Asymmetric Regime Research Articles

The German hegemony in the European Union: European Economic Integration as an Asymmetric Regime

In this paper we intend to analyze the hegemonic position of Germany within the European Union, examining, from a historical perspective, the process of economic integration of the continent, highlighting the haggling process among its Member States and the emergence of power relations among those. Primordially, the economic relations among the States and the circumstances that led European States to pursue the international cooperation, in order to build an international regime, will be analyzed, considering whether such an asymmetrical arrangement. In view of this, the present work has been organized into three sections and a conclusion where we state our opinion on the subject and point out suggestions and referrals on the theme.
 
 
 Recebido em: agosto/2019.
 Aprovado em: agosto/2020.

Technology trade with asymmetric tax regimes and heterogeneous labour markets: Implications for macro quantities and asset prices

AbstractThe international diffusion of technology plays a key role in stimulating global growth and explaining co‐movements of international equity returns. Existing empirical evidence suggests that countries are heterogeneous in their attitude towards innovation: Some countries rely more on technology adoption while other countries rely more on internal technology production. European countries that rely more on adoption are also typically characterized by lower fiscal policy flexibility and higher labour market rigidity. We develop a two‐country model, in which both countries rely on R&D and adoption, to study the short‐ and long‐run effects of aggregate technology and adoption probability shocks on economic growth in the presence of the aforementioned asymmetries. Our framework suggests that an increase in the ability to adopt technology from abroad stimulates future economic growth in the country that benefits from higher adoption rates but the beneficial effects also spread to the foreign country. Moreover, heterogeneity helps to explain the differences in macro quantities and equity returns observed in the international data.

Stuck on the wrong track: 20 years of euro disillusion, denial, and delusion*

This contribution assesses the functioning of Europe's Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) during the first 20 years of the euro's existence. It argues that two formative intellectual currents converged at Maastricht to shape the design and reception of the euro regime: ordoliberalism and neoliberalism. Germany's ordoliberalism inspired and shaped the euro regime design. Neoliberalism fashioned the reception of what was agreed at Maastricht under the influence of Bundesbank dogma and power. As a product of the zeitgeist, Europe got stuck with a deeply flawed euro regime. The Maastricht Treaty institutionalized an asymmetric (growth-unfriendly) policy regime. This suited the macroeconomic mainstream well, fighting the ‘1970s stagflation war’ for the past 40 years. Twenty years of euro disillusion have produced the exact opposite: ‘stagdeflation.’

Flow bifurcation transitions of inelastic shear thinning fluids in a channel with sudden contraction and expansion

The bifurcation transitions from the symmetric to asymmetric flow regimes in shear thinning fluids in a channel with sudden contraction and expansion were studied by means of numerical simulations. On the example of the Carreau–Yasuda model, the bifurcation diagrams of shear thinning fluids with different viscosity flow curves were revealed along the critical Reynolds numbers of the bifurcation transitions. It was found that increase in variations of viscosity with shear rate leads to a noticeable decrease in critical Reynolds number and increase in dimensions of the angular vortices as compared to Newtonian fluids. The obtained results indicate the enhancement of flow instability of shear thinning fluids in channels with the variable cross-sections.

Mathematical modeling of an induction motor for vehicles

It has been proposed, in order to model an induction motor for vehicles, to employ a system of differential equations recorded in the «inhibited coordinates». To improve the algorithm robustness, the number of the system’s equations was reduced by expressing the phase currents through the phase flux linkage. The parameters of the prototype engine have been defined in line with the classical procedure. An algorithm has been constructed in order to account for the mechanical losses and power losses in the engine steel. An induction motor with symmetrical windings has been simulated in the MATLAB programming environment. The basic technical parameters for the engine were determined using the simulation model. The simulation results have been compared with the results of classic calculations. The error in determining the parameters based on the model and those calculated did not exceed 7 %. This indicates a high convergence between the simulation results and the results of calculations. It has been proposed, in order to study an induction motor with the asymmetrical stator windings, to apply the algorithm that implies accounting for a change in the mutual inductance at a change in the integrated resistance in the single or several phases of engine windings. The proposed algorithm for managing the asymmetric regime of stator windings could make it possible, without changing the structure of the model, to investigate the dynamic processes in an induction motor in case of the asymmetry of stator windings phases when they are damaged. Taking into consideration the losses of power in steel, as well as the mechanical losses, would improve the reliability of the results obtained. The error of determining the parameters of an induction motor at asymmetrical stator windings, obtained at modeling, and acquired experimentally, did not exceed 3 %, which testifies to the adequacy of the model.That would make it possible to apply the proposed simulation model of an induction motor when studying the dynamic processes in the engines used in the transportation infrastructure, in case of such a defect as the interturn short circuit in the stator windings

