Factorized Smith Method for A Class of High-Ranked Large-ScaleТ-Stein Equations

We introduce a factorized Smith method(FSM)for solving large-scale highranked J-Stein equations within the banded-plus-low-rank structure framework.To effectively reduce both computational complexity and storage requirements,we develop techniques including deflation and shift,partial truncation and compression,as well as redesign the residual computation and termination condition.Numerical examples demonstrate that the FSM outperforms the Smith method implemented with a hierarchical HODLR structured toolkit in terms of CPU time.

“通货紧缩”还是“物价收缩”,“通货膨胀”还是“物价膨胀”

中国将inflation翻译成通货膨胀是错误的,inflation所要表达的意思是"物价膨胀",物价全面持续过度上升这一客观现象用汉语来表达最恰当的词语也是"物价膨胀",而货币过度增加应称"货币膨胀"或"货币过多"。中国将deflation翻译成通货紧缩也是错误的,deflation所要表达的意思是"物价收缩",物价全面持续明显下降现象用一个概念概括最贴近的汉语词语是"物价收缩",而货币不敷需要直接称为"货币不足"更清晰。政策性减少货币供应量像是"通货紧缩",但直接称为"量化紧缩货币政策"更明确。把物价与"通货"、经济增长放在一个概念里会把理论搞乱。

基于Deflation技术的预调制Restarted GMRES算法

电学层析成像的图像重建需要对逆问题进行求解,而求解过程中存在着非线性、欠定性以及病态性严重等难题,使得图像重建可能不收敛,或者致使收敛,但获得的图像分辨率较低。针对现有的一些图像重建算法,提出基于Deflation技术的预调制Restarted GMRES算法,在原有full GMRES算法基础上,提高了收敛速度以及图像成像分辨率,并通过仿真实验证明。

Tracking multiple targets in MIMO radar via adaptive asymmetric joint diagonalization with deflation

In view of the low performance of adaptive asymmetric joint diagonalization（AAJD）, especially its failure in tracking high maneuvering targets, an adaptive asymmetric joint diagonalization with deflation（AAJDd） algorithm is proposed. The AAJDd algorithm improves performance by estimating the direction of departure（DOD） and direction of arrival（DOA） directly, avoiding the reuse of the previous moment information in the AAJD algorithm.On this basis, the idea of sequential estimation of the principal component is introduced to turn the matrix operation into a constant operation, reducing the amount of computation and speeding up the convergence. Meanwhile, the eigenvalue is obtained, which can be used to estimate the number of targets. Then, the estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique（ESPRIT） algorithm is improved to realize the automatic matching and association of DOD and DOA. The simulation results show that the AAJDd algorithm has higher tracking performance than the AAJD algorithm, especially when the high maneuvering target is tracked. The efficiency of the proposed method is verified.

Influence of Land Degradation on the Local Rate of Dust Fallout in Kuwait

The rate of dust fallout was monitored during a period from August 2009 to July 2011 in protected (closed) and non-protected/open (unenclosed) areas in the northern desert of Kuwait. The dust fallout rates on degraded and protected sites were on average 18.8 and 44.1 g·m-2·month-1, respectively. Higher rate of dust fallout in protected area may be attributed to biologic factors that are responsible for relative abundance of fine-grained sediment accumulations (Mostly silty sand). Wind deflation of fine grained sediment fractions and development of coarse-grained surface lag deposits in degraded area may be accountable for the reduction of its potentiality for suspended dust. The study indicates the importance of the vegetation cover in regulating sediment availability for atmospheric dust emission.

