In this paper, we present a novel approach to model user request patterns in the World Wide Web. Instead of focusing on the user traffic for web pages, we capture the user interaction at the object level of the web pa...In this paper, we present a novel approach to model user request patterns in the World Wide Web. Instead of focusing on the user traffic for web pages, we capture the user interaction at the object level of the web pages. Our framework model consists of three sub-models: one for user file access, one for web pages, and one for storage servers. Web pages are assumed to consist of different types and sizes of objects, which are characterized using several categories: articles, media, and mosaics. The model is implemented with a discrete event simulation and then used to investigate the performance of our system over a variety of parameters in our model. Our performance measure of choice is mean response time and by varying the composition of web pages through our categories, we find that our framework model is able to capture a wide range of conditions that serve as a basis for generating a variety of user request patterns. In addition, we are able to establish a set of parameters that can be used as base cases. One of the goals of this research is for the framework model to be general enough that the parameters can be varied such that it can serve as input for investigating other distributed applications that require the generation of user request access patterns.展开更多
Given the challenges facing most humanitarian operations worldwide, a change of approach is needed to ensure greater sustainability of humanitarian settlements right from the planning stage. Some studies attribute uns...Given the challenges facing most humanitarian operations worldwide, a change of approach is needed to ensure greater sustainability of humanitarian settlements right from the planning stage. Some studies attribute unsustainability to inadequate provision of basic resources and highlight the apparent bottlenecks that prevent access to the meaningful data needed to plan and remedy problems. Most operations have relied on an “ad hoc ism” approach, employing parallel and disconnected data processing methods, resulting in a wide range of data being collected without subsequent prioritization to optimize interconnections that could enhance performance. There have been little efforts to study the trade-offs potentially at stake. This work proposes a new framework enabling all subsystems to operate in a single system and focusing on data processing perspective. To achieve this, this paper proposes a Triple Nexus Framework as an attempt to integrate water, energy, and housing sector data derived from a specific sub-system within the overall system in the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering. Understanding the synergies between water, energy, and housing, Systems Engineering characterizes the triple nexus framework and identifies opportunities for improved decision-making in processing operational data from these sectors. Two scenarios illustrate how an integrated platform could be a gateway to access meaningful operational data in the system and a starting point for modeling integrated human settlement systems. Upon execution, the model is tested for nexus megadata processing, and the optimization simulation yielded 67% satisfactory results, demonstrating that an integrated system could improve sustainability, and that capacity building in service delivery is more than beneficial.展开更多
A GIS audit framework is necessary considering the diverse nature of GIS with regard to components, applications and industry. In practice, checklists are generated during the audit process based on specific objective...A GIS audit framework is necessary considering the diverse nature of GIS with regard to components, applications and industry. In practice, checklists are generated during the audit process based on specific objectives. There is no standardized list of items that can be used as a reference. The purpose of this study was to develop a GIS audit framework as a foundation for GIS audits. The framework provides that comprehensive approach to various GIS aspects during the audit process. The design builds on a developed conceptual framework where most significant categories of GIS audit parameters namely data quality, software utilization, GIS competency and procedures (work flows) were identified. The study adopted a reductive model approach to simplify the complexity associated with each category of GIS audit parameter. The resultant audit elements for each category are organized in a matrix that forms an integral part of the framework. The columns comprise audit goal, audit questions and audit subjects as indicators which are qualitatively measured. The rows comprise the parameters (data quality, software utilization, personnel competency and procedure (workflows)). To use the framework, an auditor only needs to create an audit checklist that consists of particular parameters and indicators from the framework depending on audit objective. As part of an on-going research, the next step will involve validating the framework through a mock testing process.展开更多
