bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural organizations and the role of farmer cooperatives in China since 1978: past and future
Authors: Huang Zuhui , Liang Qiao
Published: December 2017

Purpose

During the past four decades, agriculture and rural development in China has scored a great progress. Organization institution in agriculture is one of the domains with drastic innovations. The purpose of this paper is to map the emergence and evolution of various agricultural organizations in China since 1978. Development status and the trend of agricultural organization system are analyzed. Further, the role of farmer cooperatives is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Data used in the paper are mainly from statistical yearbooks and documents published by the government including Ministry of Agriculture and Bureau of Industry and Commercial. Both descriptive and deductive analyses are adopted to achieve different analytical purposes.

Findings

The vast small-farm sector, co-existence of various types of organizations, and innovation of other organizations will continue and sustain for a long-time period in China. Despite the fast development of modern farmers and various organizations, it is important that traditional farmers participate effectively in modern agriculture. Farmers act collectively via a cooperative in a desirable way, which determines the central position of farmer cooperatives in the agricultural organization system.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is a qualitative analysis on agricultural organizations in China, yet no quantitative estimation regarding the comparison of various organizations is conducted due to insufficient data.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gap of a comprehensive review of the emergence, development status, and trend of agricultural organizations in China.
From taxing to subsidizing farmers in China post-1978
Authors: Anderson Kym
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the pace and extent to which China’s policy regime has transitioned over the past four decades from explicitly and implicitly taxing to subsidizing its farmers relative to its producers of other tradable goods; to present projections of the world economy to 2030 that suggest China will continue to become more food import-dependent under current policies and productivity growth rates; and to explore alternative policy instruments for remaining food secure and ensuring that farmers are not losers from economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used to estimate the extent of distortions to producer incentives come from freely available World Bank and OECD sources that allow direct comparisons of China’s policy developments with those of more- and less-advanced economies.

Findings

The estimates of nominal and relative rates of assistance to farmers reveal that China has made the transition from negative to positive assistance to farmers far faster than an average developing country, and almost as fast as its Northeast Asian neighbors did in earlier decades at similar levels of real per capita incomes. That helped to ensure China remained food self-sufficient during the first two decades of reform; but self-sufficiency is now declining and is projected to continue to do so over the next decade under current policies.

Research limitations/implications

Preventing food self-sufficiency from declining further by increasing agricultural protection would be very costly, and is now unnecessary, thanks to the information and communication technology revolution that enables the government to directly support the well-being of poor farm households with conditional cash transfers.

Originality/value

This review of indicators of distortions to agricultural incentives in China is based on estimates of nominal and relative rates of assistance and consumer tax equivalents that are in the public domain. Its originality is in presenting the estimates for China in a comparative perspective, showing how they have evolved over time and as real per capita incomes have grown, and relating that to developments in China’s self-sufficiency in agricultural and food products. The paper also points to more-efficient ways of achieving societal objectives than using policy instruments that distort producer and consumer prices.
The multilevel nomological net of team conflict profiles
Authors: O’Neill Thomas A. , McLarnon Matthew J.W. , Hoffart Genevieve , Onen Denis , Rosehart William
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to offer an integrative conceptual theory of conflict and reports on the nomological net of team conflict profiles. Specifically, it integrates social self-preservation theory with information-processing theory to better understand the occurrence of team profiles involving task conflict, relationship conflict and process conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 178 teams performing and engineering design tasks. The multilevel nomological net that was examined consisted of constructive controversy, psychological safety and team-task performance (team level), as well as perceptions of learning, burnout and peer ratings of performance (individual level).

Findings

Findings indicated mixed support for the associations between conflict profiles and the hypothesized nomological net.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should consider teams’ profiles of team conflict types rather than examining task, relationship and process conflict in isolation.

Practical implications

Teams can be classified into profiles of team conflict types with implications for team functioning and effectiveness. As a result, assessment and team launch should consider team conflict profiles.

Originality/value

The complexity perspective advanced here will allow research on conflict types to move forward beyond the extensive research examining conflict types in isolation rather than their interplay.
Classification and prioritization ofwaqflands: a Selangor case
Authors: Shabbir Malik Shahzad
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the current status and development ofwaqflands in Malaysia, specifically in the state of Selangor, Malaysia and propose a new model for categorisation of itswaqflands. Previous studies onwaqflands and allocation of financial resources on these lands have been general and scanty.