Immediate balloon deflation method in endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for extraction of difficult bile duct stones

Background/Aims: Recently, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) using a large balloon (12 - 20 mm) for extraction of difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones has been widely accepted with favorable outcomes. However, there is no consensus with regard to the ballooning time. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immediate balloon deflation in EPLBD for the treatment of difficult bile duct stone. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 80 consecutive patients with bile duct stones who were treated with an immediate balloon deflation method in EPLBD combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) between January 2010 and December 2012. Overall success rate, success rate at first ERCP, and the frequency of mechanical lithotripsy for complete stone removal were assessed for efficacy and safety was evaluated by assessing major complications. Results: Overall success rate for complete stone removal was high (78/80, 97.5%) and success rate for complete stone removal at first ERCP was 86.3% (69/80). The use of mechanical lithotripsy was 0% (0/80). The overall complication rate was favorable (5/80, 6.3%). PostERCP pancreatitis was observed in 3 patients (two: mild, one: moderate). In subgroup analysis, the presence of periampullary diverticulum was the only factor affecting the success rate at first ERCP. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the favorable outcome of immediate balloon deflation for treatment of difficult CBD stones and can be considered for clinical application.

A simple analytical method for deflation prediction of inflatable structures

The static performance of inflatable structures has been well studied and the dynamic deployment simulation has received much attention. However, very few studies focus on its deflation behavior. Although there are several dynamic finite element algorithms that can be applied to the deflation simulation, their computation costs are expensive, especially for large scale structures. In this work, a simple method based on classic thermodynamics and the analytical relationship between air and membrane was proposed to efficiently analyze the air state variables under the condition of ventilation. Combined with failure analysis of static bearing capacity, a fast incremental analytical method was presented to predict both elastic and post wrinkling deflation process of inflatable structures. Comparisons between simplified analysis, dynamic finite element simulation, and a full-scale experimental test are presented and the suitability of this simple method for solving the air state and predicting the deflation behavior of inflatable structures is proved.

Deflation rates of different clastic sediments in the arid regions of China

By wind tunnel experiment, we studied the deflation rates of 8 different clastic sediments in the arid regions of China, discussed the sources of aeolian sand and their influence on the development of sand dunes and formation of sand deserts from the view of dynamics of wind erosion. The average deflation rates of 8 typical clastic sediments in the arid regions of China can be arranged in the order of lacustrine sand 〉 alluvial sand 〉 weathered sandstone and shale 〉 pluvial sediments 〉 fluvioglacial sand 〉 weathered granite 〉 slope deposit 〉 glacial sediments. The deflation rates exhibited strong positive correlations with the erodible particle （0.063 2mm） content and sorting features. In contrast, the deflation rates had obvious negative correlations with the contents of silt clay （〈0.063 mm） and gravel （〉2 mm）. According to the deflation rates, the 8 typical clastic sediments can be divided into four categories： （1） lacustrine and alluvial sand, which are readily prone to wind erosion, assumed to be the main source of aeolian sand; （2） weathered sandstone and shale, pluvial sediments and fluvioglacial sand with considerable deflation rates, might be the secondary source of aeolian sand; （3） weathered granite and slope deposit having the lower deflation rates, could supply a little aeolian sand; and （4） glacial sediments with a strong anti-erodibility, could hardly offer any aeolian sand. In addition to the strong wind conditions, the exposure of extensive lacustrine sand induced by the desiccation of inland lake basin, as well as the pre-sorting of clastic sediments by flowing water should be the key factors influencing the development of sand deserts in China. The possible reason the sand deserts in China being mostly distributed around the inland lake basins and along riverbanks could be better understood through sand source analysis.

Analytical solutions for inflation of pre-stretched elastomeric circular membranes under uniform pressure

Elastomeric membranes are frequently used in several emerging fields such as soft robotics and flexible electronics.For convenience of the structural design,it is very attractive to find simple analytical solutions to well describe their elastic deformations in response to external loadings.However,both the material/geometrical nonlinearity and the deformation inhomogeneity due to boundary constraints make it much challenging to get an exact analytical solution.In this paper,we focus on the inflation of a prestretched elastomeric circular membrane under uniform pressure,and derive an approximate analytical solution of the pressure-volume curve based upon a reasonable assumption on the shape of the inflated membrane.Such an explicit expression enables us to quantitatively design the material and geometrical parameters of the pre-stretched membrane to generate a target pressure-volume curve with prescribed peak point and initial slope.This work would be of help in the simplified mechanical design of structures involving elastomeric membranes.

