Cooperative Mechanism Research Articles

Experimental investigation and numerical simulation on seismic performance of self-centering bridge bents with energy-dissipation beams

This study explores the creation of self-centering bridge bents with energy-dissipation (ED) beams to enhance seismic resilience. This design combines the concepts of cast-in-place bridge bents with ED components and self-centering rocking piers. The self-centering bridge bent with ED beams integrates cooperative mechanisms, for bearing, stability, energy dissipation, and recoverable capacity. Two types of specimens were designed and constructed: self-centering bridge bents with and without ED beams, referred to as specimens SCB-EDB and SCB, respectively. Quasi-static tests were conducted to thoroughly assess the seismic performance, including lateral force, stiffness, energy dissipation, and self-centering capacity, of these specimens. The results show that both specimens exhibit a distinct flag-shaped hysteresis curve, demonstrating good self-centering capacity. However, the ED beams slightly reduce the self-centering capacity of the bridge bent. Specimen SCB-EDB shows significantly higher lateral force, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity than specimen SCB. The ED beams also contribute to reducing damage and sliding of the column. Numerical models were established in OpenSees to reproduce the test results of specimens SCB-EDB and SCB. The numerical results closely match the corresponding test results, effectively capturing the hysteresis behavior, skeleton curves, stiffness variations, and energy dissipation capacity. Consequently, both numerical models could accurately replicate the quasi-static test results.

Iron-catalysed cooperative redox mechanism for the simultaneous conversion of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide

Iron-catalysed cooperative redox mechanism for the simultaneous conversion of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide

Unique Features of the EAEU Interregional and Crossborder Cooperation

The article is devoted to the analysis of the main distinctive features of interregional and cross-border cooperation at the current stage of integration in the EAEU. It is shown that today the development of interregional and cross-border cooperation in the association is considered to be one of the priorities that contribute to deepening and ensuring the dynamism of integration processes. The intensification of initiatives at the intergovernmental level in this field dates back to the 2020s. However, up to the present, despite quite a deep degree of economic integration of the EAEU members, the sphere of interregional and cross-border cooperation remains insufficiently institutionalized and is of recommendatory nature. The association lacks multilateral agreements and cooperation mechanisms aimed at developing interaction specifically at the regional level. The main emphasis in the analysis is made on the fact that the current state of interregional and cross-border cooperation is asymmetrical, which is revealed in the following aspects – unequal degree of importance of cross-border cooperation for the participating countries, heterogeneity of the scale and nature of interregional cooperation, unequal level of autonomy of regions in the member states, divergence in applied formats of interaction, significant regional divergence in socio-economic development. It is concluded that in order to overcome such asymmetry and fragmentation, it is essential to have flexible multilateral mechanisms as well as financial and information institutions, the activities of which will contribute to the development of horizontal ties and economic connectivity at the regional level

Scholars from Russia and Southeast Asia Countries on the Present and Future of Mekong River

This is an overview of the conference “Mekong: Regional Challenges and Possible Solutions” organized by the Center for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies of the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia within Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Center for Scientific and Analytical Information of the Institute of Oriental Studies within Russian Academy of Sciences, with the support of the Gorchakov Foundation. The conference participants examined the geopolitical situation in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, assessed its resources, peculiarities of socio-economic development of individual states, summarized various opinions on sustainable development of the GMS, identified the main contradictions associated with the transboundary nature of the river, analyzed plans, the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms between neighboring countries and external partners, as well as put forward proposals for solving existing problems with the participation of Russia.

The Intelligent Upgrading of Logistics between an Internet Enterprise and a Logistics Enterprise Based on Differential Game Theory

At the background of “Internet + Logistics”, intelligent logistics has high operational efficiency and provides a superior customer experience, meeting the requirements of sustainable development. It also plays a crucial role in promoting the modernization of the industrial chain in China. This paper develops a mathematic model based on differential game theory, which sets the intelligent level of logistics and the goodwill of intelligent logistics as state variables. The research reveals the collaborative strategies between a logistics enterprise and an Internet enterprise for the intelligent upgrading of logistics, and separately calculates the optimal effort levels and optimal revenues of participating enterprises under the non-cooperative mechanism, the cost-sharing mechanism, and the cooperative mechanism. This paper also observes the crucial parameters that affect the optimal revenue for the intelligent upgrading of logistics. The research findings are as follows: (1) Cost-sharing mechanism and cooperative mechanism can motivate the Internet enterprise and the logistics enterprise to improve their effort levels and increase the total revenue, which achieves the Pareto improvement. Under the cooperative mechanism, the intelligent level of logistics and the goodwill of intelligent logistics are the highest. (2) Participating enterprises can promote the intelligent upgrading of logistics by accumulating innovative resources for intelligent logistics, attaining cost-conversion efficiency, and cultivating customer preferences for intelligent logistics services. (3) When the revenue-sharing ratio of the logistics enterprise is relatively low, although the cost-sharing mechanism can continuously motivate a logistics enterprise to make an effort in the intelligent upgrading of logistics, it is not conducive to enhance the goodwill of intelligent logistics. This paper highlights the pivotal role of enterprise collaboration in the intelligent upgrading of logistics, and proposes practical recommendations.

Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the programming of biological hazard sampling at official controls

Abstract The General State Administration establishes the food safety control and cooperation mechanisms with the competent authorities of the administrations responsible for official controls. In order to improve the quality and homogeneity of official controls related to biological hazards in food, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) and the autonomous communities have a Guidance document for the scheduling of biological hazard sampling within the framework of the National Plan for Official Control of the Food Chain 2021‐2025, which establishes a semi‐quantitative model that takes into account, on the one hand, the impact on health, considering incidence and severity, and, on the other, the prevalence, composed of data from non‐compliant samples and alert notifications. At AESAN's request, the Scientific Committee has assessed this Guidance document, and the final conclusion is that this Guidance document is suitable at the present time, for the intended purpose. Specifically, the criteria based on the calculation of the health impact are considered valid for the biological hazards studied. Regarding the prevalence calculation, different percentile levels could be considered for the parameters of percentage of non‐compliant samples and number of alert notifications. The use of the correction factor for inactivating treatment for the correction of the score associated with prevalence is positively assessed. Regarding the distribution of food categories and hazards analysed, it is considered suitable and it is recommended to re‐evaluate this distribution considering average consumption data of the different food categories in each of the autonomous communities. The procedure to calculate the number of samples and the risk score intervals used for the different hazard‐food pairs is also considered suitable for the intended purpose. Finally, some suggestions are made for revising some criteria in the future in the event that information is available, and it is indicated that the Guidance document should be updated periodically in the light of the experience of its application, progress in scientific knowledge, changes in legislation and guidelines and tools on prioritisation and frequency of risk‐based inspection that may be developed at national or European Union level.

The impact of technological cooperation on Russian-Chinese relations: prospects and challenges

The study of technological cooperation between Russia and China is an in-depth analysis of the interrelationships that have developed between the two countries in the field of science and technology. The focus is on ongoing projects and initiatives, such as joint research, which play a key role in the development of both States. The influence of the international situation on these relations is considered as global changes and economic sanctions against Russia can affect the dynamics of cooperation with China. The study also analyzes the challenges that may arise in the development of these ties, including issues of intellectual property and competitiveness in the international arena. An important place is occupied by studying the role of technological exchange in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as its possible geopolitical consequences, such as strengthening the positions of both countries on the world stage, reducing dependence on Western technologies and influencing global supply chains. The study highlights the importance of technology cooperation as a tool to achieve a sustainable and secure future for Russia and China in a changing world order. The article uses methods of qualitative analysis based on data from scientific publications and reports. An important place is given to the interdisciplinary approach, which includes elements of system analysis, economic theory, international relations and political science. The methods used help to investigate the influence of technological factors on the dynamics of Russian-Chinese relations and assess their long-term prospects. Technological cooperation between Russia and China demonstrates great significant potential, despite the existing challenges. The study highlights the impact of political, economic and technological factors, as well as risks such as political instability and cyber threats. Deepening high-tech collaboration opens up new horizons for both countries, allowing knowledge sharing in strategically important sectors such as artificial intelligence and 5G. This study makes an innovative contribution, emphasizing the need to integrate technology and policy solutions. Technological cooperation also contributes to strengthening geopolitical cooperation in the face of sanctions pressure and instability. To achieve long-term success, it is important to develop stable cooperation mechanisms, minimize risks and ensure stability based on trust and joint strategies.

Vocal consensus building for collective departures in wild western gorillas.