Design/methodology/approach

They lack the focus of categorisingwaqflands according to sectors, economic attributes and strategic locations so that it was not easy to match these lands to the kind of resources and investment models required for their development. The present research is carried out to categorisewaqflands and prioritise them according to four major sectors, namely agriculture, commercial, residential and religious

Findings

The study is quantitative in nature and uses a multi criteria decision-making method, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritise thewaqflands by taking inputs from the officers working in Selangor Islamic Religious Council and some other related organisations. The study concludes with recommendations and suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

I have proposed a new model for the categorisation ofwaqflands. Previous studies onwaqflands and its allocation of financial resources have been general and revealing. The present research is carried out to categorisewaqflands and prioritise them according to four major sectors, namely agriculture, commercial, residential and religious.
Experience assessment: designing an innovative curriculum for assessment and UX professionals
Authors: Fleming-May Rachel , Mays Regina , Walker Teresa , Forrester Amy , Tenopir Carol , Bilal Dania , Allard Suzie
Published: December 2017

Purpose

While assessment and user experience (UX) have been identified as areas of growing focus in all types of libraries, there is currently little infrastructure to prepare students for these roles (Applegate, 2016; Askew and Theodore-Shusta, 2013; Niteckiet al., 2015; Oakleaf, 2013; Passonneau and Erickson, 2014). As a step toward addressing this gap, a team from an American Library Association-accredited master’s program situated at a large public land-grant institution (LGU) worked with practitioner partners from academic libraries and information agencies to develop a new model for preparing information professionals with assessment and UX expertise. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In fall of 2015, faculty members applied for funding from the US Institute for Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarians program for a program to develop formalized assessment and UX training in Library and Information Science (LIS) education. The student cohort would have interests in two areas: academic libraries and specialized information agencies. The two groups would complete much of the same coursework, earn the ALA-accredited master’s degree and have the opportunity to engage in co-curricular activities focused on UX and assessment. However, each sub-group would also pursue a subject-specific curriculum. In April 2016, IMLS funded the program.

Findings

In addition to reviewing the literature related to best practices in curriculum development, the authors describe the process of designing the program, including the curriculum, co-curricular mentoring and practicum opportunities, and the tools developed to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

At a time in which the library practitioner and LIS educator communities are contemplating how best to prepare professionals with much-needed expertise in assessment and UX, UX-A represents an innovative approach in professional preparation. Although the UX-A program is grant-funded, several of the program components could be adapted and incorporated without such support.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the structure and history of the program, issues related to developing a new curricular program for LIS education, and the educational and professional development needs of the assessment and UX professional community. It includes an extensive review of literature related to LIS curriculum development, practica, and professional mentoring, as well as suggestions for implementing elements of the program in other settings.
Generating bespoke value and impact evidence to inform a thought leadership approach to service engagement at The University of Sunderland
Authors: Grieves Kay
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share how the maturing value and impact model at The University of Sunderland is enabling the author to generate evidence and articulate the insights. The author draws from that evidence to inform and underpin the strategic service planning, resourcing and reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The author will demonstrate how impactful articulation of these insights through data visualisation is enabling the author to employ thought leadership in the relationship management with stakeholders by increasing their understanding of the benefit of engagement with the service offers and demonstrating value for money and the value and impact of the role in achieving institutional objectives. The paper will give an overview of the key techniques of the model and will then demonstrate its practical applications using the following examples: how the model is underpinning the approaches to thought leadership in relationship management by enabling the author to effectively generate and articulate evidence to inform strategic faculty action plans; how the model has enabled the authors to develop a new graphical approach to annual reporting. By combining the variety of data sets generated by the model, the author is able to articulate the outputs and impacts of cross-service holistic service offers and clearly demonstrate how institutional strategic objectives are fulfilled.

Findings

The author will discuss the key findings including: the importance of embedding the model at the heart of the service culture – both in terms of involving staff in data generation and of developing an evidence-based culture of service planning; the benefit of meaningful data, analysis and insights in helping to inform and underpin strategic conversations and relationship management; the transferability of the model across service settings; the agility of a snapshot approach in enabling the authors to evidence and inform current strategic service priorities; the impact of a “rounded narrative” technique in articulating powerful human insights which demonstrate engagement, impact and value; and the importance of creative data-visualisation techniques in communicating the insights for maximum impact with the customers and stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

This case study demonstrates the approach taken to fulfil a specific strategic need at one UK HE institution. Therefore, the readers are encouraged to consider the approach within that context.

Originality/value

This paper shares how a strategic approach to capturing and communicating value and impact evidence can contribute to thought leadership in articulating library impact.
Seeking common ground: making connections big and small
Authors: Keiser David Lee
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This essay furthers cross-cultural exchange, and understanding. Written for a general audience by a teacher educator, it argues for accepting all others into the academic conversation. Using varied examples, the purpose of this paper is to illustrate both lifelong learning and the power of connecting across difference.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws upon experience as a teacher and professor and his engagement with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for examples of edification and engagement.

