Central Asian Economies(CAEs)have diverse exchange rate policies.They have recorded higher volatility in the foreign exchange market since inception.High volatility of the transition era has drifted these economies to...Central Asian Economies(CAEs)have diverse exchange rate policies.They have recorded higher volatility in the foreign exchange market since inception.High volatility of the transition era has drifted these economies towards partial dollarization.Monetary authorities in CAEs,(already have a challenge of maintaining monetary policy autonomy)have a gigantic task of price stability and stopping the spread of dollarization.This study is directed towards assessing the drivers and the determinants of foreign exchange market pressure in CAEs.The results,based on panel data analysis and the System GMM model,have provided useful insights about the exchange market pressure determinants particularly USD,Euro,Ruble,and Renminbi.The results show that China and Russia exchange market pressure has a negative effect on the exchange market pressure of CAEs.While the dollar index shows a positive impact on the exchange market pressure of CAEs.Overall,the findings imply that China and Russia currency appreciation results in a trade deficit across CAEs.The policy implication suggests that the floating exchange rate regime(inflation targeting regime)is not in favor of CAEs,and they must use managed-float to reduce their trade deficits.展开更多
To improve the traditional classifying methods, such as vector space model (VSM)-based methods with highly complicated computation and poor scalability, a new classifying method ( called IER) is presented based on...To improve the traditional classifying methods, such as vector space model (VSM)-based methods with highly complicated computation and poor scalability, a new classifying method ( called IER) is presented based on two new concepts: interdependence and equivalent radius. In IER, the attribute is selected according to the value of interdependence, and the classifying rule is based on equivalent radius and center of gravity. The algorithm analysis shows that IER is good at classifying a large number of samples with higher scalability and lower computation complexity. After several experiments in classifying Chinese texts, the conclusion is drawn that IER outperforms k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and classifcation based on the center of classes (CCC) methods, so IER can be used online to automatically classify a large number of samples while keeping higher precision and recall.展开更多
Starch/polylactic acid(PLA) composites were prepared by melt extrusion, with corn starch and PLA as raw materials, glycerol as the plasticizer. Effects of starch/PLA ratio on the interdependence of two-phase and other...Starch/polylactic acid(PLA) composites were prepared by melt extrusion, with corn starch and PLA as raw materials, glycerol as the plasticizer. Effects of starch/PLA ratio on the interdependence of two-phase and other properties of the composites were studied. The combination of results of TGA with SEM indicated that the interdependence between starch and PLA was increased gradually as the starch/PLA ratio reduced. DSC results showed that the glass transition temperature(Tg), melting temperature(Tm) and degree of crystallinity of PLA in composites were increased gradually, whereas the cold crystallization temperature(Tc) was gradually decreased as the starch/PLA ratio reduced. The rheological properties of composites were closely related with the interdependence of two-phase, with reducing starch/PLA proportion, the interdependence was increased, and then the strain for storage modulus was firstl reduced and then gradually increased. Frequency scanning showed that the storage modulus and complex viscosity were decreased with reducing starch content. As the starch/PLA ratio reduced, the matrix phase PLA was increased, so that the strength of composites was increased gradually, whereas water absorption rate was decreased gradually.展开更多
Background: Rehabilitation is increasing the need to use codes in order to make both a functional diagnosis and a therapeutic intervention as correct and targeted as possible. Thus, it is very important to integrate t...Background: Rehabilitation is increasing the need to use codes in order to make both a functional diagnosis and a therapeutic intervention as correct and targeted as possible. Thus, it is very important to integrate the model of Regional Interdependence (RI) in the classical rehabilitation evaluation methods, since it will be of help for understanding, solving dysfunctional problems, and improving the patient management, which is often difficult given the fact that there is no concordance on functional tests and timing of treatments. The RI should be added to the functional evaluation each time that a patient presents symptoms in a specific location, which interest also distal regions. This is due to the functional and anatomical connections of the myofascial system, vascular, autonomic nervous system (ANS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the neuro-immunoendocrine system. The RI can be summarized into three groups that are correlated when it comes to applying it practically: upper, bottom and front quadrant. Adding the concept of RI to the clinical and therapeutically practice, it would have positive effects on improving the quality of life and allocate better health’s resources. The aim of this paper is to make the functional assessment in clinical practice faster and more standardized.展开更多
The autonomy of research participants is crucial in research ethics without which it will be difficult to carry out research. Central to the concept of autonomy is the debate on whether the cultural norms of individua...The autonomy of research participants is crucial in research ethics without which it will be difficult to carry out research. Central to the concept of autonomy is the debate on whether the cultural norms of individuals (particularly women) should be given priority in settings where these norms require that researchers should go through male heads such as husbands and traditional leaders. This paper examines issues relating to the autonomy of women in research ethics. It highlights the far-reaching implications of autonomy for women participating in research using Islam as a religion and Africa as case studies. The paper takes a look at what obtains in Ghana and Nigeria as African countries with diverse religious sects highlighting at the same time the extent to which women are autonomous in some Islamic parts of India and Pakistan. The paper stresses that in spite of certain factors limiting the autonomy of women in Africa and Islam, there is need for a more robust account of autonomy. It takes a relational approach to autonomy concluding at the same time that the best way to do bioethics is to be culture-sensitive.展开更多
