Hierarchical Theory Research Articles

Transferability of real-time EVT safety models: an investigation using autonomous vehicles data

Recent research has shown that data from autonomous vehicles (AVs) enables proactive, real-time road safety management. However, with low AV market penetration, it's crucial to assess the transferability of AV-based safety models to other locations. This study transfers real-time safety models from a data-rich to a data-scarce environment using vehicular conflict data collected by AVs. Multi-site Bayesian hierarchical Extreme Value Theory models are developed in two cities, with model transfer evaluated using informative priors and parameter recalibration. Both approaches produce reliable results, though the transferability index favors the informed prior method, while predictive deviance shows similar performance for both. Model sensitivity to temporal data limitations is assessed, revealing that the recalibration approach is more sensitive to block size, whereas the informed prior method remains stable. A novel method mimicking data limitations shows transferred models perform well with data utilizations above 20%, promoting transferability to mitigate data inadequacy.

How to interpret LeDoux's multistate hierarchical theory of consciousness.

How to interpret LeDoux's multistate hierarchical theory of consciousness.

Deciphering the complex mechanics of atherosclerotic plaques: A hybrid hierarchical theory-microrheology approach

Understanding the viscoelastic properties of atherosclerotic plaques at rupture-prone scales is crucial for assessing their vulnerability. Here, we develop a Hybrid Hierarchical theory-Microrheology (HHM) approach, enabling the analysis of multiscale mechanical variations and distribution changes in regional tissue viscoelasticity within plaques across different spatial scales. We disclose a universal two-stage power-law rheology in plaques, characterized by distinct power-law exponents (αshort and αlong), which serve as mechanical indexes for plaque components and assessing mechanical gradients. We further propose a self-similar hierarchical theory that effectively delineates plaque heterogeneity from the cytoplasm, cell, to tissue levels. Moreover, our proposed multi-layer perceptron model addresses the viscoelastic heterogeneity and gradients within plaques, offering a promising diagnostic strategy for identifying unstable plaques. These findings not only advance our understanding of plaque mechanics but also pave the way for innovative diagnostic approaches in cardiovascular disease management. Statement of significanceOur study pioneers a Hybrid Hierarchical theory-Microrheology (HHM) approach to dissect the intricate viscoelasticity of atherosclerotic plaques, focusing on distinct components including cap fibrosis, lipid pools, and intimal fibrosis. We unveil a universal two-stage power-law rheology capturing mechanical variations across plaque structures. The proposed hierarchical model adeptly captures viscoelasticity changes from cytoplasm, cell to tissue levels. Based on the newly proposed markers, we further develop a machine learning (ML) diagnostic model that sets precise criteria for evaluating plaque components and heterogeneity. This work not only reveals the comprehensive mechanical heterogeneity within plaques but also introduces a mechanical marker-based ML strategy for assessing plaque conditions, offering a significant leap towards understanding and diagnosing atherosclerotic risks.

Understanding the origin of early-type dwarfs: the spectrophotometric study of CGCG014−074

ABSTRACT Early-type dwarf galaxies constitute a prevalent population in the central regions of rich groups and clusters in the local Universe. These low-luminosity and low-mass stellar systems play a fundamental role in the assembly of the luminous galaxies observed today, according to the Lambda cold dark matter hierarchical theory. The origin of early-type dwarfs has been linked to the transformation of disc galaxies interacting with the intracluster medium, especially in dense environments. However, the existence of low-luminosity early-type galaxies in low-density environments presents a challenge to this scenario. This study presents a comprehensive photometric and spectroscopic analysis of the early-type dwarf galaxy CGCG014−074 using deep Gemini GMOS (Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph) data, focusing on its peculiarities and evolutionary implications. CGCG014−074 exhibits distinct features, including a rotating inner disc, an extended stellar formation with a quiescent phase since about 2 Gyr ago, and the presence of boxy isophotes. From the kinematic analysis, we confirm CGCG014−074 as a nucleated early-type dwarf galaxy with embedded disc. The study of its stellar population parameters using different methods provides significant insights into the galaxy’s evolutionary history. These results show an old and metal-poor nucleus (${\sim}9.3$ Gyr and $\mathrm{[Z/H]}\sim -0.84$ dex), while the stellar disc is younger (${\sim}4.4$ Gyr) with a higher metallicity ($\mathrm{[Z/H]}\sim -0.40$ dex). These distinctive features collectively position CGCG014−074 as a likely building block galaxy that has evolved passively throughout its history.