Experimental investigation of the aluminum combustion in different O2 oxidizing mixtures: Effect of the diluent gases

The existence of different distinct phases during the aluminum combustion process was unambiguously proved and widely discussed in several studies on single burning aluminum particles. Indeed, in the case of a combustion in diffusion vapor phase, the formation of growing aluminum oxide caps on the droplet surface is suspected to drive the transition from a symmetric to an asymmetric regime. Especially based on diverse observations for aluminum particles burning in O2/N2, a hypothesis was proposed on the effect of N2 which probably contributes to the regime transition occurrence. To extend research efforts and get a further understanding of the asymmetric transition development, and, more generally on aluminum combustion, an analysis in O2/N2, O2/Ar and O2/He oxidizing mixtures is presented. This work is based on an advanced experimental technique allowing to levitate a single particle and visualize its self-sustained combustion with high temporal and spatial resolution. Combustion parameters of ignited micron-sized aluminum particles (30–100 µm) at atmospheric pressure were accurately determined using optical diagnostics. Results provide a new quantified dataset and allow to compare the relative effect of N2, Ar and He as diluent gases in the aluminum combustion process. Burning times are found to be similar, regardless of the considered diluent gas, as well as the aluminum consumption rate in symmetric regime. However, estimations on the relative duration of the symmetric phase demonstrate a potential influence of N2 which promotes the regime transition in comparison with Ar and He for low molar fraction of oxidizer. The ratio between flame and droplet diameters is also modified depending on the inert gas and is determined. Observed trends are discussed and compared to available data to improve the description and quantification of the relative influence of the inert gases.

Constraints and correlations of nuclear matter parameters from a density-dependent van der Waals model

A recently proposed density-dependent van der Waals model, with only 4 free parameters adjusted to fix binding energy, saturation density, symmetry energy, and incompressibility, is analyzed under symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter constraints. In a previous paper, it was shown that this model is fully consistent with the constraints related to the binary neutron star merger event named GW170817 and reported by the LIGO and Virgo collaboration. Here, we show that it also describes satisfactorily the low and high-density regions of symmetric nuclear matter, with all the main constraints satisfied. We also found a linear correlation between the incompressibility and the skewness parameter, both at the saturation density and show how it relates to the crossing point presented in the incompressibility as a function of the density. In the asymmetric matter regime, other linear correlations are found, namely, the one between the symmetry energy (J) and its slope (L0), and other one establishing the symmetry energy curvature as a function of the combination given by 3J–L0.

Nursing workers: achievement of formalization, hard work and collective action dilemas.

The singularity of the collective action of nursing categories in sociopolitical participation is the subject of our analysis. This paper attaches the compelling factors of social origin and aspects of the labor market to the political action of professionals. Based on the analytical association of the extended case method, we articulated the interpretation of the database of the Brazilian Nursing Profile Survey, specifically, in the light of socioeconomic identification, labor market, and working conditions, with an ethnographic study and semi-structured interviews in three hospital units. The bibliographic review shows the incorporation of these individuals without underestimating their particularity: the historical process of proletarianization in the Brazilian social formation, the inclusion of women in the labor market, and the relationship with unions. The history of workers based on inexperience in actions of resistance or union representation associated with the valorization of employment as a social ascent results in asymmetrical work regimes, a hindering element to coordinated actions, a fundamental aspect for the improvement of working conditions.

The role of dipole-dipole interaction and the scattering strength in entanglement dynamics between atoms surrounding a microtoroidal cavity

In this work we have shown that the dipole-dipole interaction and the scattering strength have a role in entanglement dynamics between two and three two-level atoms with dipole-dipole interaction coupled to a whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microtoroidal cavity for a given initial state. For this purpose, we present two different cases where the two atoms are coupled symmetrically or asymmetrically to the two WGMs through evanescent fields. Considering the symmetric regime and two types of initial states for the atoms, we have shown that for the initial entangled state, the sudden death and birth, as well as the freezing of the entanglement, can be obtained by adjusting both the scattering strength between modes and the dipole-dipole interaction, in contraposition to the product initial state. Moreover, we have noted that the atomic entanglement generation is more susceptible to the scattering strength variation between the modes than to the dipole-dipole interaction. In addition, for the asymmetric regime, the entanglement generation is strongly dependent on the atomic location and the scattering strength. Similar results are obtained for the case of three atoms coupled to a microtoroidal cavity, even in the presence of losses.

