A Quality Evaluation System for Dissertation Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

A dissertation is a research report or scientific paper written by an author to obtain a certain degree. It reflects postgraduates’ research achievements and the educational quality of an institute, even a country. To construct an optimized quality evaluation system for postgraduate dissertation (QESPD), we summarized the influencing factors and invited 10 experienced specialists to rate and prioritize them based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Four primary indicators (innovation, integrity, scientificity and normativity) and 16 sub-indicators were selected to form the evaluation system. The order of primary indicators by weight, was innovation (0.4269), scientificity (0.2807), integrity (0.1728) and normativity (0.1196). The top five sub-dimensions were theoretical originality, scientific value, data reliability, design rationality and evidence credibility. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system, a case study was performed. In the case study, it was demonstrated that the established two-index-hierarchy QESPD in this study was a more scientific and reasonable evaluation system worthy of promotion and application.

Citation distributions and research evaluations:The impossibility of formulating a universal indicator

Purpose:To analyze the diversity of citation distributions to publications in different research topics to investigate the accuracy of size-independent,rank-based indicators.The top percentile-based indicators are the most common indicators of this type,and the evaluations of Japan are the most evident misjudgments.Design/methodology/approach:The distributions of citations to publications from countries and journals in several research topics were analyzed along with the corresponding global publications using histograms with logarithmic binning,double rank plots,and normal probability plots of log-transformed numbers of citations.Findings:Size-independent,top percentile-based indicators are accurate when the global ranks of local publications fit a power law,but deviations in the least cited papers are frequent in countries and occur in all journals with high impact factors.In these cases,a single indicator is misleading.Comparisons of the proportions of uncited papers are the best way to predict these deviations.Research limitations:This study is fundamentally analytical,and its results describe mathematical facts that are self-evident.Practical implications:Respectable institutions,such as the OECD,the European Commission,and the U.S.National Science Board,produce research country rankings and individual evaluations using size-independent percentile indicators that are misleading in many countries.These misleading evaluations should be discontinued because they can cause confusion among research policymakers and lead to incorrect research policies.Originality/value:Studies linking the lower tail of citation distribution,including uncited papers,to percentile research indicators have not been performed previously.The present results demonstrate that studies of this type are necessary to find reliable procedures for research assessments.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Distributed PV Grid-Connected Based on Combined Weighting Weights and TOPSIS-RSR Method

To effectively quantify the impact of distributed photovoltaic(PV)access on the distribution network,this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation method of distributed PV grid connection combining subjective and objective combination of assignment and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution(TOPSIS)—rank sum ratio(RSR)(TOPSIS-RSR)method.Based on the traditional distribution network evaluation system,a comprehensive evaluation system has been constructed.It fully considers the new development requirements of distributed PV access on the environmental friendliness and absorptive capacity of the distribution grid and comprehensively reflects the impact of distributed PV grid connection.The analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was used to determine the subjective weights of the primary indicators,and the Spearman consistency test was combined to determine the weights of the secondary indicators based on three objective assignment methods.The subjective and objective combination weights of each assessment indicator were calculated through the principle of minimum entropy.Calculate the distance between the indicators to be evaluated and the positive and negative ideal solutions,the relative closeness ranking,and qualitative binning by TOPSIS-RSR method to obtain the comprehensive evaluation results of different scenarios.By setting up different PV grid-connected scenarios and utilizing the IEEE33 node simulation algorithm,the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed subject-object combination assignment and integrated assessment method are verified.

Evaluation of Ear and Facial Indices of Ibibio and Efik Female Children of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria

Background: The ear and face are indispensable and distinctive features for hearing and identification. Objectives: This study was designed to generate anthropometric data of the ear and facial indices of females of Efik and Ibibio children in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, show morphological and aesthetic differences and ethnicity. Methods: A total of 600 female children (300 Efiks and 300 Ibibios) aged 2 to 10 years that met the inclusion criteria were chosen from selected primary schools in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South of Cross River State and from Uyo, Itu of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Standardized measurements of face length, face width, ear length, and ear width were taken with a spreading caliper;the facial (proscopic) and ear (auricular) indices were determined. Results: Efik subjects presented a mean face length of 8.36 ± 0.06 cm, face width of 11.04 ± 0.04 cm, ear length of 4.92 ± 0.02 cm, and ear width of 3.06 ± 0.01 cm. Ibibio subjects had mean values for face length, face width, ear length, and ear width as 8.17 ± 0.05 cm, 10.75 ± 0.05 cm, 4.77 ± 0.03 cm, and 2.94 ± 0.02 cm respectively. The mean facial index and ear index for Efik subjects were 75.68 ± 0.31 and 62.16 ± 0.27 respectively;while the mean facial and ear indices for Ibibio subjects were 74.79 ± 0.36 and 61.80 ± 0.34 respectively. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in face length, ear length, ear width and facial index, with the Efik subjects having higher values than Ibibio subjects (p Conclusion: The results showed hypereuryproscopic face as the prevalent face type among females of both ethnic groups, therefore can be of importance in sex, ethnic, and racial differentiation, and in clinical practice, aesthetics and forensic medicine.