Aiming to identify policy topics and their evolutionary logic that enhance the digital and green development(dual development)of traditional manufacturing enterprises,address weaknesses in current policies,and provide...Aiming to identify policy topics and their evolutionary logic that enhance the digital and green development(dual development)of traditional manufacturing enterprises,address weaknesses in current policies,and provide resources for refining dual development policies,a total of 15954 dual development-related policies issued by national and various departmental authorities in China from January 2000 to August 2023 were analyzed.Based on topic modeling techniques and the policy modeling consistency(PMC)framework,the evolution of policy topics was visualized,and a dynamic assessment of the policies was conducted.The results show that the digital and green development policy framework is progressively refined,and the governance philosophy shifts from a“regulatory government”paradigm to a“service-oriented government”.The support pattern evolves from“dispersed matching”to“integrated symbiosis”.However,there are still significant deficiencies in departmental cooperation,balanced measures,coordinated links,and multi-stakeholder participation.Future policy improvements should,therefore,focus on guiding multi-stakeholder participation,enhancing public demand orientation,and addressing the entire value chain.These steps aim to create an open and shared digital industry ecosystem to promote the coordinated dual development of traditional manufacturing enterprises.展开更多
Evolutionary algorithm is time-consuming because of the large number of evolutions and much times of finite element analysis, when it is used to optimize the wing structure of a certain high altitude long endurance un...Evolutionary algorithm is time-consuming because of the large number of evolutions and much times of finite element analysis, when it is used to optimize the wing structure of a certain high altitude long endurance unmanned aviation vehicle(UAV). In order to improve efficiency it is proposed to construct a model management framework to perform the multi-objective optimization design of wing structure. The sufficient accurate approximation models of objective and constraint functions in the wing structure optimization model are built when using the model management framework, therefore in the evolutionary algorithm a number of finite element analyses can he avoided and the satisfactory multi-objective optimization results of the wing structure of the high altitude long endurance UAV are obtained.展开更多
The Zhongtiao Mountains, a typical exposure area of Precambrian rocks, are a concentration area of vari-ous types of copper deposit. The rocks were dated using several dating methods. Based on the age data ob-tained b...The Zhongtiao Mountains, a typical exposure area of Precambrian rocks, are a concentration area of vari-ous types of copper deposit. The rocks were dated using several dating methods. Based on the age data ob-tained by means of three methods, several aspects are dealt with: (1) the dating results obtained by differentmethods and their geological implications have been compared; (2) a chronotectonic framework has been con-structed by means of these reliable ages, which indicates that the ages of the rocks of the Proterozoic mobilebelt fall in a time span of 2400 to 2000 Ma during which global magmatic records are lacking and reflects theages of important events in the mobile belt; (3) according to the ages of inherited zircons, neodymium modelage of the depleted mantle sources (T_(DM)) and geochemical and geological data, a model of Precambrianchronocrustal structure has been constructed, representing a typical for the North China craton.展开更多
The dynamical framework of the nine-level version of the IAP AGCM is presented in this paper. The emphasis of the model's description is put on the following two aspects:(1) A model's standard atmosphere, whic...The dynamical framework of the nine-level version of the IAP AGCM is presented in this paper. The emphasis of the model's description is put on the following two aspects:(1) A model's standard atmosphere, which is a satisfactory approximation to the observed troposphere and lower stratosphere standard atmosphere, is introduced into the equations of the model to permit a more accurate calculation of the vertical transport terms, especially near the tropopause; (2) The vertical levels of the model are carefully selected to guarantee a smooth dependence of layer thickness upon pressure in order to reduce the truncation error involved in the unequal interval vertical finite-differencing. For testing the model, two kinds of linear baroclinic Rossby-Haurwitz waves, one of which has a dynamically stable vertical structure and the other has a relatively unstable one, are constructed to provide initial conditions for numerical experiments. The two waves have been integrated for more than 300 days and 100 days respectively by using the model and both of them are propagating westward with almost identical phase-speed during the time period of the integrations. No obvious change of the wave patterns is found at the levels in the model's troposphere. The amplitudes of both two waves at the uppermost level, however, exhibit rather significant oscillation with time, of which the periods are exactly 20 days and 25 days espectively.The explanation of this interesting phenomena is still under investigation.展开更多
After a comprehensive literature review and analysis, a unified cloud computing framework is proposed, which comprises MapReduce, a vertual machine, Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS), Hbase, Hadoop, and virtuali...After a comprehensive literature review and analysis, a unified cloud computing framework is proposed, which comprises MapReduce, a vertual machine, Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS), Hbase, Hadoop, and virtualization. This study also compares Microsoft, Trend Micro, and the proposed unified cloud computing architecture to show that the proposed unified framework of the cloud computing service model is comprehensive and appropriate for the current complexities of businesses. The findings of this study can contribute to the knowledge for academics and practitioners to understand, assess, and analyze a cloud computing service application.展开更多