Deflation and Stock Prices

While the literature on inflation and stock prices is plentiful,there is little literature on deflation and stock prices.This paper explores the empirical data and makes a theoretical analysis of the likely impact on stock prices when expectations change from inflation to deflation.Deflation has a bad name among some economists and most investors.However,from a stock market perspective,deflations’bad name may not be well-deserved.Several observations support this:1)The 1930s was a statistical outlier and not representative for a deflationary period and deflation does not seem to create recessions,causality goes the other way;2)real stock returns are positive and around average in the periods leading up to and following the onset of deflation;3)when moving from low inflation to mild deflation,P/E ratios are virtually unchanged;and 4)peak P/E ratios seem to be reached at inflation rates close to zero.The author proposes three possible explanations for the seemingly disconnect between the empirical data and the“default”ex ante belief of most economists and investors:availability heurist,deflation illusion,and tax related issues in connection with the tax hypothesis.

Perspective Plant Species for Stabilization of Sand Dunes on the Exposed Aral Sea Bed

A new salty and sandy desert of ca 5 million ha has emerged on the exposed Aral Sea bed. Every year, 170-200 tons of salt and dust rise into the air and fall on the territory of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. A number of experiments have been cond.ucted in order to study the salt tolerance of plants and select drought- and salt-resistant plant species, which show a wide ecological range, to fix quick-sand dunes on the exposed Aral Sea bed. Among the studied species of Calligonum genus C. caput-medusae Schrenk was the most resistant to the saline solution. At the end of the vegetation experiment, the survivability of individuals constituted 44.1% at the concentration of 1.0% of sodium chloride. Artemisiaferganensis Krasch. ex Poljak. and Salsola richteri （Moq.） Kar. ex Litv. showed a good resistance to the concentration of saline solution as high as 150 ram, at which no dried plants were recorded. As the concentration grew to 300 mM, the survivability of Artemisiaferganensis dropped to 40.0% while 66.7 Salsola richteri individuals were developing successfully. An almost similar result was obtained during the experiment on Nitraria schoberi L.. The survivability ofKrascheninnikovia ewersmanniana （Stschegl. ex Losinsk.） Grub. individuals significantly decreased at the concentration of 200 mm （33.4%）, while for Agropyron cristatum the concentration of 300 mm was threshold, at which the survivability of individuals was below 3.3%. The most resistant to the deflation of sands on the exposed bed were Salsola richteri and Calligonum caput-medusae, whose survivability on the sandy dunes was 17%-41%.

An Exceptional Generalization of the Poisson Distribution

A new two-parameter count distribution is derived starting with probabilistic arguments around the gamma function and the digamma function. This model is a generalization of the Poisson model with a noteworthy assortment of qualities. For example, the mean is the main model parameter;any possible non-trivial variance or zero probability can be attained by changing the other model parameter;and all distributions are visually natural-shaped. Thus, exact modeling to any degree of over/under-dispersion or zero-inflation/deflation is possible.

Inflation, Deflation and Normal Price Adjustment

This paper thinks that the price of a commodity depends on both the value of the commodity and that of the currency. The change in either value will cause the change of the price of the commodity. Only the price rising caused by the decreasing of the currency value can be called inflation, and the price rising led by the increasing of the value of the merchandise can not be called inflation. Therefore, it is not proper, as defined by the modem economics, to think that any price increasing should be in general called inflation.

China Moves to Maintain Stability

With as many as 19 provinces in China potentially falling behind their growth targets in Q32018, the effects of the trade war that might linger into 2019 have led to rapid activity from the Chinese Government to promote stability in the economy. The decline in key indicators has seen analysts projecting a deflation threat.November saw a slower-than-expected growth in the monthly exports and imports.China,however, has actively sought to relieve the stress on the economy,by shifting policy priorities from debt reduction to increased efforts to bolster economic growth.

U.S.,not China, is culprit of global deflation, inflation

This paper is an outcome of comprehensive and systematic research on whether China exports deflation and inflation using the newly developed DAG technique. Our results indicate that in the international transmission of inflation, the United States, as the world's largest economy, plays a dominant role. In contrast, during both deflation and inflation periods, China has a minimal impact on the price levels of major trading partners. Thus China is not to be blamed for global deflation or inflation. This research has made use of DAG and some other techniques to yield reliable and reasonable conclusions.