Findings

The author cites both the current period and a mid-twentieth-century American major event, the civil rights March on Washington to illustrate possibilities for connection, clarity and symbiosis.

Originality/value

Written for this journal, this essay uses an original and skeletal theoretical and empirical frame as well as field examples to argue for inclusiveness, exchange and acceptance of all learners.
Economic diversification and intra-GCC merchandise trade
Authors: Ganguli Subhadra
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze merchandise trade patterns among the GCC states with the backdrop of economic diversification within these economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical research quantitatively analyses patterns of merchandise trade among the GCC states during 1995-2015 with specific focus on concentration, diversification and similarity of (export and import) trade indices as well as diversification within GCC economies.

Findings

The paper concludes that while Bahrain merchandise export structure shows dissimilarity when compared with other GCC states during 1995 and 2015, its imports appear to be very similar with those of the rest. The other five GCC states show more similarity among themselves in both merchandise exports and imports than that of Bahrain. Only UAE has shown an increase in both concentration and diversification indices though the increased numbers are still lower than those of the other GCC states and low in absolute terms.

Originality/value

The GCC has embarked on economic diversification; however, there is relatively less trade within the GCC as compared with other regional trading blocks. The paper considers trade within the GCC to explore the degree of similarity, diversification and concentration of traded products of each country. Further study should analyze the impact of diversification on intra-GCC trade. The results of this paper will be of value to GCC policymakers for providing a clear rationale for boosting trade and diversification with the long-term goal of a single currency economic union.
El camino de la resiliencia: del sujeto individual al sujeto político
Authors: Granados-Ospina, S.J. Luis Fernando , Alvarado-Salgado Sara Victoria , Carmona-Parra Jaime
Published: December 2017

Este artículo de revisión parte de algunas definiciones de la categoría de resiliencia e identifica en ellas diversas ten­dencias y enfoques. Desde una valoración de la experiencia humana y de la significación que tienen las interacciones sociales y las acciones comunitarias para la construcción de la resiliencia, el artículo permite explorar las fronteras don­de la resiliencia se encuentra con la política, entendida en el sentido amplio como acción colectiva. La respuesta resiliente buscaría configurar sentidos y prácticas personales y comuni­tarias para afrontar la adversidad, desde una acción política comprometida con la dignidad humana. Los métodos utiliza­dos son una revisión documental y un análisis categorial, que buscan ofrecer elementos teóricos para poner en diálogo la resiliencia con la política.
Guerra química en Colombia, ecologías de la evidencia y senti-actuar prácticas de justicia
Authors: Lyons Kristina Marie
Published: December 2017

La fumigación aérea con glifosato fue un componente central de la política antidroga de Estados Unidos y Colombia hasta el año 2015. En este artículo hago un seguimiento etnográfico de las quejas de campesinos del Departamento del Putumayo, quienes buscan ser reparados por la aspersión aérea de su agroforestería lícita. Revelo hasta qué punto la evidencia que circula en estas zonas de guerra —semilleros, cultivos de pancoger, coordenadas de GPS y documentos burocráticos— retiene las huellas de la violencia y toxicidad del glifosato. Ante el sistemático rechazo estatal de sus quejas, algunos campesinos han buscado transformar, a través de diversas prácticas, las ecologías que han sido alteradas “químicamente” en sus territorios. Estos actos cotidianos de justicia son prácticas reparadoras que producen ecologías probatorias que, a la vez que reafirman la responsabilidad del Estado, senti-actúan formas alternativas de justicia.
Constrained Economic Optimization of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers Using a Self-Adaptive Multipopulation Elitist-Jaya Algorithm
Authors: Venkata Rao R. , Saroj Ankit
Published: December 2017

This paper explores the use of a self-adaptive multipopulation elitist (SAMPE) Jaya algorithm for the economic optimization of shell-and-tube heat exchanger (STHE) design. Three different optimization problems of STHE are considered in this work. The same problems were earlier attempted by other researchers using genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, biogeography-based optimization (BBO), imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA), artificial bee colony (ABC), cuckoo-search algorithm (CSA), intelligence-tuned harmony search (ITHS), and cohort intelligence (CI) algorithm. The Jaya algorithm is a newly developed algorithm and it does not have any algorithmic-specific parameters to be tuned except the common control parameters of number of iterations and population size. The search mechanism of the Jaya algorithm is upgraded in this paper by using the multipopulation search scheme with the elitism. The SAMPE-Jaya algorithm is proposed in this paper to optimize the setup cost and operational cost of STHEs simultaneously. The performance of the proposed SAPME-Jaya algorithm is tested on four well-known constrained, ten unconstrained standard benchmark problems, and three STHE design optimization problems. The results of computational experiments proved the superiority of the proposed method over the latest reported methods used for the optimization of the same problems.
Passive underwater acoustic markers using Bragg backscattering
Authors: Srivastava Prakhar , Nichols Brendan , Sabra Karim G.
Published: December 2017