A new approach to overcome the imbalance in three-phase systems using the new proposed fractional-polynomial functions

Non-linear or unbalanced loads, etc., are the typical causes of asymmetry in the three-phase systems. The typical difficulty that exists in many methods of symmetrisation is the calculation of the adjusted values (regulable parameter). In this paper, we propose a new method to overcome all of the above problems, which includes: introduction of the new dependence of the basic electrical quantities (voltages and currents) on the controllable values of the static compensation devices; the proposed new method of overcoming the asymmetric operation regime in the three-phase systems, in which we aim to reduce the number of compensating devices.

Comparing thermal performances of expressways constructed with an integral embankment and two separated embankments in permafrost zones

Linear transportation infrastructure constructed in permafrost zones is severely affected by permafrost degradation and the consequent thaw settlement. Considering the strong heat absorption of wide asphalt pavement, constructing an expressway with an integral embankment or two separated embankments in permafrost zones is under discussion at present. In this paper, thermal regime of permafrost beneath expressways constructed with an integral embankment (IE, 3 m in thickness) and two separated embankments (SEs, 3 m in thickness and with an 20 m wide separating strip) is investigated by numerical simulation with consideration of climate warming effect firstly. The results show that permafrost degradation beneath the IE is more significant than that beneath the SEs. Till the 50th operational year, the simulated permafrost table beneath the centerlines of the IE and the SEs decline by 6.5 m and 4.6 m, respectively, with a difference up to 1.9 m. The underlying permafrost warming beneath the IE is also severer than that beneath the SEs. Then, numerical simulations are carried out to investigate thermal regime and potential thermal interaction beneath the SEs with different widths of separating strip. The results show that when the separating strip is narrow than 20 m, thermal interaction between the SEs will lead to an asymmetric thermal regime beneath the two embankments. Compared with the outer side of the SEs, the permafrost table beneath the neighboring side of the SEs is deeper and the underlying permafrost is also warmer. Thermal interaction between the SEs can also lead to considerable permafrost degradation beneath the separating strip. Thus, the separating strip width should be considered during design of an expressway constructed with the SEs in permafrost zones.

Anomalous interaction of Airy beams in the fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation.

We investigate the mutual interaction of two spatially-separated Airy beams in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the fractional Laplacian. Depending on the beam separation (d), relative phase and Lévy index (α), we observed an anomalous attraction or repulsion between the Airy beams. Anomalous attraction leads to a single breather soliton with a period that grows exponentially as α increases. In this region of the parameter space, we identify a crossover between two asymmetric regimes: as the Lévy index exceeds a critical value α c, the period of breather soliton for d>0 is orders of magnitude larger than for d<0, while the opposite occurs as α<α c. Our results reveal a novel scenario for Airy beams interaction in the framework of fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation and provide an alternative mechanism to control breather soliton generation.

Instabilities in micro-contraction flows of semi-dilute CTAB and CPyCl solutions: rheology and flow instabilities

The flows of two semi-dilute surfactant solutions (CTAB and CPyCl) through several micro contractions/expansions are experimentally investigated, following an extensive rheological characterization in both shear and extensional flows. The shear rheology of the solutions shows strong shear thinning and shear banding, whereas Small Amplitude Oscillatory Shear and Capillary Break-up Extensional Rheometry indicate that they have high shear and extensional elasticities. Flow visualizations and micro-particle image velocimetry measurements show that the surfactant solutions exhibit three established types of flow patterns in contraction flows: Newtonian-like, asymmetric and disordered. Newtonian-like flow occurs at low flow rates and is preceded by a long transient flow in experiments starting from rest, which seems to be related to shear banding and the alignment of wormlike micelles. The asymmetric flow regime occurs at moderate flow rates and is characterized by an asymmetric upstream central jet with two adjacent vortices, features that change non-periodically, but slowly, in time. This flow pattern seems to be related with the high elasticity of the semi-dilute solutions. The disordered flow pattern is similar to the asymmetric flow in terms of broad characteristics, but the flow asymmetry changes with time much faster than in the asymmetric flow regime, resembling a chaotic-like flow. The disordered flow seems to be related with the breakdown of micellar structures. We concluded also that the flows in both the asymmetric and disordered flow regimes are globally stable in terms of flow patterns, but locally unstable in terms of flow characteristics, with power spectra of the velocity fluctuations having slopes that differ from those typically encountered in elastic turbulence.