A Situational Awareness Method for Initial Insulation Fault of Distribution Network Based on Multi-Feature Index Comprehensive Evaluation

Most ground faults in distribution network are caused by insulation deterioration of power equipment.It is difficult to find the insulation deterioration of the distribution network in time,and the development trend of the initial insulation fault is unknown,which brings difficulties to the distribution inspection.In order to solve the above problems,a situational awareness method of the initial insulation fault of the distribution network based on a multi-feature index comprehensive evaluation is proposed.Firstly,the insulation situation evaluation index is selected by analyzing the insulation fault mechanism of the distribution network,and the relational database of the distribution network is designed based on the data and numerical characteristics of the existing distribution management system.Secondly,considering all kinds of fault factors of the distribution network and the influence of the power supply region,the evaluation method of the initial insulation fault situation of the distribution network is proposed,and the development situation of the distribution network insulation fault is classified according to the evaluation method.Then,principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimension of the training samples and test samples of the distribution network data,and the support vector machine(SVM)was trained.The optimal parameter combination of the SVM model was found by the grid search method,and a multi-class SVM model based on 1-v-1 method was constructed.Finally,the trained multi-class SVM was used to predict 6 kinds of situation level prediction samples.The results of simulation examples show that the average prediction accuracy of 6 situation levels is above 95%,and the perception accuracy of 4 situation levels is above 96%.In addition,the insulation maintenance decision scheme under different situation levels is able to be given when no fault occurs or the insulation fault is in the early stage,which can meet the needs of power distribution and inspection for accurately sensing the insulation fault situation.The correctness and effectiveness of this method are verified.

Contribution of the MERISE-Type Conceptual Data Model to the Construction of Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators of the Effectiveness of Training in Relation to the Needs of the Labor Market in the Republic of Congo

This study proposes the use of the MERISE conceptual data model to create indicators for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of vocational training in the Republic of Congo. The importance of MERISE for structuring and analyzing data is underlined, as it enables the measurement of the adequacy between training and the needs of the labor market. The innovation of the study lies in the adaptation of the MERISE model to the local context, the development of innovative indicators, and the integration of a participatory approach including all relevant stakeholders. Contextual adaptation and local innovation: The study suggests adapting MERISE to the specific context of the Republic of Congo, considering the local particularities of the labor market. Development of innovative indicators and new measurement tools: It proposes creating indicators to assess skills matching and employer satisfaction, which are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of vocational training. Participatory approach and inclusion of stakeholders: The study emphasizes actively involving training centers, employers, and recruitment agencies in the evaluation process. This participatory approach ensures that the perspectives of all stakeholders are considered, leading to more relevant and practical outcomes. Using the MERISE model allows for: • Rigorous data structuring, organization, and standardization: Clearly defining entities and relationships facilitates data organization and standardization, crucial for effective data analysis. • Facilitation of monitoring, analysis, and relevant indicators: Developing both quantitative and qualitative indicators helps measure the effectiveness of training in relation to the labor market, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation. • Improved communication and common language: By providing a common language for different stakeholders, MERISE enhances communication and collaboration, ensuring that all parties have a shared understanding. The study’s approach and contribution to existing research lie in: • Structured theoretical and practical framework and holistic approach: The study offers a structured framework for data collection and analysis, covering both quantitative and qualitative aspects, thus providing a comprehensive view of the training system. • Reproducible methodology and international comparison: The proposed methodology can be replicated in other contexts, facilitating international comparison and the adoption of best practices. • Extension of knowledge and new perspective: By integrating a participatory approach and developing indicators adapted to local needs, the study extends existing research and offers new perspectives on vocational training evaluation.