This letter demonstrates the feasibility of a passive underwater acoustic marker technology (or “AcoustiCode”) for use in underwater navigation. An AcoustiCode tag is a planar surface with machined periodic patterns capable of producing Bragg backscattering beampatterns with engineered spatial and frequency variations, thus having a unique three-dimensional acoustic signature over a selected frequency band. Hence, these AcoustiCodes enable three-dimensional navigation and information signaling in a totally passive manner for existing high-frequency SONAR systems (potentially mounted on autonomous underwater vehicles), which naturally operate in a narrow frequency band and can also be used over significantly longer ranges compared to optically-based systems.
Investigating lexical competition and the cost of phonemic restoration
Authors: Balling Laura Winther , Morris David Jackson , Tøndering John
Published: December 2017

Due to phonemic restoration, listeners can reliably perceive words when a phoneme is replaced with noise. The cost associated with this process was investigated along with the effect of lexical uniqueness on phonemic restoration, using data from a lexical decision experiment where noise replaced phonemes that were either uniqueness points (the phoneme at which a word deviates from all nonrelated words that share the same onset) or phonemes immediately prior to these. A baseline condition was also included with no noise-interrupted stimuli. Results showed a significant cost of phonemic restoration, with 100 ms longer word identification times and a 14% decrease in word identification accuracy for interrupted stimuli compared to the baseline. Regression analysis of response times from the interrupted conditions showed no effect of whether the interrupted phoneme was a uniqueness point, but significant effects for several temporal attributes of the stimuli, including the duration and position of the interrupted segment. These results indicate that uniqueness points are not distinct breakpoints in the cohort reduction that occurs during lexical processing, but that temporal properties of the interrupted stimuli are central to auditory word recognition. These results are interpreted in the context of models of speech perception.
Temporal trend in socioeconomic inequalities in the uptake of cancer screening programmes in France between 2005 and 2010: results from the Cancer Barometer surveys
Authors: Kelly David Mark , Estaquio Carla , Léon Christophe , Arwidson Pierre , Nabi Hermann
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Cancer screening is a form of secondary prevention for a disease which is now the leading cause of death in France. Various socioeconomic indicators have been identified as potential factors for disparities in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening uptake. We aimed to identify the socioeconomic inequalities, which persisted in screening uptake for these cancers, and to quantify these disparities over a 5-year period.

Setting

The Cancer Barometer was a population-based-survey carried out in 2005 and 2010 in France.

Participants

A randomly selected sample of participants aged 15–85 years (n=3820 in 2005 and n=3727 in 2010) were interviewed on their participation in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening-programmes and their socioeconomic profile.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

For each type of screening programme, we calculated participation rates, OR and relative inequality indices (RII) for participation, derived from logistic regression of the following socioeconomic variables: income, education, occupation, employment and health insurance. Changes in participation between 2005 and 2010 were then analysed.

Results

Participation rates for breast and colorectal screening increased significantly among the majority of socioeconomic categories, whereas for cervical cancer screening there were no significant changes between 2005 and 2010. RIIs for income remained significant for cervical smear in 2005 (RII=0.25, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.48) and in 2010 (RII=0.31, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.64). RIIs for education in mammography (RII=0.43, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.98) and cervical smear (RII=0.36, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.64) were significant in 2005 and remained significant for cervical smear (RII=0.40, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.74) in 2010.

Conclusions

There was a persistence of socioeconomic inequalities in the uptake of opportunistic cervical cancer screening. Conversely, organised screening programmes for breast and colorectal cancer saw a reduction in relative socioeconomic inequalities, even though the results were not statistically significant. The findings suggest that organised cancer screening programmes may have the potential to reduce socioeconomic disparities in participation.
Sharing and reuse of individual participant data from clinical trials: principles and recommendations
Authors: Ohmann Christian , Banzi Rita , Canham Steve , Battaglia Serena , Matei Mihaela , Ariyo Christopher , Becnel Lauren , Bierer Barbara , Bowers Sarion , Clivio Luca , Dias Monica , Druml Christiane , Faure Hélène , Fenner Martin , Galvez Jose , Ghersi Davina , Gluud Christian , Groves Trish , Houston Paul , Karam Ghassan , Kalra Dipak , Knowles Rachel L , Krleža-Jerić Karmela , Kubiak Christine , Kuchinke Wolfgang , Kush Rebecca , Lukkarinen Ari , Marques Pedro Silverio , Newbigging Andrew , O’Callaghan Jennifer , Ravaud Philippe , Schlünder Irene , Shanahan Daniel , Sitter Helmut , Spalding Dylan , Tudur-Smith Catrin , van Reusel Peter , van Veen Evert-Ben , Visser Gerben Rienk , Wilson Julia , Demotes-Mainard Jacques
Published: December 2017