The topic of airway-parenchymal interdependence (API) is of great importance to those interested in identifying factors that influence airway patency. A carefully designed experiment has raised questions about the cla...The topic of airway-parenchymal interdependence (API) is of great importance to those interested in identifying factors that influence airway patency. A carefully designed experiment has raised questions about the classical concept of API. This paper proposes a new mechanism of API. The pulmonary lobe is an aggregated body consisting of many Miller’s lobular polyhedrons and a fractal bronchial tree. The fractal cartilaginous bronchial tree was assumed to be characterized by both Horton’s ratio (Lj+1/Lj=2λ, where Lj+1, and Lj denote the mean lengths of branches at Horsfield’ order of j + 1 and j) and power laws between diameters and lengths of branches. Fluid dynamic parameters of fractal trees were assumed to be interrelated among powers and λ. A non-cartilaginous lobular bronchiole is adjoined to the edge of a lobular polyhedron, and is encircled by an inextensible basement membrane to reflect a reversible relationship of rlLl = constant(c), where rl and Ll denote the diameter and the length of a lobular bronchiole, respectively. API at the level of the lobu-lar bronchiole was described by log(rl) = -(1+λ)/(1+5λ)log(hl/c), where rl and hl denote the diameter of the lobular bronchiole and the parenchymal parameter relating the size of the lobular polyhedron, respectively. If the distribution in sizes of the lobular polyhedrons was described by a Weibull’s probability density function characterized by the shape parameter m as well as the fractal parameter λ = 0.5, the diameter R of a cartilaginous bronchial branch was determined by log(R) = F - 3/7log(h/c), where F(m) denotes a function of m, and h denotes the mean size of the polyhedrons in the lobe. As a conclusion, API can be described by a combination of both lobular API and corresponding adaptive changes in the degree of contraction of airway smooth muscles.展开更多
Background: This work has the purpose of describing a well standardized therapeutic path in reference to the article “Regional Interdependence: A model that needs to be integrated in the functional evaluation and Phy...Background: This work has the purpose of describing a well standardized therapeutic path in reference to the article “Regional Interdependence: A model that needs to be integrated in the functional evaluation and Physiotherapy treatment—Part. 1,(doi.org/10.4236/ojtr.2016.43010)” in the form of practical guidance in reference to Figure A1. The approach we describe provides standardized techniques for each joint regional quadrant in order to be used in rehabilitation clinic. Therapeutic techniques will also be classified according to the type of maneuver as classified in the literature.展开更多
In mixed fisheries where there is an increased ecological interdependence between two or more target species, the possibilities of fishing these species must be determined jointly, since catches of one species will im...In mixed fisheries where there is an increased ecological interdependence between two or more target species, the possibilities of fishing these species must be determined jointly, since catches of one species will impact the natural growth not only of that species but of the others, as well. The objective of this paper is to develop a predator-prey model for two major species caught by the EU fishing fleet on European Union fishing grounds. The predator and prey’s population dynamics follow the Lotka-Volterra equation and are assumed to be logic-based, and a lineal interaction between the predator and prey populations is assumed. Optimal single owner multispecies fishery management is analysed, and the applied model is solved, obtaining the equilibrium value of biomasses, catches, and net benefits of the mixed fishery. The results show that the MSY of the predator is higher than that estimated by ICES, while MSY for prey is lower. The sensitivity analysis of the results reveals that the biomass levels of both species decrease as the discount rate increases, while catches increase.展开更多
In recent years, there has been considerable attention and research on the higher-order interactions that are prevalent in various real-world networks. Hypergraphs, especially in the study of complex systems, are prov...In recent years, there has been considerable attention and research on the higher-order interactions that are prevalent in various real-world networks. Hypergraphs, especially in the study of complex systems, are proved effective in capturing these interactions. To better characterize the model in reality, this paper proposes a theoretical model of node interdependent percolation in multiplex hypergraphs, considering “weak” interdependence. The proposed model includes pairwise and higher-order interactions, where the removal of nodes triggers cascading failures. However, interdependent nodes connected to failed nodes experience partial loss of connections due to “weak” interdependence, reflecting the self-sustaining capabilities of real-world systems. Percolation theory is applied to the analysis to investigate the properties of the percolation threshold and phase transition. Both analysis and simulation results show that as the strength of interdependence between nodes weakens, the network transitions from a discontinuous to a continuous phase, thereby increasing its robustness.展开更多
The theory of network science has attracted great interest of many researchers in the realm of biomathematics and public health,and numerous valuable epidemic models have been developed.In previous studies,it is commo...The theory of network science has attracted great interest of many researchers in the realm of biomathematics and public health,and numerous valuable epidemic models have been developed.In previous studies,it is common to set up a one-to-one correspondence between the nodes of a multi-layer network,ignoring the more complex situations in reality.In the present work,we explore this situation by setting up a partially coupled model of a two-layer network and investigating the impact of asymptomatic infected individuals on epidemics.We propose a self-discovery mechanism for asymptomatic infected individuals,taking into account situations such as nucleic acid testing in the community and individuals performing self-antigen testing during the epidemic.Considering these factors together,through the microscopic Markov chain approach(MMCA)and extensive Monte Carlo(MC)numerical simulations,we find that the greater the coupling between the networks,the more information dissemination is facilitated.In order to control the epidemics,more asymptomatic infected individuals should be made aware of their infection.Massive adoption of nucleic acid testing and individual adoption of antigenic self-testing can help to contain epidemic outbreaks.Meanwhile,the epidemic threshold of the proposed model is derived,and then miscellaneous factors affecting the epidemic threshold are also discussed.Current results are conducive to devising the prevention and control policies of pandemics.展开更多