A two-period unionized mixed oligopoly model: public–private wage differentials and “Eurosclerosis” reconsidered

In the context of a two-period unionized mixed oligopoly, we propose that—due to the public sector’s role in the market—public–private wage differentials in favor of the public sector employees emerge over the business cycle, under either an asymmetric or a symmetric firing restrictions regime across the public and the private sector. Under the former regime, firing costs are higher than (equal to) hiring costs in the public (private) sector, while under the latter regime firing/hiring costs are equal everywhere. The structure of the emerging product and labor market equilibria, as well as the volume and the distribution of welfare, are however quite different under the two regimes. In contrast to conventional beliefs, the asymmetric regime, as compared to the symmetric regime, entails higher aggregate output and employment over the business cycle. Moreover, a typical measure of social welfare dictates that the asymmetric regime should be sustained unless demand conditions significantly deteriorate during the recession.

A numerical study on fluid flow around two side-by-side rectangular cylinders with different arrangements

This study numerically examines the flow around a pair of parallel rectangular cylinders placed perpendicular to the direction of the flow using the immersed boundary method at a fixed Reynolds number of 100. A total of eight spacing ratios between 0.1 and 2 are considered in the two arrangements of the cylinders. The two cylinders are arrayed in inline and a staggered arrangement. The pattern of the wake of the two cylinders depends on their arrangements and spacing. The results, show four flow regimes: (i) A single bluff-body regime, (ii) an asymmetric wake regime, (iii) a transition regime, and (iv) a coupled street regime. All flow regimes appear in the case of the inline arrangement. In the case of the staggered arrangement, only the three flow regimes other than the coupled street flow regime are shown. The flow characteristics depend on the flow regime, including the flow structure, drag force, lift force, and frequency. We analyzed the flow characteristics by comparing the flow regimes, vortex shapes, drag and lift coefficients, and Strouhal numbers, which depended on the arrangement. The results of the drag, lift, and Strouhal numbers depend on the interaction of the jet that forms between the cylinders and the adjacent wakes near the cylinder. Therefore, the flow characteristics are sensitive to the arrangement and the distance between the cylinders.

Unsteady Flow Regimes in a T-Shaped Micromixer: Mixing and Characteristic Frequencies

Experiments and direct numerical simulations are used jointly to study the asymmetric and symmetric time-periodic regimes occurring in a T-shaped micro mixer for larger Reynolds numbers than those of steady regimes. The first is characterized by a large mixing degree, whereas the flow in the second regime always exhibits a nearly double mirror symmetry in the mixing channel, which strongly hampers mixing. The characteristic nondimensional frequency, calculated using the hydraulic diameter of the mixing channel and the bulk velocity, augments with the Reynolds number in both periodic regimes, but a large discontinuity is observed at the transition between the two regimes. A detailed description of the main flow features is given to provide a physical explanation on the Strouhal number variation. The present analysis can be exploited in practice to design active control strategies, e.g., by exciting the flow at the frequencies typical of the asymmetric unsteady regime.

Behavioral patterns of two fiddler crab species Uca rapax and Uca tangeri in a seminatural mangrove system.

Zoos increasingly transform their exhibitions from traditional one‐species enclosures to more natural exhibits, that is, environments that capture part of an ecosystem including a selection of animals and plants that occur there. Thus, enhancing the experience of its human visitors while also allowing its residents to possibly show more natural behavior. In 2017 Royal Burger's Zoo (Arnhem, The Netherlands) created and opened a mangrove‐like environment containing fiddler crabs. Fiddler crabs display a broad range of behaviors, and this research examines which wild‐type behavior and behavioral patterns can be observed on a seminatural mudflat. The behavior shown by Uca rapax and Uca tangeri on the mudflat was counted each hour between 07:00 and 17:00. An asymmetric tidal regime was present in the enclosure including two high water periods. Various known fiddler crab behaviors, including waving and combat, were observed but no copulation. A clear pattern in exposed crabs on the mudflat was found, with low numbers visible in the early morning and the highest numbers present in the early afternoon, while number of visitors did not have a significant effect on this pattern. Interestingly, the highest abundances were not observed around the ebbing tide (07:00–09:00), as observed in the wild, but somewhat later, possibly due to the asymmetric tidal scheme or the interaction of tidal and daily rhythms. This study shows that in captivity, fiddler crabs indeed show a range of natural behaviors which is linked to the tidal and possibly daily rhythm as well.