The ability to coordinate actions is of vital importance for group-living animals, particularly in relation to travel. Groups can only remain cohesive if members possess a cooperative mechanism to overcome differences in individual priorities and social power when coordinating departures. To better understand how hominids achieve spatio-temporally coordinated group movements, we investigated vocally initiated group departures in three habituated groups of western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) in the Central African Republic. The large sexual dimorphism of gorillas has led to the untested assumption that the silverback males are the sole decision-makers in gorilla groups, although there are also observations that suggest otherwise. To address this, we analysed the direction and timing of group departures and found that high-ranking individuals (silverbacks and high-ranking females) were more successful in indicating the direction of future travel than others, but that the timing of departure was the apparent result of a cumulative vocal voting process among all adult group members. Our findings illustrate that even in species with a large sexual size dimorphism, travel decisions can be taken collectively via a consensus-building process.

Lessons for Strengthening a Resilient Health System from the View of Health Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 caused significant negative damage to the health status of populations and health systems globally. In Uganda, our previous study revealed that the strict Public Health and Social measures (PHSMs) and the closure of Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital (ERRH) led to missed healthcare access among the citizens in the Entebbe municipality. Limited studies, however, exist on the impact of the response measures on the local health systems. This study aims to explore the impacts of these measures on the local health service provision from the views of health facilities in Entebbe. We used a thematic framework method, grounded by the health systems resilience framework consisting of five components: (1) health service delivery; (2) medical products and technology; (3) health workforce; (4) public health functions; and (5) governance and financing. Key informant interviews with eight representatives from four private hospitals and four health centers were conducted from September to October 2022. Fifteen themes and 25 subthemes were identified. With the closure of the ERRH and the strict PHSMs, the citizens faced various difficulties in accessing the needed health services. The facilities received an overwhelming number of patients and faced various challenges, such as a lack of medicine, healthcare workers, facility capacity, and no means to transfer patients. Nevertheless, the facilities made efforts to maintain the required services. Moreover, mobilizing vertical and horizontal actors through a flexible network, from the district health office to community health volunteers, helped to coordinate the medicines, transportation for both patients and healthcare workers, conduct patient tracking, etc. Our study suggested the importance of an integrated system of public health and health service delivery systems, the formalization of a vertical cooperative mechanism, and the introduction of public health insurance for strengthening resilient health systems. These insights may benefit other sub-Saharan cities.

«5+1» COOPERATION FORMATS IN THE CENTRAL ASIAN REGION: ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC INTERACTION WITH JAPAN

The article analyzes Japan’s economic interaction with Central Asia within the framework of the «5+1» format, which is a unique mechanism of multilateral cooperation that has attracted the attention of leading world powers in recent years due to the strategic importance of the region in the context of energy resources and transit routes. The research is based on a comprehensive analysis of investment, trade and economic relations between the countries of Central Asia and Japan. The main purpose was to identify key trends and factors that determine the dynamics of economic interaction and analyze the interrelations of economies. The hypotheses were tested using comparative statistics, dynamic analysis and graphical method, as well as using statistical methods, including calculation of correlation coefficients and multiple regression. Limitations of the study include the lack of data for some countries and periods. The analysis showed a moderate positive correlation between the GDP (Gross domestic product) of the countries of Central Asia and Japan, indicating economic interdependence. Japan’s investment activity is manifested in significant investments in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with recent growth in Tajikistan. Trade turnover between the countries fluctuates due to global and regional factors. Despite the positive correlation of economies, Central Asia's influence on Japan remains limited. Japanese investment plays a key role in the region's development, but political instability and domestic problems in the countries reduce their effectiveness. Trade also faces challenges, including customs barriers and infrastructure limitations.

UNESCO's AI Ethics Principles: Challenges and Opportunities

This paper examines UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which outlines key principles for ensuring responsible AI development. The aim is to explore the challenges and opportunities in implementing these principles in the current AI landscape. Through a literature review, comparative analysis of existing frameworks, and case studies. This research identifies key challenges such as cultural variability, regulatory gaps, and the rapid pace of AI innovation. Conversely, it highlights opportunities like establishing global ethical standards, fostering public trust, and promoting responsible AI innovation. The study proposes strategies for overcoming challenges, including clear ethical metrics, international oversight, and ethics education in AI curricula. The findings emphasize the requirement for global cooperation and robust governance mechanisms to ensure ethical AI development. The research concludes that while implementing UNESCO's AI ethics principles is complex, it is crucial for safeguarding human rights and promoting sustainable AI growth worldwide.