Comparative Study of Evaluation Indicators for Learning Cities and the Implications

With the development of society,more and more cities are participating in the initiative to build learning cities.Constructing an evaluation indicator system for learning cities to monitor the progress and promote their growth has become increasingly important.This paper analyzes the preliminary framework of the UNESCO Global Learning City Index and R3L+Quality Framework.The comparison is made from the aspects of design philosophy,criteria of indicator,and the cycle of evaluation process.The findings suggest that the construction of an evaluation indicator system should be focused more on the diversity of learning city development,the construction of an evaluation process cycle,and the significance of building cooperative networks.

Application of NSR-AISC Method in Reserve Estimation and Technical Economic Evaluation of Low-Grade Polymetallic Deposits: Taking a Low-Grade Copper-Molybdenum Mine in Guangdong Province as an Example

The development and utilization of low-grade polymetallic deposits with strategic mineral resources is one of the important measures to alleviate the current high dependence on strategic mineral resources in China. However, domestic mining enterprises and most mining consulting and design institutes usually use general industrial indicators to carry out reserve estimation and technical and economic feasibility studies on low-grade polymetallic deposits, which cannot truly reflect the economic value of such deposits. The article expounds on the definitions of net return value (NSR) and on-site total maintenance cost (AISC) of common ore smelters in the evaluation of overseas mineral resources. Taking a low-grade polymetallic copper-molybdenum mine in Guangdong Province as an example, comparing the research results showed the NSR-AISC method and the general industrial index method in low-grade polymetallic deposit. There are huge differences in the results of reserve estimation;through the further introduction of Taylor’s formula and the research results on the relationship between investment intensity and production scale, a more reasonable mine life and investment scale are recommended, and a more in-depth comparative study has been carried out in the dimension of technical and economic indicators. Based on the comparative study of the above two methods in reserve estimation and the evaluation results of technical and economic indicators, the author believes that the NSR-AISC method can better reflect the true value of low-grade polymetallic ore projects, and should be popularized and applied in resource evaluation and development practice. This article further describes the application status of the NSR-AISC method for reserve estimation and the evaluation of technical economic indicators, and suggests the main points that should be paid attention to in the use of the NSR-AISC method.

Study of The Technical Index of Online Learning Behavior Analysis of Nursing Majors on The Superstar Platform Based on The Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model

Objective:To analyze the technical indexes of students’online learning behavior analysis based on Kirkman’s evaluation model,sort out the basic indexes of online learning behavior,and extract scientific and efficient evaluation indexes of online learning effect through statistical analysis.Methods:The online learning behavior data of Physiology of nursing students from 2021-2023 and the first semester of 22 nursing classes(3 and 4)were collected and analyzed.The preset learning behavior indexes were analyzed by multi-dimensional analysis and a correlation analysis was conducted between the indexes and the final examination scores to screen for the dominant important indexes for online learning effect evaluation.Results:The study found that the demand for online learning of nursing students from 2021-2023 increased and the effect was statistically significant.Compared with the stage assessment results,the online learning effect was statistically significant.Conclusion:The main indicators for evaluating and classifying online learning behaviors were summarized.These two indicators can help teachers predict which part of students need learning intervention,optimize the teaching process,and help students improve their learning behavior and academic performance.

Comprehensive evaluation of water quality parameters in Tianjin Dagu Dainage Canal

In this paper, some indices of sulfide, organic carbon, oil and heavy metals （copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and chromium） in the sediments from Dagu Dainage Canal at the Bohai Bay during four seasons in 2012 - 2013 are selected, and Water Quality Pollution Index （API） is applied to evaluate water quality indices, aiming for the systematic evaluation of the water quality of Dagu Dainage Canal. The results showed that four stations of D3, D6, D7and D9 for S2 had the type Ⅱand Ⅲ of water; others had the type Ⅰ ; the total level of TOC, TPH, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, As and Cr were type Ⅰ, Ⅳ, Ⅱ, Ⅴ, Ⅱ, Ⅴ, Ⅲ, Vand Ⅴ. Water Quality Pollution Index （API） was 3.28, which illustrated Dagu Dainage Canal was in the state of contamination and the degree of pollution exceeded the standard functional areas.