In order to research the interactions between the atmosphere and ocean as well as their important role in the intensive weather systems of coastal areas, and to improve the forecasting ability of the hazardous weather...In order to research the interactions between the atmosphere and ocean as well as their important role in the intensive weather systems of coastal areas, and to improve the forecasting ability of the hazardous weather processes of coastal areas, a coupled atmosphere-ocean-wave modeling system has been developed. The agent-based environment framework for linking models allows flexible and dynamic information exchange between models. For the purpose of flexibility, portability and scalability, the framework of the whole system takes a multi-layer architecture that includes a user interface layer, computational layer and service-enabling layer. The numerical experiment presented in this paper demonstrates the performance of the distributed coupled modeling system.展开更多
With the intensi fed impact of human activities,most lakes have been severely disturbed and the lake ecosystem has been seriously damaged,which exerted a great impact on the living envi-ronment of human beings in the ...With the intensi fed impact of human activities,most lakes have been severely disturbed and the lake ecosystem has been seriously damaged,which exerted a great impact on the living envi-ronment of human beings in the lake basins.The health of the lake ecosystem has gradually become one of the hot issues in recent years.In this study,the water resources carrying capacity(WRCC)was used to reveal the chain rel ationship between human activities and water environ-ment in the economic dewelopment of the Dianchi Lake Basin in Kunming City of China during 2005-2015.Specifically,we chose 25 ewaluation indicators related to the water environment and socialeconomic activities,classified them into six subsystems,Le,the driwing force subsystem(D),the water resources si tuation and consumption subsystem(S),the water resources pressure subsystem(P),the water environmental situation subsystem(E),the response subsystem(R),and the management subsystem(M),and built a comprehensive assessment system-DSPERM frame-work model.Si mulated annealing-projection pursuit model which reflects the structure or feature of high-dimensional data was adopted to calculate the WRCC of the Dianchi Lake Basin during 2005-2015 by weighting each evaluation indicator and each subsystem of the DSPERM frame work model.The resuls show that the WRCC of the Dlanchi Lake Basin was in level II(medium carying capacity)from 2005 to 2012.Since 2013,the WRCC has been at level II(strong carying capacity),and from 2005 to 2015,it showed a gradual upward trend.The evaluation indicators of each subsystem varied greatly and exhibited different development trends.The indicators of the water resources pressure subsystem had the greatest impact on the WRCC,followed by the in-dicators of the water environmental si tuation subsystem and the water resources situation and consumption subsystem.We recommend that the DSPERM framework model and the simulated anneal ing-projection pursuit model constructed in this work can be used to analyze the dynamic changes of the WRCC over the years.They have the advantages of practicability and feasibilty,and can provide the basis for the scienti fic decision-making and comprehensive management of regional water environment planning.展开更多
An approach for modeling a human cognitive framework in time-stressed decision making is presented. The recognitive and metacognitive processes that represent the cognitive framework are modeled by the colored Petri n...An approach for modeling a human cognitive framework in time-stressed decision making is presented. The recognitive and metacognitive processes that represent the cognitive framework are modeled by the colored Petri nets (CPNs). A structural and behavioral analysis method is adopted to obtain the static and dynamic property used to verify the CPNs model of the cognitive framework. Finally, an example from the command and control radar recognition system is used to evaluate the feasibility and availability of the CPNs model adopted in practical systems.展开更多
A framework is built, wherein hydrological/water quality model is used to measure watershed sustainability. For this framework, watershed sustainability has been defined and quantified by defining social, environmenta...A framework is built, wherein hydrological/water quality model is used to measure watershed sustainability. For this framework, watershed sustainability has been defined and quantified by defining social, environmental and biodiversity indicators. By providing weightage to these indicators, a “River Basin Sustainability Index” is built. The watershed sustainability is then calculated based on the concepts of reliability, resilience and vulnerability. The framework is then applied to a case study, where, based on watershed management principles, four land use scenarios are created in GIS. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is used as a hydrology/water quality model. Based on the results the land uses are ranked for sustainability and policy implications have been discussed. This results show that landuse (both type and location) impact watershed sustainability. The existing land use is weak in environmental sustainability. Also, riparian zones play a critical role in watershed sustainability, although beyond certain width their contribution is not significant.展开更多
