) closure of the fistula;and (3) maintenance of continence.Treatment options continue to evolve-as a result,it is important to review old and new options on a regular basis to ensure that our patients are provided with up to date information and options.This paper will briefly cover some of the traditional approaches that have been used as well as some newer promising procedures.

A new manufacture method of backfill samples in lab——Illustrated with a case study

The differences between the formation processes of lab backfill samples and field backfill were analysed. An improved sampling mold, containing an outer box shell and inner sampling mold, was put forward. The new and traditional test molds were applied to make subsequent-backfill samples of Yong-ping Copper Mine. The observation of mass fraction and theory analysis of settlement and distribution of tailing particles were carried out. The research results show that the magnitude of the strength of the backfill forming in new mold is lower than that of backfill forming in traditional mold, and the biggest gap amounts to 36%.

Variable Relation Parametric Model on Graphics Modelon for Collaboration Design

A new approach to variable relation parametric model for collaboration design based on the graphic modelon has been put forward. The paper gives a parametric description model of graphic modelon, and relating method for different graphic modelon based on variable constraint. At the same time, with the aim of engineering application in the collaboration design, the autonmous constraint in modelon and relative constraint between two modelons are given. Finally, with the tool of variable and relation dbase, the solving method of variable relating and variable-driven among different graphic modelon in a part, and double-acting variable relating parametric method among different parts for collaboration are given.

Analysis on the Influence Factors of High Quality Proposals and the Countermeasures

The People＇s Political Consultative Conference is an organization of the patriotic united front of the Chinese people, and it is an important form of develop- ing socialist democracy. As an important way to perform the functions of the People＇s Political Consultative Conference, the proposal work has been valued by the leading collective of the Communist Party of China. Based on the summary of the research results of CPPCC proposals at home and abroad, the influence factors of the quality of proposals were investigated through the analysis and summary of the overall conditions of CPPCC proposals in recent 5 years, and specific countermeasures were put forward in terms of proposal drafting, filing and summarizing, so as to improve the scientific level of proposal work in China, and give full play to the function of CPPCC proposal work.

A Perturbing Scheme of Digital Chaos

With finite computation precision, digital chaos will lose chaotic characteristic. An efficient perturbance-based algorithm perturbing chaos variable algorithm(PCV) was proposed, which can be regarded as a remedy to digital chaos. After being perturbed, digital chaos systems are able to generate pseudo random sequences with perfect statistical properties and can be used as key stream generators in cryptogram.

A Comparison of Three Surrogacy Agreement Cases Using AHP

This paper builds on the previous work of Knott, Ninassi and Eisenhardt＇s 2009 paper, ＂Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process （AHP） to Look at the Tradeoffs Among Stakeholders in the Case of Surrogacy, when the Initial Intention of the Parties Involved Change After the Pregnancy Has Ensued＂. This paper proposes a new methodology for analyzing cases involving stakeholders in disputed surrogacy arrangement. The methodology utilized is the Analytic Hierarchy Process, which allows users to weigh different criteria based on their own opinions and background. Three case studies involved a surrogacy arrangement among three stakeholders： the biological mother, the biological father and the surrogate mother. The base for the model was that all parties had entered into an agreement, and that after the agreement had been made, a situation changed, such that a decision as to who had parental rights over the fetus became an issue. The criteria used in the decision making process in the three case studies were legal, health and ethical. The criteria differed based upon each stakeholder＇s point of view. In this paper, the three models were developed using the AI-tP methodology and judgments were gathered for each of the three cases to derive the priorities for the criteria in each model. Each author took the role of one of the three stakeholders.

SOX A Comparison With the South African Status Quo

Auditor independence provisions enshrined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act （SOX） were promulgated in 2002 in response to the Errron-Anderson scandal leading to a diminution of trust in the audit profession. In seeking to regulate auditor independence in the name of investor protection, SOX has been heralded as ＂ground-breaking＂ public interest reform. Ironically, when one considers the substance of these reforms and contrasts them with the situation prevailing in South Africa, a different impression results. Despite the fact that South Africa is classified as a ＂developing＂ nation and one which has only recently transitioned to democracy, many of the auditor independence principles legislated under SOX have been part of generally accepted practice in South Africa since the 1950s. Accordingly, SOX may not be the progressive example of auditor regulation that it is generally perceived to be.