The rapidly increasing penetration of electric vehicles(EVs) in modern metropolises has been witnessed during the past decade, inspired by financial subsidies as well as public awareness of climate change and environm...The rapidly increasing penetration of electric vehicles(EVs) in modern metropolises has been witnessed during the past decade, inspired by financial subsidies as well as public awareness of climate change and environment pro-tection. Integrating charging facilities, especially highpower chargers in fast charging stations, into power distribution systems remarkably alters the traditional load flow pattern, and thus imposes great challenges on the operation of distribution network in which controllable resources are rare. On the other hand, provided with appropriate incentives, the energy storage capability of electric vehicle offers a unique opportunity to facilitate the integration of distributed wind and solar power generation into power distribution system. The above trends call for thorough investigation and research on the interdependence between transportation system and power distribution system. This paper conducts a comprehensive survey on this line of research. The basic models of transportation system and power distribution system are introduced,especially the user equilibrium model, which describes the vehicular flow on each road segment and is not familiar to the readers in power system community. The modelling of interdependence across the two systems is highlighted.Taking into account such interdependence, applications ranging from long-term planning to short-term operation are reviewed with emphasis on comparing the description of traffic-power interdependence. Finally, an outlook of prospective directions and key technologies in future research is summarized.展开更多
The research of multiple negotiations considering issue interdependence across negotiations is considered as a complex research topic in agent negotiation. In the multiple negotiations scenario, an agent conducts mult...The research of multiple negotiations considering issue interdependence across negotiations is considered as a complex research topic in agent negotiation. In the multiple negotiations scenario, an agent conducts multiple negotiations with opponents for different negotiation goals, and issues in a single negotiation might be interdependent with issues in other negotiations. Moreover, the utility functions involved in multiple negotiations might be nonlinear, e.g., the issues involved in multiple negotiations are discrete. Considering this research problem, the current work may not well handle multiple interdependent negotiations with complex utility functions, where issues involved in utility functions are discrete. Regarding utility functions involving discrete issues, an agent may not find an offer exactly satisfying its expected utility during the negotiation process. Furthermore, as sub-offers on issues in every single negotiation might be restricted by the interdependence relationships with issues in other negotiations, it is even harder for the agent to find an offer satisfying the expected utility and all involved issue interdependence at the same time, leading to a high failure rate of processing multiple negotiations as a final outcome. To resolve this challenge, this paper presents a negotiation model for multiple negotiations, where interdependence exists between discrete issues across multiple negotiations. By introducing the formal definition of “interdependence between discrete issues across negotiations”, the proposed negotiation model applies the multiple alternating offers protocol, the clustered negotiation procedure and the proposed negotiation strategy to handle multiple interdependent negotiations with discrete issues. In the proposed strategy, the “tolerance value” is introduced as an agent’s consideration to balance between the overall negotiation goal and the negotiation outcomes. The experimental results show that, 1) the proposed model well handles the multiple negotiations with interdependence between discrete issues, 2) the proposed approach is able to help agents in the decision-making process of proposing acceptable offers, 3) an agent can choose a proper “tolerance value” to balance between the success rate of multiple negotiations and its expected utility.展开更多
The globalization of hardware designs and supply chains,as well as the integration of third-party intellectual property(IP)cores,has led to an increased focus from malicious attackers on computing hardware.However,exi...The globalization of hardware designs and supply chains,as well as the integration of third-party intellectual property(IP)cores,has led to an increased focus from malicious attackers on computing hardware.However,existing defense or detection approaches often require additional circuitry to perform security verification,and are thus constrained by time and resource limitations.Considering the scale of actual engineering tasks and tight project schedules,it is usually difficult to implement designs for all modules in field programmable gate array(FPGA)circuits.Some studies have pointed out that the failure of key modules tends to cause greater damage to the network.Therefore,under limited conditions,priority protection designs need to be made on key modules to improve protection efficiency.We have conducted research on FPGA designs including single FPGA systems and multi-FPGA systems,to identify key modules in FPGA systems.For the single FPGA designs,considering the topological structure,network characteristics,and directionality of FPGA designs,we propose a node importance evaluationmethod based on the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution(TOPSIS)method.Then,for the multi-FPGA designs,considering the influence of nodes in intra-layer and inter-layers,they are constructed into the interdependent network,and we propose a method based on connection strength to identify the important modules.Finally,we conduct empirical research using actual FPGA designs as examples.The results indicate that compared to other traditional indexes,node importance indexes proposed for different designs can better characterize the importance of nodes.展开更多