The Golden Ratio Theorem, deeply rooted in fractal mathematics, presents a pioneering perspective on deciphering complex systems. It draws a profound connection between the principles of interchangeability, self-simil...The Golden Ratio Theorem, deeply rooted in fractal mathematics, presents a pioneering perspective on deciphering complex systems. It draws a profound connection between the principles of interchangeability, self-similarity, and the mathematical elegance of the Golden Ratio. This research unravels a unique methodological paradigm, emphasizing the omnipresence of the Golden Ratio in shaping system dynamics. The novelty of this study stems from its detailed exposition of self-similarity and interchangeability, transforming them from mere abstract notions into actionable, concrete insights. By highlighting the fractal nature of the Golden Ratio, the implications of these revelations become far-reaching, heralding new avenues for both theoretical advancements and pragmatic applications across a spectrum of scientific disciplines.展开更多
文摘In this paper, we present a novel approach to model user request patterns in the World Wide Web. Instead of focusing on the user traffic for web pages, we capture the user interaction at the object level of the web pages. Our framework model consists of three sub-models: one for user file access, one for web pages, and one for storage servers. Web pages are assumed to consist of different types and sizes of objects, which are characterized using several categories: articles, media, and mosaics. The model is implemented with a discrete event simulation and then used to investigate the performance of our system over a variety of parameters in our model. Our performance measure of choice is mean response time and by varying the composition of web pages through our categories, we find that our framework model is able to capture a wide range of conditions that serve as a basis for generating a variety of user request patterns. In addition, we are able to establish a set of parameters that can be used as base cases. One of the goals of this research is for the framework model to be general enough that the parameters can be varied such that it can serve as input for investigating other distributed applications that require the generation of user request access patterns.
文摘Given the challenges facing most humanitarian operations worldwide, a change of approach is needed to ensure greater sustainability of humanitarian settlements right from the planning stage. Some studies attribute unsustainability to inadequate provision of basic resources and highlight the apparent bottlenecks that prevent access to the meaningful data needed to plan and remedy problems. Most operations have relied on an “ad hoc ism” approach, employing parallel and disconnected data processing methods, resulting in a wide range of data being collected without subsequent prioritization to optimize interconnections that could enhance performance. There have been little efforts to study the trade-offs potentially at stake. This work proposes a new framework enabling all subsystems to operate in a single system and focusing on data processing perspective. To achieve this, this paper proposes a Triple Nexus Framework as an attempt to integrate water, energy, and housing sector data derived from a specific sub-system within the overall system in the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering. Understanding the synergies between water, energy, and housing, Systems Engineering characterizes the triple nexus framework and identifies opportunities for improved decision-making in processing operational data from these sectors. Two scenarios illustrate how an integrated platform could be a gateway to access meaningful operational data in the system and a starting point for modeling integrated human settlement systems. Upon execution, the model is tested for nexus megadata processing, and the optimization simulation yielded 67% satisfactory results, demonstrating that an integrated system could improve sustainability, and that capacity building in service delivery is more than beneficial.
文摘A GIS audit framework is necessary considering the diverse nature of GIS with regard to components, applications and industry. In practice, checklists are generated during the audit process based on specific objectives. There is no standardized list of items that can be used as a reference. The purpose of this study was to develop a GIS audit framework as a foundation for GIS audits. The framework provides that comprehensive approach to various GIS aspects during the audit process. The design builds on a developed conceptual framework where most significant categories of GIS audit parameters namely data quality, software utilization, GIS competency and procedures (work flows) were identified. The study adopted a reductive model approach to simplify the complexity associated with each category of GIS audit parameter. The resultant audit elements for each category are organized in a matrix that forms an integral part of the framework. The columns comprise audit goal, audit questions and audit subjects as indicators which are qualitatively measured. The rows comprise the parameters (data quality, software utilization, personnel competency and procedure (workflows)). To use the framework, an auditor only needs to create an audit checklist that consists of particular parameters and indicators from the framework depending on audit objective. As part of an on-going research, the next step will involve validating the framework through a mock testing process.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.71973023,42277493).