下肢重复蹬伸至力竭过程中肌肉功能网络拓扑特性

背景:表面肌电已经被广泛用于监测肌肉疲劳,但传统肌电指标通常针对于单块肌肉,无法评价一组肌肉在疲劳过程中的变化。目的:建立肌肉功能网络,提取复杂网络参数,研究不同疲劳程度下的肌肉功能网络拓扑特性变化,为疲劳的监测、预防提供理论和方法依据。方法:11名受试者进行直到力竭的50%1RM单腿下肢蹬伸运动,同步采集股直肌、股外侧肌、股内侧肌、股二头肌长头、胫骨前肌、腓肠肌外侧肌、腓肠肌内侧肌7块肌肉的肌电信号,以及心电信号和Borg CR-10量表评分;根据Borg CR-10量表评分划分为轻度、中度和重度三个疲劳阶段,采用心率和心率变异性验证疲劳阶段划分的有效性;以7块肌肉为节点,使用肌肉信号的相干性构建肌肉功能网络,提取聚类系数、平均加权度、全局效率、特征向量中心性4个复杂网络参数;提取肌电信号的均方值振幅、中位频率、瞬时平均频率和共激活比4种指标,并在3种疲劳程度下进行比较。结果与结论:①3种疲劳阶段在心率及心率变异性上产生显著性差异,证明了疲劳阶段划分的有效性;②对于不同肌肉在3种疲劳程度下的肌电指标:均方值振幅和共激活比未表现出差异,中位频率在股外侧肌、股内侧肌和股二头肌长头表现出稳健的疲劳趋势,瞬时平均频率则在股直肌、股外侧肌、股内侧肌和股二头肌长头表现出稳健的疲劳趋势;瞬时平均频率的性能优于中位频率和均方值振幅,但三者仅在主要工作肌群能够获得较好的稳健趋势,共激活比不受疲劳因素的影响;③股外侧肌-股内侧肌、股外侧肌-股二头肌长头、股外侧肌-腓肠肌内侧肌和股内侧肌-股二头肌长头连接强度逐渐增加,平均加权度、聚类系数和全局效率在疲劳后表现出显著差异,并且与疲劳程度之间显著相关。结果表明:肌肉功能网络内的连通强度变化能够反映疲劳过程中肌肉间的协同性和互补性;聚类系数、平均加权度、全局效率可作为一组肌肉疲劳的监测指标。

Research on the evaluation of marine function zoning and its practice in China

The evaluation of marine function zoning （hereinafter referred to as MFZ） is an important part of MFZ. This paper studies the principles of MFZ evaluation and the evaluation procedures. It is proposed that three main aspects, including the evaluation of MFZ implementation situation, the evaluation of the performance effects and the evaluation of the changes of dependent conditions, are the top priorities in establishing an evaluation indicator system framework. The evaluation of MFZ implementation situation includes assessing the general situation of MFZ and the degree of implementation and public participation. The evaluation of the performance effects involves the assessments of the achievements and the existing problems in the rectification and standardization of utilizing the sea areas, protecting marine resources and environment, and promoting marine economic development. The evaluation of the changes of dependent conditions includes the assessments and measurements of the changes in the social and economic conditions, the use demands of marine industries, marine resource conditions and marine environmental conditions. This paper provides the means of integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches into the scientific and systematic evaluation on MFZ. The evaluation results can determine whether MFZ needs to be altered or not. The results also provide an important reference basis for determining whether a slight or great alteration is justified. To illustrate the utility of the MFZ evaluation indicator system, an evaluation example is given. Further studies are needed to make the evaluation of MFZ more scientific, reasonable, fair and effective.

Evaluation Model of Carrying Capacity of Water Resources Based on Standardized Indices of Radial Basis Function

[Objective] The aim was to study on RBF model about evaluation on carrying capacity of water resources based on standardized indices. [Method] The indices were transformed and the averages of standard values in different levels were taken as the standardized values of components of central vectors for basic functions of RBF hidden nodes. Hence, the basic functions are suitable for most indices, simplifying expression and calculation of basic functions. [Result] RBF models concluded through Monkey-king Genetic Algorithm with weights optimization are used in evaluation on water carrying capacity in three districts in Changwu County in Shaanxi Province, which were in consistent with that through fuzzy evaluation. [Conclusion] RBF, simple and practical, is universal and popular.

Evaluation of Drought Resistance of Olive Varieties from Different Provenances

In order to study olive’s drought resistance in Yunnan province, different varieties of olive trees from Albania, Italy, Spain and Greece were cultured, and leaves from these trees in drought season and rainy season were col ected and determined by physiological indices, such as proline content, relative electric con-ductivity, binding water/free water, relative water content and malon-dialdehyde in leaves. The evaluation of drought resistance with subordinate function showed that：There were no significant differences among drought resistances of varieties and provenances. The change of physiological indices in different varieties showed differ-ent ranges. The drought resistance of seven varieties decreased in order as fol ows：Koroneiki〉 Picual〉 Berat〉 Kaliniot〉 Frantoio〉 Coratina〉 Arbequina.