This article studies how the asymmetrically interdependent Sino-Iranian relationship evolved in light of two major events that both introduced a new phase of the Iran Nuclear Issue:the implementation of the US,EU and ...This article studies how the asymmetrically interdependent Sino-Iranian relationship evolved in light of two major events that both introduced a new phase of the Iran Nuclear Issue:the implementation of the US,EU and UN sanctions on Iran(2010),and the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(2016).Specifically,it answers the research question:How did the asymmetrically interdependent relationship between Iran and China developed during the three phases of the Iran Nuclear Issue:the pre-sanctions period(2004–2010),the sanctions period(2010 to January 2016),and the period after the implementation of the JCPOA(2016 and 2017)?It provides Keohane and Nye’s definition of asymmetrical interdependence,and uses this definition of asymmetrical interdependence as an analytical tool to select three major areas of connectivity in the Sino-Iranian relationship.These are[1]Commercial Ties,consisting of[1a]Energy Ties,[1b];Military Cooperation(i.e.,arms trade),and,[1c]EU-Iranian Trade as a percentage of Sino-Iranian trade,[2]Technological Comparative Advantage,Assistance,and Cooperation consisting of[2a]Infrastructure,and[2b]Technology,and[3]Additional Strategic Value,which consists of subsections[3a]Additional Strategic Assets,and[3b]Ideological Value.By means of analysis of these categories,this article concludes that,overall,in the period after the 2010 United States,European Union and United Nations Security Council sanctions on Iran came into effect(2011–2015),Iran was more asymmetrically dependent on China than it had been before this event(2004–2010).Nevertheless,this surplus of asymmetrical dependence on China has decreased significantly because of the implementation of the JCPOA(2016–2017).展开更多
The six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have approximately 40percent of total proven oil reserves as well as 23 percent of the world's gas reserves. Although rising oil revenues have led to greater ou...The six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have approximately 40percent of total proven oil reserves as well as 23 percent of the world's gas reserves. Although rising oil revenues have led to greater outward investment flows, there is also a growing need for significant expansion of the domestic energy sector's capacity. Meanwhile, China's sustained economic boom has resulted in China emerging as the world's second largest consumer and importer o foil, with close to 40percent of its import demand presently sourced from the GCC. This share will grow significantly in the future. Commercial relations between the GCC and China have to date been dominated by energy-related bilateral investment flows and China's oil imports. Although this will continue to be a central feature, trade and investment links in non-energy areas will further broaden and deepen the relationship. China 's relationship with the USA in terms of energy is also emerging as a major issue. Rather than being competitors, a mutual dependence on stable and secure supplies from the GCC highlights the need for a cooperative relationship.展开更多
For critical infrastructure restoration planning,the real-time scheduling and coordination of system restoration efforts,the key in decision-making is to prioritize those critical components that are out of service du...For critical infrastructure restoration planning,the real-time scheduling and coordination of system restoration efforts,the key in decision-making is to prioritize those critical components that are out of service during the restoration.For this purpose,there is a need for component importance analysis.While it has been investigated extensively for individual systems,component importance considering interdependence among transmission,distribution and communication(T&D&C)systems has not been systematically analyzed and widely adopted.In this study,we propose a component importance assessment method in the context of interdependence between T&D&C networks.Analytic methods for multilayer networks and a set of metrics have been applied for assessing the component importance and interdependence between T&D&C networks based on their physical characteristics.The proposed methodology is further validated with integrated synthetic Illinois regional transmission,distribution,and communication(T&D&C)systems,the results reveal the unique characteristics of component/node importance,which may be strongly affected by the network topology and cross-domain node mapping.展开更多
This study situates Sino-Indian economic interaction under the interdependence framework.By mapping conflict behavior in this dyad against the trends in the economic interdependence,we find a discernible shift away fr...This study situates Sino-Indian economic interaction under the interdependence framework.By mapping conflict behavior in this dyad against the trends in the economic interdependence,we find a discernible shift away from escalation(high-level conflict)towards bargaining(diplomatic contestation).This paper argues that interdependence has only recently emerged in the India-China dyad and that lingering strategic distrust,national security consideration,and protectionist tendency have prevented the deepening of economic interdependence.The findings challenge the direction of interdependence in this dyad normally gleaned from nominal trade data.This paper also highlights key issue-areas that inhibit strategic coupling in the bilateral economic interaction.展开更多
Contemporary globalization is marked by rapidly and dramatically increasing interdependence,which operates both within and among countries.Increasing global interdependence has profound influence on education at all l...Contemporary globalization is marked by rapidly and dramatically increasing interdependence,which operates both within and among countries.Increasing global interdependence has profound influence on education at all levels,such as how to deal with a world with more permeable boundaries in which people are on the move more frequently(migration)than ever before in human history,and in which urbanization is increasing at an unprecedented rate.This paper proposes a transformational analysis of contemporary globalization and identifies the increasing challenge for education due to the globalization,including the struggle to match the pace of technology change in society,to provide graduates with skills relevant to contemporary society,and to lead education students to an accommodation with persistent and rapid social change.展开更多
Learner autonomy is an important pedagogical goal in education. In the literature researchers mainly address its individual dimensions, with its social dimensions seriously under-researched. This study aims to explore...Learner autonomy is an important pedagogical goal in education. In the literature researchers mainly address its individual dimensions, with its social dimensions seriously under-researched. This study aims to explore the reciprocal relationships between positive interdependence(and its two types:goal interdependence and resource interdependence) and learner autonomy(categorized into four dimensions: goal autonomy,plan autonomy,strategy autonomy and evaluation autonomy). The participants were 170 sophomores enrolled in a non-major English listening and speaking course from a university in central China which adopted blended cooperative teaching. Data were collected by a self-report questionnaire. Correlation and regression analyses indicated significant reciprocal relationships between learner autonomy and positive interdependence. Specifically, resource interdependence better fostered learner autonomy than did goal interdependence,with evaluation autonomy benefiting the most and strategy autonomy the least. This study also confirmed the positive effect of learner autonomy on cooperative learning as mediated by positive interdependence, and therefore characterized blended cooperative learning as'goal-driven, resource-enabled,assessment-guaranteed, and strategy-initiated'.展开更多