Investigation on in-situ tensile behaviors of 6061 aluminum alloy fabricated by wire additive friction stir deposition

Rod based additive friction stir deposition (R-AFSD) offers unique advantages for the integrated manufacturing of aluminum alloy near-net-shape large parts. However, the deposition process often faces issues like thick ends of raw material rods and difficulties in continuous feeding. In this study, wire based additive friction stir deposition (W-AFSD) was used for the solid state deposition of 3 mm diameter 6061 aluminum alloy wire. The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the deposit along the build direction were systematically characterized, clarifying the recrystallization mechanism and isotropy of the mechanical properties. In-situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) were used to study the deformation behavior of the deposit during in situ tensile testing, revealing a cooperative deformation mechanism involving grain rotation and intragranular slip. Results show that during in-situ tensile testing, the average rotation angle of five selected grains is 6.90°. Additionally, deposits with numerous grain boundaries due to recrystallization can hinder dislocation movement and pin the slip system within the grains during tensile testing. Due to the synergy of these mechanisms, the yield strengths of the longitudinal and transverse samples of the deposit are 183 MPa and 190 MPa, respectively, much higher than previously reported values. This article introduces a new solid state additive manufacturing method, offering new insights for efficient, high-strength continuous additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys and their deformation mechanisms.

Morocco, at the Heart of the Harmonization of the African Union's Migration Policies: Context, Complexity, Diversity, Effects and Challenges

Since the mid-1980s, the European Union has adopted a cautious attitude to migratory flows. It has constantly stepped up initiatives to combat immigration, by tightening border controls and reducing the granting of visas, thereby forcing would-be emigrants to look for alternatives. At the same time, Africa is facing unique migration challenges. The consequences of colonization, the imposition of capitalist relations and the development of an extroverted economy, among others, continue to influence current migration dynamics. Persistent economic crises, exacerbated by inequitable global economic policies, are driving many people to seek better opportunities elsewhere. In addition, the effects of climate change, such as desertification, droughts and floods, are intensifying migratory pressures. African countries therefore need to develop effective migration policies to govern migratory flows and respond to geopolitical challenges. It is crucial to put in place regional and international cooperation mechanisms to manage migration in a coordinated and humane manner. This means thinking carefully about migration issues, considering the historical, economic and political realities that shape them. This issue must be at the heart of the concerns of States and the African Union. It is true that attempts are being made at continental level, such as the Kampala Convention and the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), but these measures can only be truly appreciated if they are applied on the ground.

Syria in Turkey-US Relations: Security, Terror and Strategic Dilemmas

Turkey-US relations have historically been influenced by periodic developments, sometimes becoming strong or fragile. In this context, the relations between Turkey and the US have been deeply affected by the presence of the PKK/PYD/YPG in northern Syria and the US support for these groups. Turkey considers the PYD/YPG as an extension of the PKK and perceives it as a direct threat to its national security. On the other hand, the US supports this group by renaming it the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and describing it as the most effective ground force against DAESH. This situation has damaged the relationship between the two NATO allies, leading to diplomatic crises and regional strategic misalignments. Turkey’s cross-border operations and the US support for the PYD/YPG are the most significant points of tension overshadowing the common interests of the two countries. Despite these challenges, Turkey and the US have the potential to protect their common interests in counter-terrorism and regional security matters. This study analyzes how Turkey’s policies in Syria have been shaped by the US support for the PYD/YPG and how the tensions in this context have affected the strategic goals of both countries. Turkey’s national security strategies and its cooperation dynamics with the US can be reshaped through diplomatic negotiations and strategic cooperation mechanisms. In this framework, the advancement of relations on a more constructive basis will be possible if both sides act with mutual understanding and flexibility.

A Fuzzy PROMETHEE Method for Evaluating Strategies towards a Cross-Country Renewable Energy Cooperation: The Cases of Egypt and Morocco

Recognising the urgency of addressing climate change and the imperative to mitigate its effects, the European Union (EU) has embarked on a transformative journey to reshape its energy landscape, with a pronounced emphasis on harnessing renewable energy sources (RESs) and augmenting their contribution to electricity generation. To propel Europe towards sustainable development through its energy transition, EU member states are encouraged to foster collaborative efforts on a European scale, inviting neighbouring countries to participate in joint ventures aimed at leveraging RESs for electricity generation. Consequently, it becomes imperative to evaluate the potential depth of cooperation among these nations, assessing how such partnerships can align with Europe’s overarching objectives while fostering mutually beneficial conditions. This paper seeks to undertake a thorough analysis and evaluation of the potential impacts of such cooperation, both in advancing RES objectives and in promoting broader cooperation goals concerning the countries involved. The appropriate methodological framework has been developed, utilising and implementing the fuzzy PROMETHEE multicriteria decision analysis method, to address the problem’s multidimensional character, intending to implement an appropriate action plan and promote production from RESs. The methodology has been applied to assess alternative strategies in two case study countries, Morocco and Egypt, while important outcomes have emerged towards the successful implementation of cooperation mechanisms promoting RES.