Objectives

We examined major issues associated with sharing of individual clinical trial data and developed a consensus document on providing access to individual participant data from clinical trials, using a broad interdisciplinary approach.

Design and methods

This was a consensus-building process among the members of a multistakeholder task force, involving a wide range of experts (researchers, patient representatives, methodologists, information technology experts, and representatives from funders, infrastructures and standards development organisations). An independent facilitator supported the process using the nominal group technique. The consensus was reached in a series of three workshops held over 1 year, supported by exchange of documents and teleconferences within focused subgroups when needed. This work was set within the Horizon 2020-funded project CORBEL (Coordinated Research Infrastructures Building Enduring Life-science Services) and coordinated by the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network. Thus, the focus was on non-commercial trials and the perspective mainly European.

Outcome

We developed principles and practical recommendations on how to share data from clinical trials.

Results

The task force reached consensus on 10 principles and 50 recommendations, representing the fundamental requirements of any framework used for the sharing of clinical trials data. The document covers the following main areas: making data sharing a reality (eg, cultural change, academic incentives, funding), consent for data sharing, protection of trial participants (eg, de-identification), data standards, rights, types and management of access (eg, data request and access models), data management and repositories, discoverability, and metadata.

Conclusions

The adoption of the recommendations in this document would help to promote and support data sharing and reuse among researchers, adequately inform trial participants and protect their rights, and provide effective and efficient systems for preparing, storing and accessing data. The recommendations now need to be implemented and tested in practice. Further work needs to be done to integrate these proposals with those from other geographical areas and other academic domains.
Comparison of manikin-based simulators and patient monitor simulators within paramedic education: the student perspective
Authors: Mortimer Craig E D
Published: December 2017

Objective

Investigate the impact to paramedic students of patient monitor simulators, when compared with manikin-based simulators within an educational programme.

Design

An exploratory study using an online questionnaire to gain qualitative and quantitative data.

Setting

One London university delivering a paramedic science programme.

Participants

A total of 136 paramedic students sponsored by a UK ambulance service were approached for this study. Data were received from 43 respondents (32%).

Main outcome measures

Comparison of simulators and their effect on student development through the identification of the student’s own perceived ability following use, perception of other’s ability (fellow students studying same course) following use and perception of the two pieces of simulation equipment available.

Results

The majority of respondents identified that simulation both increased their confidence and ability to demonstrate new knowledge and skills during simulation (97%) and further increased their ability to manage real patients (95%). Respondents agreed that there were advantages and disadvantages of using simulation, but these were not in line with those identified in previous studies. Instead of the human factors and non-technical skills outlined, students were much more practically focused on how the equipment performed.

Conclusions

This study suggests that there is a clear link between simulation and increased student confidence, but any issues encountered with the simulator equipment can reduce this benefit, causing the student’s learning environment to falter. Transitioning to monitor-based simulators is seen as a positive move, although the integration of manikins with this equipment is identified as being necessary.
Time-dependent therapeutic roles of nitazoxanide on high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: effects on hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma receptors
Authors: Elaidy Samah M. , Hussain Mona A. , El-Kherbetawy Mohamed K.
Published: December 2017

Targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) is an approved strategy in facing insulin resistance (IR) for diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. The PPAR-γ modulators display improvements in the insulin-sensitizing and adverse effects of the traditional thiazolidinediones. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is proposed as a PPAR-γ receptor ligand with agonistic post-transcriptional effects. Currently, NTZ antidiabetic activities versus pioglitazone (PIO) in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin rat model of type 2 diabetes was explored. Diabetic adult male Wistar rats were treated orally with either PIO (2.7 mg·kg−1·day−1) or NTZ (200 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 14, 21, and 28 days. Body masses, fasting blood glucose, IR, lipid profiles, and liver and kidney functions of rats were assayed. Hepatic glucose metabolism and PPAR-γ protein expression levels as well as hepatic, pancreatic, muscular, and renal histopathology were evaluated. Significant time-dependent euglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects with preservation of liver and kidney functions were offered by NTZ. Higher hepatic levels of glucose-6-phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzymes and PPAR-γ protein expressions were acquired by NTZ and PIO, respectively. NTZ could be considered an oral therapeutic strategy for DM type 2. Further systematic NTZ/PPAR-γ receptor subtype molecular activations are recommended. Simultaneous use of NTZ with other approved antidiabetics should be explored.
Derivative-Based Diagnosis of Regular Expression Ambiguity
Authors: Sulzmann Martin , Lu Kenny Zhuo Ming
Published: December 2017