文摘Aiming to identify policy topics and their evolutionary logic that enhance the digital and green development(dual development)of traditional manufacturing enterprises,address weaknesses in current policies,and provide resources for refining dual development policies,a total of 15954 dual development-related policies issued by national and various departmental authorities in China from January 2000 to August 2023 were analyzed.Based on topic modeling techniques and the policy modeling consistency(PMC)framework,the evolution of policy topics was visualized,and a dynamic assessment of the policies was conducted.The results show that the digital and green development policy framework is progressively refined,and the governance philosophy shifts from a“regulatory government”paradigm to a“service-oriented government”.The support pattern evolves from“dispersed matching”to“integrated symbiosis”.However,there are still significant deficiencies in departmental cooperation,balanced measures,coordinated links,and multi-stakeholder participation.Future policy improvements should,therefore,focus on guiding multi-stakeholder participation,enhancing public demand orientation,and addressing the entire value chain.These steps aim to create an open and shared digital industry ecosystem to promote the coordinated dual development of traditional manufacturing enterprises.
文摘Evolutionary algorithm is time-consuming because of the large number of evolutions and much times of finite element analysis, when it is used to optimize the wing structure of a certain high altitude long endurance unmanned aviation vehicle(UAV). In order to improve efficiency it is proposed to construct a model management framework to perform the multi-objective optimization design of wing structure. The sufficient accurate approximation models of objective and constraint functions in the wing structure optimization model are built when using the model management framework, therefore in the evolutionary algorithm a number of finite element analyses can he avoided and the satisfactory multi-objective optimization results of the wing structure of the high altitude long endurance UAV are obtained.
文摘The Zhongtiao Mountains, a typical exposure area of Precambrian rocks, are a concentration area of vari-ous types of copper deposit. The rocks were dated using several dating methods. Based on the age data ob-tained by means of three methods, several aspects are dealt with: (1) the dating results obtained by differentmethods and their geological implications have been compared; (2) a chronotectonic framework has been con-structed by means of these reliable ages, which indicates that the ages of the rocks of the Proterozoic mobilebelt fall in a time span of 2400 to 2000 Ma during which global magmatic records are lacking and reflects theages of important events in the mobile belt; (3) according to the ages of inherited zircons, neodymium modelage of the depleted mantle sources (T_(DM)) and geochemical and geological data, a model of Precambrianchronocrustal structure has been constructed, representing a typical for the North China craton.
文摘The dynamical framework of the nine-level version of the IAP AGCM is presented in this paper. The emphasis of the model's description is put on the following two aspects:(1) A model's standard atmosphere, which is a satisfactory approximation to the observed troposphere and lower stratosphere standard atmosphere, is introduced into the equations of the model to permit a more accurate calculation of the vertical transport terms, especially near the tropopause; (2) The vertical levels of the model are carefully selected to guarantee a smooth dependence of layer thickness upon pressure in order to reduce the truncation error involved in the unequal interval vertical finite-differencing. For testing the model, two kinds of linear baroclinic Rossby-Haurwitz waves, one of which has a dynamically stable vertical structure and the other has a relatively unstable one, are constructed to provide initial conditions for numerical experiments. The two waves have been integrated for more than 300 days and 100 days respectively by using the model and both of them are propagating westward with almost identical phase-speed during the time period of the integrations. No obvious change of the wave patterns is found at the levels in the model's troposphere. The amplitudes of both two waves at the uppermost level, however, exhibit rather significant oscillation with time, of which the periods are exactly 20 days and 25 days espectively.The explanation of this interesting phenomena is still under investigation.
文摘After a comprehensive literature review and analysis, a unified cloud computing framework is proposed, which comprises MapReduce, a vertual machine, Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS), Hbase, Hadoop, and virtualization. This study also compares Microsoft, Trend Micro, and the proposed unified cloud computing architecture to show that the proposed unified framework of the cloud computing service model is comprehensive and appropriate for the current complexities of businesses. The findings of this study can contribute to the knowledge for academics and practitioners to understand, assess, and analyze a cloud computing service application.
文摘In order to research the interactions between the atmosphere and ocean as well as their important role in the intensive weather systems of coastal areas, and to improve the forecasting ability of the hazardous weather processes of coastal areas, a coupled atmosphere-ocean-wave modeling system has been developed. The agent-based environment framework for linking models allows flexible and dynamic information exchange between models. For the purpose of flexibility, portability and scalability, the framework of the whole system takes a multi-layer architecture that includes a user interface layer, computational layer and service-enabling layer. The numerical experiment presented in this paper demonstrates the performance of the distributed coupled modeling system.