THE STUDY ON FACTORS INFLUENCING THE TRANSFER OF PATIENTS' OFFLINE TRUST TO ONLINE TRUST

In the medical field, doctor-patient trust is the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship. This paper uses the trust transfer theory as a framework, integrates the social support theory, and constructs a model of influencing factors from offline trust to online trust. We designed the questionnaire based on the previously established scale and collected the data. The results indicate that patients' offline trust significantly positively influences their online trust, that perceived doctor-patient interaction mediates the relationship between offline and online trust, that perceived platform quality mediates the relationship between offline and online trust, and that patients' trust tendency positively influences the relationship between perceived doctor-patient interaction, perceived platform quality, and online trust. We propose targeted management countermeasures to improve the quality of doctors' medical services, continuously optimize the platform quality of online medical platforms, and build a division of labor and cooperation mechanism for online medical platforms.

Multitasking and Network-building: China’s Party Diplomacy in Latin America

This paper examines China’s Party diplomacy and its practice in Latin America. As part of China’s overall diplomatic strategy, the CPC’s diplomacy in the region aims to fulfill multiple tasks. Using publicly available documentation, this paper creates a dataset covering exchanges between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Latin America to analyze the CPC’s network-building in the region since 2013. The results show that to achieve China’s strategic goals, the CPC’s contacts in Latin America are characterized by diversification and openness. Daily interactions and knowledge exchanges are the main content of the CPC’s interactions with its contacts. Additionally, global, regional, and bilateral exchange mechanisms, especially the cooperation mechanism between the CPC and Latin American leftists, have been established. Although the party-based approach to Sino-Latin American relations faces challenges from political volatility, ideological differences, regional fragmentation, and external intervention, China’s party diplomacy in the region still has great opportunities for development. Inter-party exchanges not only help us understand the development of Sino-Latin American relations but also provide an important perspective for studying cooperation among Third World countries.

A Talent Cultivation System in the Field of Artificial Intelligence in Universities Based on School Enterprise Cooperation

This paper draws objective conclusions from field research, establishes a talent cultivation and technological innovation system in the field of artificial intelligence, analyzes the phenomena and problems that arise in school enterprise cooperation, explores their underlying reasons, and explores how to establish a talent cultivation mechanism for school enterprise cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, establishes a basic model for artificial intelligence talent cultivation, establishes standards, human resources support, improves guarantee systems, reforms in teaching and learning, and integrates disciplines.

Mechanism of Dual-Site Recognition in a Classic DNA Aptamer.

Nucleic acid aptamers possess unique advantages in specific recognition. However, the lack of in-depth investigation into their dynamic recognition mechanisms has restricted their rational design and potential applications in fields such as biosensing and targeted therapy. We herein utilized enhanced sampling molecular dynamics to address affinities of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to the dual binding sites in the DNA aptamer, focusing on the dynamic recognition mechanism and pathways. The present results indicate that in addition to the widely known intermolecular interactions, inequivalence of chemical environments of the two binding sites leads to slightly higher stability of AMP binding to the site proximal to the aptamer terminus. In the presence of two AMPs captured by the two sites, each binding free energy is enhanced. In particular, an additional hydrogen bond of AMP to A10 is introduced in the dual-site binding complex, which increases the binding energy from -4.25 ± 0.47 to -9.48 ± 0.33 kcal mol-1 in the site close to the loop. For the dual-site recognition process, the free energy landscape and minimum free energy pathway calculations elucidate the crucial role of electrostatic interactions between the AMP phosphate groups and Na+ ions in positively cooperative binding mechanisms.

Coordination contract design for a two‐echelon supply chain considering risk aversion and yield uncertainties

AbstractThis study establishes a two‐echelon supply chain (SC) wherein the supplier and the manufacturer suffer from yield uncertainty, and the supplier has a risk‐averse attitude. The SC members’ optimal input quantity and order quantity are investigated. On this basis, the revenue‐sharing and subsidy contracts are introduced to achieve SC coordination. The findings indicate that the two contracts are valid on SC coordination, and there exists a one‐to‐one relationship between these two contracts. Moreover, the two contracts can achieve the same utility allocation between the SC members under specific conditions. Overall, our findings help the SC members develop more efficient cooperation mechanisms.