Individual and cluster demand response in retail electricity trading with end-users in differentiated oligopoly market: A game-theoretical approach

The characterization of the competitive interdependence among power consumers in power trading system contributes to pursuing efficient power supply and suppressing peak–valley load differences. Even though Stackelberg–Nash game approach has been applied to retail electricity trading with a single utility company and a group of end-users under competitive interdependence, the extension to multi-cluster retail electricity markets is not focused yet and the best strategies of end-users are still decoupled to each other. To bridge this gap this paper investigates the price-based demand response problem in multi-cluster retail electricity markets to coordinate the energy consumption behavior of the end-users and the retail price behavior of the utility companies. Adopting the structure of hierarchical game theory, the cluster retail price is controlled by the utility company to affect the energy consumption demand of end-users within the corresponding cluster and hence increase the income of both the utility companies and the end-users. In order to describe the coupled competition relationship among the bottom end-users in the system, the Cournot competition model of the differentiated oligopoly market is constructed by taking energy consumption as the individual strategy of end-users. The existence and uniqueness of Nash equilibrium and Stackelberg Nash equilibrium in such a hierarchical game system are proved, and a seeking algorithm is proposed to seek the Stackelberg Nash equilibrium, which is regarded as the extension from the existing algorithm for multi-cluster setup. This work gives an insight to theoretically check whether the utility companies need to redesign the contract with the power generator to ask for larger maximum supply.

Financial Constraints and Corporate Finance: Insights from Nepalese Firms

The purpose of this study is to investigate how managers navigate the capital market amidst financial constraints. Expanding upon the findings of Graham and Harvey (2001), Campello et al. (2010), and Bancel and Mittoo (2014), we confine our attention to Nepal as a developing nation. Our approach encompasses criteria and delves into the challenges associated with securing financing, utilizing descriptive analysis. The study entailed surveying 198 financial executives using a structured questionnaire. Among the respondents, nearly half of them indicated that they experienced financial issues at a specific point in time. The survey focused on the financing challenges that managers face when considering potential projects for their undertakings. The findings revealed that managers prioritize the use of internal equity, followed by external equity, and lastly, debt. Interestingly, this order contradicts the hierarchical theory. Financially constrained firms identified several major obstacles when raising funds from banks, including high interest rates, lengthy banking processes, and bank fees. Additionally, it has been uncovered that maintaining financial flexibility and considering firm size are crucial factors for the company in addressing their financial shortfall.

Hierarchical design of microcapsules-based epoxy resin coating enhanced with Ti3C2Tx for improving thermal, tribological, anti-corrosive performance

Self-lubricating coating has sparked significant research interest due to its remarkable tribology performance. However, traditional microcapsules-based self-lubricating coating still faces challenges in long-term serviceability and poor anti-corrosion performance. In this paper, a novel self-lubricating epoxy resin coating was proposed based on hierarchical design and energy wear theory. Microcapsules (MC) containing Polyalphaolefin (PAO40) were prepared via the solvent evaporation approach. Ti3C2Tx MXene (T) with high thermal conductivity was then incorporated into the MC-enhanced epoxy resin coating (EP) to construct the novel self-lubricating EP coating (T-MC-EP). Compared to the EP coating, the thermal conductivity of the T-MC-EP coating increased by 79.4%. Finite element analysis indicated that T constructed thermally conductive network in the coating, serving as the main heat carrier. Furthermore, the wear rate decreased by 91.2%, primarily attributed to the formation of lubricating oil film during friction and the reduction of epoxy resin molecular oxidation fracture caused by friction heat. After 31 days of salt spray testing, the T-MC-EP coating also exhibited superior anti-corrosion performance. This work provides an innovative insight into designing multifunctional coating, including excellent mechanical, thermal, tribological, and anti-corrosive performance.

Anxiety and curiosity in hierarchical models of neural emotion processing-A mini review.