The Role of Collateral in Sudden Stop Models

This paper examines the role of collateral in sudden stop models that feature occasionally binding constraints and endogenous growth.It shows how different assumptions regarding the nature and valuation of collateral alter the dynamics of crisis episodes and the welfare costs of pecuniary externalities.For example,in a model with land as collateral,valuing collateral at the“expected future price”leads to substantially weaker Fisherian deflation efects than the case with collateral valued at the“current price.”However,the average size of sudden stops in the two economies are similar because households endogenously avoid the region where large sudden stops would occur.The differences between different collateral valuations and the size of sudden stops are amplified when we abstract from endogenous growth.In another case,assuming collateral is income rather than land leads to smaller sudden stops as income is less volatile than asset prices.Finally,we show that some choices lead to constrained or conditionally eficient allocations whereas others generate inefficiencies,but these inefficienciesare small.

A countermeasure designed to restrain self-serving behavior and strategic rating disclosure of credit rating agencies

This study examines an incentive of the credit rating agency(CRA)to exert effort to observe projects’signals and strategically disclose ratings when the upfront fee and performance-based fee scheme are imposed.Under the upfront fee scheme,the CRA obtains an upfront fee in exchange for its services but gains a performance-based fee only if its ratings accurately foresee the rated project’s outcome.In the setting,an issuer solicits a rating from the CRA,whose conduct of inflating and deflating ratings is considered.In addition,the CRA can endogenously exert effort to observe a project’s signal,which specifies the signal accuracy and how much operating costs the CRA incurs.After receiving the observed signal,the CRA can strategically decide to announce a rating corresponding to or contradicting the observed signal.The findings reveal that the performance-based fee scheme incentivizes the CRA to exert greater effort and truthfully disclose a more accurate rating.

Invariance and Scientific Representation

This paper argues for an invariantist view of scientific representation. First, it introduces the deflationary view that sees models in science as no different in essence from symbolic vehicles, which are derivative and adopted pragmatically, as a matter of convention. After analyzing this deflationary view and pointing out its shortcomings, it argues that representations play at least two radically different roles: one purely symbolic and therefore conventional, and the other epistemic. Finally, it argues that although it is correct to say that all particular external vehicles are introduced via some conventions, they get their jobs done because they are invariant with respect to particular conventions.

Topographical changes of ground surface affected by the shelterbelt along the Tarim Desert Highway

To study the effects of sand protection project on modern aeolian landform, the types, distribution, and intensity of topographical changes of the ground surface affected by the shelterbelt along the Tarim Desert Highway were determined by measuring the deflation and deposition of sand surface in the Tazhong area located in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert. The results showed that (1) the newly-formed landform in sand protection systems is dominated by aeolian deposition including the small-scale Nabkha Dunes, the medium-scale sheet-like sand deposition and the large-scale ridge-like sand deposition. To some degree, aeolian deflation landform can also be formed in the open space in the shelterbelt. Furthermore, it is difficult for aeolian deflation landform to develop in a large scale in the interdunes. However, aeolian deflation landform can be developed in a large-scale on the windward slope of secondary dunes in longitudinal complex sand ridges; (2) on the windward side of the sand protection systems, both the morphology and strike of dwarf mobile dunes in the interdunes are changed by the sand-obstructing forest belts and the ridge-like sand deposition around it. The wind- ward slope of the ridge-like deposition around the sand-obstructing forest belt forms a stable ground surface. After being damaged by forward-moving dunes in a short period, the ground surface is re- covered gradually; (3) on the leeward side of the sand protection systems, aeolian deflations are formed widely. Particularly, the deflation depression is formed in the interdunes. In addition, the dunes in the region with highly topographic relief are cut flat by aeolian deflations; thereafter its relief of to- pography is reduced. The above analysis indicates that shelterbelts have obvious effects on the windward wind-sand flux in terms of dissipating energy and intercepting sand. With the recovery of wind velocity on the leeward side of the sand protection systems, the wind-sand flux gradually tends to be unsaturated; therefore the sand surface deflation is formed.