Regular expressions are often ambiguous. We present a novel method based on Brzozowski’s derivatives to aid the user in diagnosing ambiguous regular expressions. We introduce a derivative-based finite state transducer to generate parse trees and minimal counter-examples. The transducer can be easily customized to either follow the POSIX or Greedy disambiguation policy and based on a finite set of examples it is possible to examine if there are any differences between POSIX and Greedy.
Extraction and Clustering of Two-Dimensional Dialogue Patterns
Authors: Ales Zacharie , Pauchet Alexandre , Knippel Arnaud
Published: December 2017

This article proposes a two-step methodology to ease the identification of dialogue patterns in a corpus of annotated dialogues. The annotations of a given dialogue are represented within a two-dimensional array whose lines correspond to the utterances of the dialogue ordered chronologically.

The first step of our methodology consists in extracting recurrent patterns. To that end, we adapt a dynamic programming algorithm used to align two-dimensional arrays by reducing its complexity and improving its trace-back procedure. During the second step, the obtained patterns are clustered using various heuristics from the literature.

As evaluation process, our method is applied onto a corpus of annotated dialogues between a parent and her child in a storytelling context. The obtained partitions of dialogue patterns are evaluated by an expert in child development of language to assess how the methodology helps the expert into explaining the child behaviors.

The influence of the method parameters (clustering heuristics, minimum extraction score, number of clusters and substitution score array) are studied. Dialogue patterns that manual extractions have failed to detect are highlighted by the method and the most efficient values of the parameters are therefore determined.
Cost Sensitive Face Security Verification Based on Limited Expression-Pose Pattern Sparse Representation Model
Authors: Wang Meng , Hu Zheng-Ping , Zhao Shu-Huan , Sun Zhe , Sun Mei
Published: December 2017

Face security verification has been recognized as a cost sensitive classification problem. To deal with this problem, many cost sensitive classifiers have been proposed to alleviate the facial variation. However, no suficient attention is paid to the research on sparse representation cost sensitive face verification. In this paper, we proposed a coarse to find face security verification method, called cost sensitive face verification based on limited expression-pose pattern (CSFV_LEP) for security verification task. The main contributions of the proposed method are as follows: (1) a discrimination dictionary is established in a common way to discriminate whether visitor is an internal member; (2) a confirmation dictionary, which contains only limited expression-pose details, is used to confirm whether this is the correct classification. Meanwhile, we use adaptive weight matrix from similarity information to enhance the robustness of the two dictionaries. Experiments show that, the proposed method has high verifiable and ideal secure performance according to accuracy and efficiency, and contribute to reduce cost penalization during the sparse coding stages.
Large deviation principle for the field in prequantum classical statistical field theory
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei , Majid Achref
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we prove a large deviation principle for the background field in prequantum statistical field model. We show a number of examples by choosing a specific random field in our model.
MaxDDBS Problem on Beneš Network
Authors: BONG NOVI H. , RYAN JOE , SUGENG KIKI A.
Published: December 2017

Maximum degree-diameter bounded subgraph problem is a problem of constructing the largest possible subgraph of given degree and diameter in a graph. This problem can be considered as a degree-diameter problem restricted to certain host graphs. The MaxDDBS problem with Beneš network as the host graph is discussed in this paper. Beneš network contains a back-to-back buttery network. Even though both networks have maximum degree 4, the structure of their maximum subgraphs are different. We give the constructive lower bound of the largest subgraph of Beneš network of various maximum degrees.
A Note on the Feedback Arc Set Problem and Acyclic Subdigraphs in Bipartite Tournaments
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-MORENO D. , LLANO B. , RIVERA-CAMPO E.
Published: December 2017