as economic interdependence between China and its neighboring countries continue to deepen, which has brought some changes to their political interactions. Liberalism argues that economic interdependence is a power to...as economic interdependence between China and its neighboring countries continue to deepen, which has brought some changes to their political interactions. Liberalism argues that economic interdependence is a power to promote peace, while realism sees it as the root cause of a conflict. This paper, having collected panel data for years 1981-2007 between China and its 17 neighboring countries, found in the research that variables such as relative comprehensive strength, and institutional participation level are under control, economic interdependence between countries indeed significantly enhances the political relations. With the increasing importance of economic factors, China and its neighboring countries have strengthened economic exchanges, deepening interdependence continuously, and forming a community of shared destiny. In this case, the two sides strive to avoid conflict, and prefer to cooperate as a means to seek more economic benefits. Besides, the results of the analysis and the effects of controlling variables on bilateral relations can also serve a certain reference to China's diplomatic strategy.展开更多
文摘Central Asian Economies(CAEs)have diverse exchange rate policies.They have recorded higher volatility in the foreign exchange market since inception.High volatility of the transition era has drifted these economies towards partial dollarization.Monetary authorities in CAEs,(already have a challenge of maintaining monetary policy autonomy)have a gigantic task of price stability and stopping the spread of dollarization.This study is directed towards assessing the drivers and the determinants of foreign exchange market pressure in CAEs.The results,based on panel data analysis and the System GMM model,have provided useful insights about the exchange market pressure determinants particularly USD,Euro,Ruble,and Renminbi.The results show that China and Russia exchange market pressure has a negative effect on the exchange market pressure of CAEs.While the dollar index shows a positive impact on the exchange market pressure of CAEs.Overall,the findings imply that China and Russia currency appreciation results in a trade deficit across CAEs.The policy implication suggests that the floating exchange rate regime(inflation targeting regime)is not in favor of CAEs,and they must use managed-float to reduce their trade deficits.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No70501024,70501022)the Humanity & Social Science ResearchProgram of Ministry of Education of China (No05JC870013)
文摘To improve the traditional classifying methods, such as vector space model (VSM)-based methods with highly complicated computation and poor scalability, a new classifying method ( called IER) is presented based on two new concepts: interdependence and equivalent radius. In IER, the attribute is selected according to the value of interdependence, and the classifying rule is based on equivalent radius and center of gravity. The algorithm analysis shows that IER is good at classifying a large number of samples with higher scalability and lower computation complexity. After several experiments in classifying Chinese texts, the conclusion is drawn that IER outperforms k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and classifcation based on the center of classes (CCC) methods, so IER can be used online to automatically classify a large number of samples while keeping higher precision and recall.
基金Funded by the National Forestry Public Welfare Industry Major Projects of Scientific Research(No.201504502)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31200442)Supported by the Post Doctorate Research from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2014M550178)
文摘Starch/polylactic acid(PLA) composites were prepared by melt extrusion, with corn starch and PLA as raw materials, glycerol as the plasticizer. Effects of starch/PLA ratio on the interdependence of two-phase and other properties of the composites were studied. The combination of results of TGA with SEM indicated that the interdependence between starch and PLA was increased gradually as the starch/PLA ratio reduced. DSC results showed that the glass transition temperature(Tg), melting temperature(Tm) and degree of crystallinity of PLA in composites were increased gradually, whereas the cold crystallization temperature(Tc) was gradually decreased as the starch/PLA ratio reduced. The rheological properties of composites were closely related with the interdependence of two-phase, with reducing starch/PLA proportion, the interdependence was increased, and then the strain for storage modulus was firstl reduced and then gradually increased. Frequency scanning showed that the storage modulus and complex viscosity were decreased with reducing starch content. As the starch/PLA ratio reduced, the matrix phase PLA was increased, so that the strength of composites was increased gradually, whereas water absorption rate was decreased gradually.
文摘Background: Rehabilitation is increasing the need to use codes in order to make both a functional diagnosis and a therapeutic intervention as correct and targeted as possible. Thus, it is very important to integrate the model of Regional Interdependence (RI) in the classical rehabilitation evaluation methods, since it will be of help for understanding, solving dysfunctional problems, and improving the patient management, which is often difficult given the fact that there is no concordance on functional tests and timing of treatments. The RI should be added to the functional evaluation each time that a patient presents symptoms in a specific location, which interest also distal regions. This is due to the functional and anatomical connections of the myofascial system, vascular, autonomic nervous system (ANS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the neuro-immunoendocrine system. The RI can be summarized into three groups that are correlated when it comes to applying it practically: upper, bottom and front quadrant. Adding the concept of RI to the clinical and therapeutically practice, it would have positive effects on improving the quality of life and allocate better health’s resources. The aim of this paper is to make the functional assessment in clinical practice faster and more standardized.