基金This research was supported by the National Social Sciance Foundation of China(20&ZD091)the Sciance and Technology Department Project of Sichuan Province,China(21 RICX0358,2019JDJQ0006)the Social Science Planning Project of Sichuan Province,China(SC18B027).
文摘With the intensi fed impact of human activities,most lakes have been severely disturbed and the lake ecosystem has been seriously damaged,which exerted a great impact on the living envi-ronment of human beings in the lake basins.The health of the lake ecosystem has gradually become one of the hot issues in recent years.In this study,the water resources carrying capacity(WRCC)was used to reveal the chain rel ationship between human activities and water environ-ment in the economic dewelopment of the Dianchi Lake Basin in Kunming City of China during 2005-2015.Specifically,we chose 25 ewaluation indicators related to the water environment and socialeconomic activities,classified them into six subsystems,Le,the driwing force subsystem(D),the water resources si tuation and consumption subsystem(S),the water resources pressure subsystem(P),the water environmental situation subsystem(E),the response subsystem(R),and the management subsystem(M),and built a comprehensive assessment system-DSPERM frame-work model.Si mulated annealing-projection pursuit model which reflects the structure or feature of high-dimensional data was adopted to calculate the WRCC of the Dianchi Lake Basin during 2005-2015 by weighting each evaluation indicator and each subsystem of the DSPERM frame work model.The resuls show that the WRCC of the Dlanchi Lake Basin was in level II(medium carying capacity)from 2005 to 2012.Since 2013,the WRCC has been at level II(strong carying capacity),and from 2005 to 2015,it showed a gradual upward trend.The evaluation indicators of each subsystem varied greatly and exhibited different development trends.The indicators of the water resources pressure subsystem had the greatest impact on the WRCC,followed by the in-dicators of the water environmental si tuation subsystem and the water resources situation and consumption subsystem.We recommend that the DSPERM framework model and the simulated anneal ing-projection pursuit model constructed in this work can be used to analyze the dynamic changes of the WRCC over the years.They have the advantages of practicability and feasibilty,and can provide the basis for the scienti fic decision-making and comprehensive management of regional water environment planning.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(60874068).
文摘An approach for modeling a human cognitive framework in time-stressed decision making is presented. The recognitive and metacognitive processes that represent the cognitive framework are modeled by the colored Petri nets (CPNs). A structural and behavioral analysis method is adopted to obtain the static and dynamic property used to verify the CPNs model of the cognitive framework. Finally, an example from the command and control radar recognition system is used to evaluate the feasibility and availability of the CPNs model adopted in practical systems.
文摘A framework is built, wherein hydrological/water quality model is used to measure watershed sustainability. For this framework, watershed sustainability has been defined and quantified by defining social, environmental and biodiversity indicators. By providing weightage to these indicators, a “River Basin Sustainability Index” is built. The watershed sustainability is then calculated based on the concepts of reliability, resilience and vulnerability. The framework is then applied to a case study, where, based on watershed management principles, four land use scenarios are created in GIS. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is used as a hydrology/water quality model. Based on the results the land uses are ranked for sustainability and policy implications have been discussed. This results show that landuse (both type and location) impact watershed sustainability. The existing land use is weak in environmental sustainability. Also, riparian zones play a critical role in watershed sustainability, although beyond certain width their contribution is not significant.
文摘The Golden Ratio Theorem, deeply rooted in fractal mathematics, presents a pioneering perspective on deciphering complex systems. It draws a profound connection between the principles of interchangeability, self-similarity, and the mathematical elegance of the Golden Ratio. This research unravels a unique methodological paradigm, emphasizing the omnipresence of the Golden Ratio in shaping system dynamics. The novelty of this study stems from its detailed exposition of self-similarity and interchangeability, transforming them from mere abstract notions into actionable, concrete insights. By highlighting the fractal nature of the Golden Ratio, the implications of these revelations become far-reaching, heralding new avenues for both theoretical advancements and pragmatic applications across a spectrum of scientific disciplines.