Given a digraph D a feedback arc set is a subset X of the arcs of D such that D − X is acyclic. Let β(D) denote de minimum cardinality of a feedback arc set of D. In this paper we prove that a bipartite tournament T with minimum out-degree at least r satisfies β(T) ≥ r2. A lower bound and an upper bound for β(T) are given in terms of the bipartite dichromatic number. We define the bipartite dichromatic number of a balanced bipartite tournament Tn,n and use this invariant to give an upper bound for the minimum cardinality of a feedback arc set of Tn,n. We also prove that for each positive integer k ≥ 3 there is an integer N(k) such that if n ≥ N(k), then each balanced bipartite tournament contains an acyclic bipartite tournament Tk,k.
Wide Containers in Gaussian Networks
Authors: SURANI MUHAMMAD ADIB
Published: December 2017

The w-wide diameter of a graph is a generalisation of its diameter and connectivity, and is useful for measuring the reliability of an interconnection network. The Gaussian networks, which are defined via quotient rings of the Gaussian integers, have been shown to satisfy many good properties of an interconnection network. In this paper, we will establish the wide diameters of the Gaussian networks and show that they are at most three more than the diameter.
The (3, l)-Rainbow Edge-Index of Cartesian Product Graphs
Authors: SUN YUEFANG
Published: December 2017

For a graph G and a vertex subset [Formula: see text] of at least two vertices, an S-tree is a subgraph T of G that is a tree with [Formula: see text]. Two S-trees are said to be edge-disjoint if they have no common edge. Let [Formula: see text] denote the maximum number of edge-disjoint S-trees in G. For an integer K with [Formula: see text], the generalized k-edge-connectivity is defined as [Formula: see text]. An S-tree in an edge-colored graph is rainbow if no two edges of it are assigned the same color. Let [Formula: see text] and l be integers with [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-rainbow edge-index [Formula: see text] of G is the smallest number of colors needed in an edge-coloring of G such that for every set S of k vertices of G, there exist l edge-disjoint rainbow S-trees.

In this paper, we study the [Formula: see text]-rainbow edge-index of Cartesian product graphs and get a sharp upper bound for [Formula: see text] , where G and H are connected graphs with orders at least three, and [Formula: see text] denotes the Cartesian product of G and H.
Improved Upper Bounds for the Order of Some Classes of Abelian Cayley and Circulant Graphs of Diameter Two
Authors: LEWIS ROBERT R.
Published: December 2017

In the degree-diameter problem for Abelian Cayley and circulant graphs of diameter 2 and arbitrary degree d there is a wide gap between the best lower and upper bounds valid for all d, being quadratic functions with leading coefficient 1/4 and 1/2 respectively. Recent papers have presented constructions which increase the coefficient of the lower bound to be at or just below 3/8 for sparse sets of degree d related to primes of specific congruence classes. The constructions use the direct product of the multiplicative and additive subgroups of a Galois field and a specific cyclic group of coprime order. It was anticipated that this approach would be capable of yielding further improvement towards the upper bound value of 1/2. In this paper, however, it is proved that the quadratic coefficient of the order of families of Abelian Cayley graphs of this class of construction can never exceed the value of 3/8, establishing an asymptotic limit of 3/8 for the quadratic coefficient of families of extremal graphs of this class.

By applying recent results from number theory these constructions can be extended to be valid for every degree above some threshold, establishing an improved asymptotic lower bound approaching 3/8 for general Abelian Cayley and circulant graphs of diameter 2 and arbitrary degree d.
Nonlinear Characterization of the MRE Isolator Using Binary-Coded Discrete CSO and ELM
Authors: Yu Yang , Li Yancheng , Li Jianchun , Gu Xiaoyu , Royel Sayed
Published: December 2017

Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) isolator has been proved as a promising semi-active control device for structural vibration control. For its engineering application, developing an accurate and robust model is definitely necessary and also a challenging task. Most of the present models, belonging to parametric models, need to identify various model parameters and sometimes are not capable of perfectly capturing the unique characteristics of the device. In this work, a novel nonparametric model is proposed to characterize the inherent dynamics of the MRE isolator with the features of hysteresis and nonlinearity. Initially, dynamic tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of the isolator under various loading conditions, including harmonic, random, and seismic excitations. Then, on the basis of the captured experimental results, a hybrid learning method is designed to forecast the nonlinear responses of the device with known external inputs. In this method, a type of single hidden layer feed-forward network, called extreme learning machine (ELM), is developed to forecast the nonlinear responses (shear force) of the device with captured velocity, displacement, and current level. To obtain optimal performance of the developed model, an improved binary-coded discrete cat swarm optimization (BCDCSO) method is adopted to select optimal inputs and neuron number in the hidden layer for the network development. The performance of the proposed method is verified through the comparison between experimental results and model predictions. Due to the noise influence in the practical condition, the robustness of the proposed method is also validated via adding noise disturbance into the supplying currents. The results show that the proposed method outperforms the standard ELM in terms of characterization of the MRE isolator, even though the captured responses are polluted with external measurement noises.
Numerical Simulation of Frictional Heating Effects of Sliding Friction Bearings for Isolated Bridges
Authors: Han Qiang , Wen Jianian , Zhong Zilan , Du Xiuli
Published: December 2017