文摘The autonomy of research participants is crucial in research ethics without which it will be difficult to carry out research. Central to the concept of autonomy is the debate on whether the cultural norms of individuals (particularly women) should be given priority in settings where these norms require that researchers should go through male heads such as husbands and traditional leaders. This paper examines issues relating to the autonomy of women in research ethics. It highlights the far-reaching implications of autonomy for women participating in research using Islam as a religion and Africa as case studies. The paper takes a look at what obtains in Ghana and Nigeria as African countries with diverse religious sects highlighting at the same time the extent to which women are autonomous in some Islamic parts of India and Pakistan. The paper stresses that in spite of certain factors limiting the autonomy of women in Africa and Islam, there is need for a more robust account of autonomy. It takes a relational approach to autonomy concluding at the same time that the best way to do bioethics is to be culture-sensitive.
文摘The topic of airway-parenchymal interdependence (API) is of great importance to those interested in identifying factors that influence airway patency. A carefully designed experiment has raised questions about the classical concept of API. This paper proposes a new mechanism of API. The pulmonary lobe is an aggregated body consisting of many Miller’s lobular polyhedrons and a fractal bronchial tree. The fractal cartilaginous bronchial tree was assumed to be characterized by both Horton’s ratio (Lj+1/Lj=2λ, where Lj+1, and Lj denote the mean lengths of branches at Horsfield’ order of j + 1 and j) and power laws between diameters and lengths of branches. Fluid dynamic parameters of fractal trees were assumed to be interrelated among powers and λ. A non-cartilaginous lobular bronchiole is adjoined to the edge of a lobular polyhedron, and is encircled by an inextensible basement membrane to reflect a reversible relationship of rlLl = constant(c), where rl and Ll denote the diameter and the length of a lobular bronchiole, respectively. API at the level of the lobu-lar bronchiole was described by log(rl) = -(1+λ)/(1+5λ)log(hl/c), where rl and hl denote the diameter of the lobular bronchiole and the parenchymal parameter relating the size of the lobular polyhedron, respectively. If the distribution in sizes of the lobular polyhedrons was described by a Weibull’s probability density function characterized by the shape parameter m as well as the fractal parameter λ = 0.5, the diameter R of a cartilaginous bronchial branch was determined by log(R) = F - 3/7log(h/c), where F(m) denotes a function of m, and h denotes the mean size of the polyhedrons in the lobe. As a conclusion, API can be described by a combination of both lobular API and corresponding adaptive changes in the degree of contraction of airway smooth muscles.
文摘Background: This work has the purpose of describing a well standardized therapeutic path in reference to the article “Regional Interdependence: A model that needs to be integrated in the functional evaluation and Physiotherapy treatment—Part. 1,(doi.org/10.4236/ojtr.2016.43010)” in the form of practical guidance in reference to Figure A1. The approach we describe provides standardized techniques for each joint regional quadrant in order to be used in rehabilitation clinic. Therapeutic techniques will also be classified according to the type of maneuver as classified in the literature.
文摘In mixed fisheries where there is an increased ecological interdependence between two or more target species, the possibilities of fishing these species must be determined jointly, since catches of one species will impact the natural growth not only of that species but of the others, as well. The objective of this paper is to develop a predator-prey model for two major species caught by the EU fishing fleet on European Union fishing grounds. The predator and prey’s population dynamics follow the Lotka-Volterra equation and are assumed to be logic-based, and a lineal interaction between the predator and prey populations is assumed. Optimal single owner multispecies fishery management is analysed, and the applied model is solved, obtaining the equilibrium value of biomasses, catches, and net benefits of the mixed fishery. The results show that the MSY of the predator is higher than that estimated by ICES, while MSY for prey is lower. The sensitivity analysis of the results reveals that the biomass levels of both species decrease as the discount rate increases, while catches increase.
基金supported by the Major Science and Technology Program of Henan Province(221100210700-2)。
文摘In recent years, there has been considerable attention and research on the higher-order interactions that are prevalent in various real-world networks. Hypergraphs, especially in the study of complex systems, are proved effective in capturing these interactions. To better characterize the model in reality, this paper proposes a theoretical model of node interdependent percolation in multiplex hypergraphs, considering “weak” interdependence. The proposed model includes pairwise and higher-order interactions, where the removal of nodes triggers cascading failures. However, interdependent nodes connected to failed nodes experience partial loss of connections due to “weak” interdependence, reflecting the self-sustaining capabilities of real-world systems. Percolation theory is applied to the analysis to investigate the properties of the percolation threshold and phase transition. Both analysis and simulation results show that as the strength of interdependence between nodes weakens, the network transitions from a discontinuous to a continuous phase, thereby increasing its robustness.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.62173247).
文摘The theory of network science has attracted great interest of many researchers in the realm of biomathematics and public health,and numerous valuable epidemic models have been developed.In previous studies,it is common to set up a one-to-one correspondence between the nodes of a multi-layer network,ignoring the more complex situations in reality.In the present work,we explore this situation by setting up a partially coupled model of a two-layer network and investigating the impact of asymptomatic infected individuals on epidemics.We propose a self-discovery mechanism for asymptomatic infected individuals,taking into account situations such as nucleic acid testing in the community and individuals performing self-antigen testing during the epidemic.Considering these factors together,through the microscopic Markov chain approach(MMCA)and extensive Monte Carlo(MC)numerical simulations,we find that the greater the coupling between the networks,the more information dissemination is facilitated.In order to control the epidemics,more asymptomatic infected individuals should be made aware of their infection.Massive adoption of nucleic acid testing and individual adoption of antigenic self-testing can help to contain epidemic outbreaks.Meanwhile,the epidemic threshold of the proposed model is derived,and then miscellaneous factors affecting the epidemic threshold are also discussed.Current results are conducive to devising the prevention and control policies of pandemics.