Dark matter from CP symmetry of order 4: evolution in the asymmetric regime

Multi-Higgs models equipped with global symmetries produce scalar dark matter (DM) candidates stabilized by the unbroken symmetry. It is remarkable that a conserved CP symmetry can also stabilize DM candidates, provided it is a CP symmetry of order higher than two. CP4 3HDM, the three-Higgs-doublet model with CP symmetry of order 4, is the simplest example of this kind. It contains two mass-degenerate scalar DM candidates φ and φ̄, each of them being a CP4 eigenstate and, therefore, its own antiparticle. A novel phenomenological feature of this model is the presence of φφ → φ̄φ̄ conversion process, which conserves CP. It offers a rare example of DM models in which self-interaction in the dark sector can significantly affect cosmological and astrophysical observables. Here, we explore the thermal evolution of these DM species in the asymmetric regime. We assume that a mechanism external to CP4 3HDM produces an initial imbalance of the densities of φ and φ̄. As the Universe cools down, we track the evolution of the asymmetry through different stages, and determine how the final asymmetry depends on the interplay between the conversion and annihilation φφ̄ → SM and on the initial conditions. We begin with the analytic treatment of Boltzmann equations, present a detailed qualitative description of the process, and then corroborate it with numerical results obtained using a dedicated computer code. Finally, we check if the model can produce an observable indirect detection signal.

Origin and morphology of barchan and linear clay dunes in the Shuhongtu Basin, Alashan Plateau, China

Clay dunes are characterized by a relatively high content of silt and clay and are typically developed on the lee side margin of closed-basins in arid and semi-arid areas. Although they are widely distributed aeolian landforms on Earth, little is known about their development and distribution in Asia. Our field investigations have identified for the first time the occurrence of clay dunes in the Alashan Plateau, north China. The clay dunes occur in three isolated lowland areas of the Suhongtu (SHT) Basin and their morphologies (barchans, hooked barchans, asymmetrical barchans, and linear or seif dunes) differ substantially from those of the well-studied clay dunes in Australia, Africa and North America. These differences could be mainly attributed to the asymmetrical bimodal wind regime, prolonged drought and sediment physical properties, which indicate that dunes of any type can be formed in sand, silt or clay. Based on the known evolution of the SHT paleo-lake basin and regional climate change, we infer that the landscape of modern clay dunes in the desert of the Alashan Plateau does not predate MIS 5, and probably formed during the late Holocene. Analyses of grain-size distributions and the contents of trace and rare earth elements, combined with geomorphological characteristics, indicate that the source sediments of the clay dunes are mainly local Cretaceous-Tertiary and Quaternary red fluvial-lacustrine mudstone and sediments, while the ultimate source is the weathered and denuded products of granitoids of the East Altay Mountains. Comparison of the morphology and alignment of the clay dunes with the prevailing wind pattern tends to support Tsoar's (1984) model of the transition in dune shape from barchans to seif or linear dunes. During 2003–2013, the seif or linear dunes of the SHT Basin migrated laterally and elongated northeastward at rates of about 2–4 m/yr and 16–20 m/yr, respectively.

Modelling and simulation of the asymmetric rolling process – establishing the optimal technology parameters to asymmetric rolling

Asymmetric rolling is a technique used to control both the texture and the grain refinement of metallic materials. The aim of asymmetric rolling is to apply a large shear strain uniformly through the thickness of the plate, by maintaining a high degree of friction between the sheet and the rolls. It can be used to improve the formability of material. One of the advantages of asymmetrical rolling is that the rolling force and torque can be decreased. An economic and technological reason, in particular the longitudinally asymmetric rolling is very important to determine the optimum process parameters. The paper presents a method of simulating the asymmetric rolling process. This simulation is carried out to establish the main parameters of rolling particular asymmetric regime. The main goal is to establish a link between the peripheral speed of rolls, pressure and contact length.