Sliding friction bearings are effective passive devices to mitigate the seismic responses of structures. Extensive researches have been conducted on sliding bearings. However, most previous studies were based on the assumption that the effects of frictional heating are negligible. A three-dimensional thermal-mechanical-coupled finite element (FE) model of the friction pendulum system (FPS) was developed in this study. Good agreements between the numerical results and the data measured in the previous tests, in terms of the force–displacement curves and temperature time-histories, indicate that the proposed FE model can predict the response of the FPS. Based on the developed FE model, the surface temperature distribution, the effective stiffness and the energy dissipation of the double concave friction pendulum and multiple friction pendulum bearings were investigated and compared. In addition, the thermal states of the sliding bearings in the bridge during earthquake were evaluated. The numerical results indicate that the temperature rise in the sliding bearings leads to the degradation of the effective stiffness and less energy dissipation. The relative displacements of the bearings increase considering the frictional heating effects in the bearings. If the frictional heating of the bearings is ignored, the peak bearing displacements will be underestimated.
PERIODIC STRATEGIES: A NEW SOLUTION CONCEPT AND AN ALGORITHM FOR NONTRIVIAL STRATEGIC FORM GAMES
Authors: OIKONOMOU V. K. , JOST J.
Published: December 2017

We introduce a new solution concept, called periodicity, for selecting optimal strategies in strategic form games. This periodicity solution concept yields new insight into nontrivial games. In mixed strategy strategic form games, periodic solutions yield values for the utility function of each player that are equal to the Nash equilibrium ones. In contrast to the Nash strategies, here the payoffs of each player are robust against what the opponent plays. Sometimes, periodicity strategies yield higher utilities, and sometimes the Nash strategies do, but often the utilities of these two strategies coincide. We formally define and study periodic strategies in two player perfect information strategic form games with pure strategies and we prove that every nontrivial finite game has at least one periodic strategy, with nontrivial meaning nondegenerate payoffs. In some classes of games where mixed strategies are used, we identify quantitative features. Particularly interesting are the implications for collective action games, since there the collective action strategy can be incorporated in a purely noncooperative context. Moreover, we address the periodicity issue when the players have a continuum set of strategies available.
The consistency of least-square regularized regression with negative association sequence
Authors: Chen Fen , Zou Bin , Chen Na
Published: December 2017

In the last few years, many known works in learning theory stepped over the classical assumption that samples are independent and identical distribution and investigated learning performance based on non-independent samples, as mixing sequences (e.g., [Formula: see text]-mixing, [Formula: see text]-mixing, [Formula: see text]-mixing etc.), they derived similar results with the investigation based on classical sample assumption. Negative association (NA) sequence is a kind of significant dependent random variables and plays an important role in non-independent sequences. It is widely applied to various subjects such as probability theory, statistics and stochastic processes. Therefore, it is essential to study the learning performance of learning process for dependent samples drawn from NA process. Obviously, samples in this learning process are not independent and identical distribution. The results in classical learning theory are not applied directly. In this paper, we study the consistency of least-square regularized regression with NA samples. We establish the error bound of least-square regularized regression for NA samples, and prove that the learning rate of least-square regularized regression for NA samples is [Formula: see text], which is tend to [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] arbitrarily close to 0, where [Formula: see text] denote the number of the samples. The simulation experiment of convergence rate on NA samples reveals that the least-square regularized regression algorithm for NA samples is consistent. This result generalizes the classical result of independent and identical distribution.
The Causal Role of Ideas in Taiwan’s Protectionist Agricultural Trade Policy
Authors: HERNANDEZ FERNANDO MARIANO SCHMIDT
Published: December 2017

While embracing trade policies that foster trade liberalization, Taiwan has clear protectionist policies covering its agricultural trade, which combine border measures with domestic support, and are closely modeled on the policies created by the European Union. The idea of multifunctionality of agriculture — and its link to trade policy — has created a normative framework whereby the agricultural markets have to be shielded in order for them to provide non-commodity attributes or public goods. This paper aims to explore the causal power of ideas (liberalization and multifunctionality) in the definition of Taiwan’s agricultural trade policy, by analyzing them from the perspective of historical institutionalism, and taking Taiwan as a case study. It is the institutionalization of the idea of multifunctionality that gives it an explanatory power toward understanding the ideational source of protectionism in agricultural trade.