基金support by the Young Elite Scientists Program of CSEE (No. JLB-2018-95)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51621065, No. U1766203)+1 种基金the support by FEDER funds through COMPETE 2020by Portuguese funds through FCT, under SAICT-PAC/0004/2015 (No. POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016434), 02/SAICT/2017 (No. POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029803) and UID/EEA/50014/2019 (No. POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006961)
文摘The rapidly increasing penetration of electric vehicles(EVs) in modern metropolises has been witnessed during the past decade, inspired by financial subsidies as well as public awareness of climate change and environment pro-tection. Integrating charging facilities, especially highpower chargers in fast charging stations, into power distribution systems remarkably alters the traditional load flow pattern, and thus imposes great challenges on the operation of distribution network in which controllable resources are rare. On the other hand, provided with appropriate incentives, the energy storage capability of electric vehicle offers a unique opportunity to facilitate the integration of distributed wind and solar power generation into power distribution system. The above trends call for thorough investigation and research on the interdependence between transportation system and power distribution system. This paper conducts a comprehensive survey on this line of research. The basic models of transportation system and power distribution system are introduced,especially the user equilibrium model, which describes the vehicular flow on each road segment and is not familiar to the readers in power system community. The modelling of interdependence across the two systems is highlighted.Taking into account such interdependence, applications ranging from long-term planning to short-term operation are reviewed with emphasis on comparing the description of traffic-power interdependence. Finally, an outlook of prospective directions and key technologies in future research is summarized.
基金This work has been supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.62006090the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,CCNU under Grant No.3110120001.
文摘The research of multiple negotiations considering issue interdependence across negotiations is considered as a complex research topic in agent negotiation. In the multiple negotiations scenario, an agent conducts multiple negotiations with opponents for different negotiation goals, and issues in a single negotiation might be interdependent with issues in other negotiations. Moreover, the utility functions involved in multiple negotiations might be nonlinear, e.g., the issues involved in multiple negotiations are discrete. Considering this research problem, the current work may not well handle multiple interdependent negotiations with complex utility functions, where issues involved in utility functions are discrete. Regarding utility functions involving discrete issues, an agent may not find an offer exactly satisfying its expected utility during the negotiation process. Furthermore, as sub-offers on issues in every single negotiation might be restricted by the interdependence relationships with issues in other negotiations, it is even harder for the agent to find an offer satisfying the expected utility and all involved issue interdependence at the same time, leading to a high failure rate of processing multiple negotiations as a final outcome. To resolve this challenge, this paper presents a negotiation model for multiple negotiations, where interdependence exists between discrete issues across multiple negotiations. By introducing the formal definition of “interdependence between discrete issues across negotiations”, the proposed negotiation model applies the multiple alternating offers protocol, the clustered negotiation procedure and the proposed negotiation strategy to handle multiple interdependent negotiations with discrete issues. In the proposed strategy, the “tolerance value” is introduced as an agent’s consideration to balance between the overall negotiation goal and the negotiation outcomes. The experimental results show that, 1) the proposed model well handles the multiple negotiations with interdependence between discrete issues, 2) the proposed approach is able to help agents in the decision-making process of proposing acceptable offers, 3) an agent can choose a proper “tolerance value” to balance between the success rate of multiple negotiations and its expected utility.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.62362008,61973163,61972345,U1911401.
文摘The globalization of hardware designs and supply chains,as well as the integration of third-party intellectual property(IP)cores,has led to an increased focus from malicious attackers on computing hardware.However,existing defense or detection approaches often require additional circuitry to perform security verification,and are thus constrained by time and resource limitations.Considering the scale of actual engineering tasks and tight project schedules,it is usually difficult to implement designs for all modules in field programmable gate array(FPGA)circuits.Some studies have pointed out that the failure of key modules tends to cause greater damage to the network.Therefore,under limited conditions,priority protection designs need to be made on key modules to improve protection efficiency.We have conducted research on FPGA designs including single FPGA systems and multi-FPGA systems,to identify key modules in FPGA systems.For the single FPGA designs,considering the topological structure,network characteristics,and directionality of FPGA designs,we propose a node importance evaluationmethod based on the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution(TOPSIS)method.Then,for the multi-FPGA designs,considering the influence of nodes in intra-layer and inter-layers,they are constructed into the interdependent network,and we propose a method based on connection strength to identify the important modules.Finally,we conduct empirical research using actual FPGA designs as examples.The results indicate that compared to other traditional indexes,node importance indexes proposed for different designs can better characterize the importance of nodes.
文摘This article studies how the asymmetrically interdependent Sino-Iranian relationship evolved in light of two major events that both introduced a new phase of the Iran Nuclear Issue:the implementation of the US,EU and UN sanctions on Iran(2010),and the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(2016).Specifically,it answers the research question:How did the asymmetrically interdependent relationship between Iran and China developed during the three phases of the Iran Nuclear Issue:the pre-sanctions period(2004–2010),the sanctions period(2010 to January 2016),and the period after the implementation of the JCPOA(2016 and 2017)?It provides Keohane and Nye’s definition of asymmetrical interdependence,and uses this definition of asymmetrical interdependence as an analytical tool to select three major areas of connectivity in the Sino-Iranian relationship.These are[1]Commercial Ties,consisting of[1a]Energy Ties,[1b];Military Cooperation(i.e.,arms trade),and,[1c]EU-Iranian Trade as a percentage of Sino-Iranian trade,[2]Technological Comparative Advantage,Assistance,and Cooperation consisting of[2a]Infrastructure,and[2b]Technology,and[3]Additional Strategic Value,which consists of subsections[3a]Additional Strategic Assets,and[3b]Ideological Value.By means of analysis of these categories,this article concludes that,overall,in the period after the 2010 United States,European Union and United Nations Security Council sanctions on Iran came into effect(2011–2015),Iran was more asymmetrically dependent on China than it had been before this event(2004–2010).Nevertheless,this surplus of asymmetrical dependence on China has decreased significantly because of the implementation of the JCPOA(2016–2017).