The National Action Plan： An Approach to Prioritise Acts Related to the Conservation of Marine Turtles at Jordan＇s Gulf of Aqaba

The Jordan＇s NAP （national action plan） provides a set of priority actions for the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. The main threats to the maintenance of stable turtle populations in Jordan range from opportunistic capture to global threats such fishing mortality and from pollution incidents. Jordan＇s NAP addresses the primary causes of turtle mortality with a series of proposed actions. It includes reducing threats from commercial fisheries, development operations, promoting turtle rescue and rehabilitation along with public awareness activities. It considered also a set of recommendations to reflect the importance of protecting marine turtles in Jordan＇s Gulf of Aqaba. It includes community participation in conservation, capacity of national agencies to carry out management activities and to enforce legislations. To each priority actions identified in NAP, expected results and performance indicators were defined. Hence, the designation of a level of urgency to each specific priority action allowed a phased approach for implementation, subject to budget and available national capacity. Currently, NAP is performing effectively through an integrated network of national working groups including government and non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.

A Process Simulation-Based Method for Engineering Change Management

Engineering change management is a special form of problem solving where many rules must be followed to satisfy the requirements of product changes.As engineering change has great influence on the cycle and the cost of product development,it is necessary to anticipate design changes(DCs)in advance and estimate the influence effectively.A process simulation-based method for engineering change management is proposed incorporating multiple assessment parameters.First,the change propagation model is established,which includes the formulation of change propagation influence,assessment score of DC solution.Then the optimization process of DC solution is introduced based on ant colony optimization(ACO),and an optimization algorithm is detailed to acquire the optimal DC solution automatically.Finally,a case study of belt conveyor platform is implemented to validate the proposed method.The results show that changed requirement of product can be satisfied by multiple DC solutions and the optimal one can be acquired according to the unique characteristics of each solution.

Scientific Software Installation Testing Using a Plan-Do-Check-Act Methodology： A Case Study

The scientific software installation testing has a main goal： Evaluate if the software meets its requirements and specifications. In this paper, the scientific software installation in six machines is evaluated. The software installation was tested using a PDCA （Plan-Do-Check-Act） approach in 3 machines and were compared with other 3 machines which were installed exclusively based in the installer experience. The software installed on the machines using a PDCA approach for testing, lead to the expected results. Scientific software installation should be tested during the installation and not as a final test. A methodology based on PDCA is recommended for testing scientific software.

A Novel Resource Allocation Algorithm based on Downlink and Uplink Decouple Access Scheme in Heterogeneous Networks

Traditional cellular network requires that a user equipment(UE) should associate to the same base station(BS) in both the downlink(DL) and the uplink(UL). Based on dual connectivity(DC) introduced in LTE-Advanced R12, DL/UL decouple access scheme has been proposed, which is especially suitable for heterogeneous networks(Het Nets). This paper is the pioneer to take the DL/UL decouple access scheme into consideration and develop a novel resource allocation algorithm in a two-tier Het Net to improve the total system throughput in the UL and ease the load imbalance between macro base stations(MBSs) and pico base stations(PBSs). A model is formulated as a nonlinear integer programming, and the proposed algorithm is a sub-optimal algorithm based on the graph theory. First, an undirected and weighted interference graph is obtained. Next, the users are grouped to let users with large mutual interferences to be assigned to different clusters. Then, the users in different clusters are allocated to different resource blocks(RBs) by using the Hungarian algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can provide great promotions for both the total system throughput and the average cell edge user throughput and successfully ease the load imbalance between MBSs and PBSs.

From Credit Fraud to Meaningful Recovery： The Role of Credit Rating Agencies and How Auditors Might Be Affected by the Dodd-Frank Act

The way investors, banks and constituents rely on rating agencies will drastically change with the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act. The historical background of rating agencies including potential changes in the process of issuing their reports after the Dodd-Frank act is explored by the authors. CPAs （Certified Public Accountant） audit the financial statements of Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] regulated issuers and are subject to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank act. Accountants may have new potential liabilities with clients that rely on credit agencies representations in financial statements. Analysis is made and conclusions are drawn on the effects of new credit rating agency responsibilities and that of auditors.