颈椎前凸比率可作为多节段脊髓型颈椎病后路术式选择的决策指标

背景:目前仅有研究表明颈椎前凸比率可作为预测椎板成形术后前凸曲度丢失的重要因素,而颈椎前凸比率这一动力位指标是否可作为颈后路术式选择的决策因素之一尚无定论。目的:探讨颈椎过伸过屈位指标颈椎前凸比率这一动力位指标是否可以作为椎板成形和椎板切除融合这两种术式的选择性指标。方法:回顾性分析2015年12月至2020年3月因多节段脊髓型颈椎病接受颈后路手术,且随访时间超过1年的141例患者,其中63例接受椎板切除融合治疗(椎板切除融合组),78例患者接受椎板成形治疗(椎板成形组),对比两组患者的人口统计学资料(性别、年龄、体质量指数、随访时间)、影像学指标(C_(2-7) Cobb角、C_(2-7)运动范围、屈曲位Cobb角、伸展位Cobb角、屈曲活动范围和伸展活动范围)及临床疗效(日本骨科协会评分、目测类比评分)。颈椎曲度变化的评估指标为术前、术后C_(2-7) Cobb角差值(ΔCL)。颈椎前凸比率=屈曲位活动范围/C_(2-7)活动范围×100%。采用受试者工作特征曲线分析颈椎前凸比率预测术后颈椎前凸曲度丢失过多(ΔCL≤-10°)的有效性。依据颈椎前凸比率的临界值(68.5%)将所有患者分为低比率组和高比率组,在不同比率组中再次对比两种术式之间的颈椎曲度指标和临床效果指标。结果与结论:①椎板切除融合和椎板成形术后颈椎前凸曲度均降低(P=0.039,P=0.002),椎板成形组的颈椎前凸曲度损失(ΔCL)大于椎板切除融合组,差异有显著性意义;②基于受试者工作特征曲线分析,颈椎前凸比率对预测颈椎前凸曲度丢失过多(ΔCL≤-10°)具有良好的鉴别能力(曲线下面积=0.792);③在低比率组中,椎板切除融合组和椎板成形组的颈椎前凸曲度变化ΔCL差异无显著性意义(P=0.141);④在高比率组中,椎板成形组的ΔCL大于椎板切除融合组(P=0.001),且椎板成形组发生术后前凸曲度丢失过多(ΔCL≤-10°)的概率更高(43%,29%);⑤提示颈椎前凸比率可作为多节段脊髓型颈椎病后路术式选择的决策指标,比率低的患者可考虑行椎板成形治疗,而对于高比率者,椎板切除融合对前凸的维持效果更佳。

Entropy method for determination of weight of evaluating indicators in fuzzy synthetic evaluation for water quality assessment

Considering the difficulty of fuzzy synthetic evaluation method in calculation of the multiple factors and ignorance of the relationship among evaluating objects, a new weight evaluation process using entropy method was introduced. This improved method for determination of weight of the evaluating indicators was applied in water quality assessment of the Three Gorges reservoir area. The results showed that this method was favorable for fuzzy synthetic evaluation when there were more than one evaluating objects. One calculation was enough for calculating every monitoring point. Compared with the original evaluation method, the method predigested the fuzzy synthetic evaluation process greatly and the evaluation results are more reasonable.