文摘The six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have approximately 40percent of total proven oil reserves as well as 23 percent of the world's gas reserves. Although rising oil revenues have led to greater outward investment flows, there is also a growing need for significant expansion of the domestic energy sector's capacity. Meanwhile, China's sustained economic boom has resulted in China emerging as the world's second largest consumer and importer o foil, with close to 40percent of its import demand presently sourced from the GCC. This share will grow significantly in the future. Commercial relations between the GCC and China have to date been dominated by energy-related bilateral investment flows and China's oil imports. Although this will continue to be a central feature, trade and investment links in non-energy areas will further broaden and deepen the relationship. China 's relationship with the USA in terms of energy is also emerging as a major issue. Rather than being competitors, a mutual dependence on stable and secure supplies from the GCC highlights the need for a cooperative relationship.
基金This work was supported by DOE Office of Electricity,Advanced Grid Modeling(AGM)Program.
文摘For critical infrastructure restoration planning,the real-time scheduling and coordination of system restoration efforts,the key in decision-making is to prioritize those critical components that are out of service during the restoration.For this purpose,there is a need for component importance analysis.While it has been investigated extensively for individual systems,component importance considering interdependence among transmission,distribution and communication(T&D&C)systems has not been systematically analyzed and widely adopted.In this study,we propose a component importance assessment method in the context of interdependence between T&D&C networks.Analytic methods for multilayer networks and a set of metrics have been applied for assessing the component importance and interdependence between T&D&C networks based on their physical characteristics.The proposed methodology is further validated with integrated synthetic Illinois regional transmission,distribution,and communication(T&D&C)systems,the results reveal the unique characteristics of component/node importance,which may be strongly affected by the network topology and cross-domain node mapping.
文摘This study situates Sino-Indian economic interaction under the interdependence framework.By mapping conflict behavior in this dyad against the trends in the economic interdependence,we find a discernible shift away from escalation(high-level conflict)towards bargaining(diplomatic contestation).This paper argues that interdependence has only recently emerged in the India-China dyad and that lingering strategic distrust,national security consideration,and protectionist tendency have prevented the deepening of economic interdependence.The findings challenge the direction of interdependence in this dyad normally gleaned from nominal trade data.This paper also highlights key issue-areas that inhibit strategic coupling in the bilateral economic interaction.
文摘Contemporary globalization is marked by rapidly and dramatically increasing interdependence,which operates both within and among countries.Increasing global interdependence has profound influence on education at all levels,such as how to deal with a world with more permeable boundaries in which people are on the move more frequently(migration)than ever before in human history,and in which urbanization is increasing at an unprecedented rate.This paper proposes a transformational analysis of contemporary globalization and identifies the increasing challenge for education due to the globalization,including the struggle to match the pace of technology change in society,to provide graduates with skills relevant to contemporary society,and to lead education students to an accommodation with persistent and rapid social change.
文摘Learner autonomy is an important pedagogical goal in education. In the literature researchers mainly address its individual dimensions, with its social dimensions seriously under-researched. This study aims to explore the reciprocal relationships between positive interdependence(and its two types:goal interdependence and resource interdependence) and learner autonomy(categorized into four dimensions: goal autonomy,plan autonomy,strategy autonomy and evaluation autonomy). The participants were 170 sophomores enrolled in a non-major English listening and speaking course from a university in central China which adopted blended cooperative teaching. Data were collected by a self-report questionnaire. Correlation and regression analyses indicated significant reciprocal relationships between learner autonomy and positive interdependence. Specifically, resource interdependence better fostered learner autonomy than did goal interdependence,with evaluation autonomy benefiting the most and strategy autonomy the least. This study also confirmed the positive effect of learner autonomy on cooperative learning as mediated by positive interdependence, and therefore characterized blended cooperative learning as'goal-driven, resource-enabled,assessment-guaranteed, and strategy-initiated'.
文摘as economic interdependence between China and its neighboring countries continue to deepen, which has brought some changes to their political interactions. Liberalism argues that economic interdependence is a power to promote peace, while realism sees it as the root cause of a conflict. This paper, having collected panel data for years 1981-2007 between China and its 17 neighboring countries, found in the research that variables such as relative comprehensive strength, and institutional participation level are under control, economic interdependence between countries indeed significantly enhances the political relations. With the increasing importance of economic factors, China and its neighboring countries have strengthened economic exchanges, deepening interdependence continuously, and forming a community of shared destiny. In this case, the two sides strive to avoid conflict, and prefer to cooperate as a means to seek more economic benefits. Besides, the results of the analysis and the effects of controlling variables on bilateral relations can also serve a certain reference to China's diplomatic strategy.