Screening of drought resistance indices and evaluation of drought resistance in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Sixteen cotton cultivars widely planted in China were sowed under five different drought concentrations(0,2.5,5,7.5,and 10%)using PEG6000 to screen the indices of drought resistance identification and explore the drought resistance of different cotton cultivars.Eighteen physiological indices including root,stem,and leaf water contents(RWC,SWC,and LWC),net photosynthetic rate(Pn),the maximum photochemical quantum yield(Fv/Fm),the actual photochemical quantum yield(ΦPSII),non-photochemical quenching coefficient(NPQ),leaf water potential(LWP),osmotic potential(Ψs),leaf relative conductivity(REC),leaf proline content(Pro),leaf and root soluble protein contents(LSPC and RSPC),leaf and root malondialdehyde(MDA)contents(LMDA and RMDA),root superoxide dismutase,peroxidase,and catalase activities(RSOD,RPOD,and RCAT)were measured.Results indicated the 18 physiological indices can be converted into five or six independent comprehensive indices by principal component analysis,and nine typical indices(Fv/Fm,SWC,LWP,Pro,LMDA,RSPC,RMDA,RSOD,and RCAT)screened out by a stepwise regression method could be utilized to evaluate the drought resistance.Moreover,the 16 cotton cultivars were divided into four types:drought sensitive,drought weak sensitive,moderate drought resistant,and drought resistant types.The resistance ability of two selected cotton cultivars(drought resistant cultivar,Dexiamian 1;drought sensitive cultivar,Yuzaomian 9110)with contrasting drought sensitivities were further verified by pot experiment.Results showed that the responses of final cotton biomass,yield,and yield composition to drought were significantly different between the two cultivars.In conclusion,drought resistant cultivar Dexiamian 1 and drought sensitive cultivar Yuzaomian 9110 were screened through hydroponics experiment,which can be used as ideal experimental materials to study the mechanism of different cotton cultivars with contrasting drought sensitivities in response to drought stress.

Spatial analysis and evaluation of a coal deposit by coupling AHP & GIS techniques

Nowadays,the evaluation of coal deposits becomes crucial,due to many uncontrollable factors,which affect the energy sector.A comparative evaluation of coal deposits is essential for their hierarchical classification regarding their sustainable exploitation,when compared to other coal deposits or competitive fuels,which may be used as alternative solutions for electricity generation.In this paper,a method for spatial analysis and evaluation of a lignite deposit is proposed,by creating four spatial key indicators via GIS analysis,which are then aggregated by applying a weighted linear combination.The analytical hierarchy process is applied to estimate the relative weights of the indicators,in order to perform a weighted cartographic overlay.Through the synthesis of the indicators,an overall,total spatial quality indicator is calculated.The weighted analysis was shown to be more effective compared to the unweighted one,because it can provide more reliable results regarding the exploitation of the examined lignite deposit.The implementation of GIS-based analytical hierarchy process in spatial analysis and evaluation of lignite deposits,in terms of sustainable exploitation,demonstrates that this method can be extensively applied for evaluating the economic potential of mineral deposits.

Evaluation and analysis of intraspecific competition in maize: A case study on plant density experiment

Intraspecific competition is a common phenomenon in agricultural production,and maize is one of the most sensitive grass species to intraspecific competition due to its low tillering ability.This study evaluated and analyzed intraspecific competition in maize,and screened competitive indices that could be used to evaluate intraspecific competition in a maize population.A 2-year field experiment was conducted using the maize hybrid Zhongdan 2 at 12 plant densities ranging from 1.5 to 18.0 plants（pl）m-2.The results showed that the response of single-plant grain yield and dry matter at harvest to increased plant density decreased exponentially and that the harvest index decreased linearly.The response of population-level grain yield to plant density was curvilinear,producing a maximum value at the optimum population density.However,the yielddensity equation agreed well with the Steinhart-Hart equation curves,but not with the quadratic equation curves reported by most previous studies.Competitive indices are used to evaluate competition in a plant population or plant species.The present results show that competitive intensity（CI）and absolute severity of competition（ASC）increased with increasing plant density;however,relative yield（RY）and relative reproductive efficiency（RReff）decreased.The different responses of these indices reflect different aspects of competition.According to the analysis of CI,ASC,RY,and RReff,higher CI and ASC values indicate higher intraspecific competition,whereas higher RY and RReff values indirectly reflect lower intraspecific competition.These competitive indices evaluate not only the intraspecific competitive intensity under different plant densities of the same cultivar but also those of different cultivars under the same plant density.However,some overlap exists in the calculations of ASC,CI,and RY,so one could simply select any one of these indices to evaluate intraspecific competition in a maize population.In conclusion,the present study provides a method to evaluate intraspecific competition in maize populations,which may be beneficial for breeding high-yield maize varieties in the future.

Evaluation Indicators and Extraction Method for Pitting Corrosion of Structural Steel

A set of evaluation indicators based on corrosion ratio in theory for assessing the extent of pitting corrosion and performance reduction are proposed. In order to quantify the morphology of pitting corrosion and extract the evaluation indicators,the 3D profile data obtained by pitting morphology measurement are imported into a special written program to automatically determine the location of each corrosion pit and distill any desired data pertinent to the pitting morphology. The results show that this method seems to be effective to analyze the corroded surface and characterize the pitting morphology.