Traditionally, two fundamentally different theoretical approaches have been used in emotion research to model (human) emotions: discrete emotion theories and dimensional approaches. More recent neurophysiological models like the hierarchical emotion theory suggest that both should be integrated. The aim of this review is to provide neurocognitive evidence for this perspective with a particular focus on experimental studies manipulating anxiety and/or curiosity. We searched for evidence that the neuronal correlates of discrete and dimensional emotional systems are tightly connected. Our review suggests that the ACC (anterior cingulate cortex) responds to both, anxiety, and curiosity. While amygdala activation has been primarily observed for anxiety, at least the NAcc (nucleus accumbens) responds to both, anxiety and curiosity. When these two areas closely collaborate, as indicated by strong connectivity, this may indicate emotion regulation, particularly when the situation is not predictable.

Experiences of facilitators and barriers for fulfilment of human needs when living with restless legs syndrome: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Purpose Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a widespread condition that affects sleep leading to daytime sleepiness, depression, and reduced quality of life. This study aims to determine and describe how patients with RLS experience their everyday life, with a focus on facilitators and barriers related to Maslow’s hierarchical theory of human needs. Method Semi-structured interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis resulting in facilitators and barriers affecting the fulfilment of the five human needs. Results Addressing RLS symptoms through medications and a quiet sleep environment fulfils psychological needs. Control over RLS symptoms, engagement in activities, trust in treatments, and social support meet safety and security needs. Social inclusion, close relationships, and meaningful interactions fulfil a sense of belongingness and love needs despite RLS. Competence in managing RLS, effective self-care strategies, confident communication, and trust-building support esteem needs. Finally, comprehensive understanding through person-centred interventions and coping fulfils the self-actualization needs in managing RLS. Conclusion Holistic and person-centred interventions, including facilitators for the fulfilment of physiological, psychological, and social needs could help healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.

How to mine the abnormal information of power transformers: An efficient tool for quantifying the fault characteristics via multi-vibration signals

The new power system puts forward higher requirements for the reliability of power equipment. Mining the intrinsic information of equipment operation from massive data is the key challenge to determining fault early warning. The transformer fault diagnosis through vibration signal analysis has gained increasing prominence. However, the vibration signals produced by power transformers exhibit complex nonlinear and multivariate fluctuations due to the interaction of electromagnetic and mechanical factors. Unfortunately, the traditional fault diagnosis models lack the capability to capture extensive global fault information, resulting in inadequate performance in fault identification. This paper proposes the enhanced hierarchical multivariate multiscale fuzzy entropy (EHMvMFE) as an effective method for quantifying defect information in multivariate transformer signals to overcome the challenge. Firstly, the enhanced hierarchical decomposition method and time series coarse-graining theory are introduced into multivariate fuzzy entropy to develop EHMvMFE, which can comprehensively reflect the feature information of multivariate signals from the full range of frequencies. Then, EHMvMFE is utilized to extract the features via multivariate vibration signals of the transformer. Finally, the extreme learning machine is conducted to achieve effective identification of abnormal conditions. The proposed method is applied to two categories of transformer fault cases, and the diagnostic indicators are at least higher than 99.70 % and 91.82 %, which indicates a strong advantage in comparison with other popular models. The approach could be flexibly extended to the fault diagnosis of other power equipment, which is a potentially effective tool for improving the reliability of power systems.

Hierarchical extension H2/H∞ control approach for active front steering system of vehicle

Aiming at improving the vehicle handling stability and vehicle control performance by conventional H2/H∞ control, this paper investigates the active front steering (AFS) system by proposing a hierarchical extension H2/H∞ control strategy. Considering uncertainties and the vehicle handling stability, a mixed H2/H∞ control method is presented to generate the additional front wheel angle through tracking the desired vehicle yaw rate in the upper level. Furthermore, to enhance the H2/H∞ control effect, the novel extension control is proposed to adjust the H2/H∞ control signal dynamically according to different domains defined by the vehicle states. To track front wheel angle from the upper level, this study puts forward the fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller for driving the electro-hydraulic steering actuators. The hardware-in-the-loop experiments are performed to demonstrate the hierarchical control theory. The test results indicate that the proposed hierarchical extension H2/H∞ control strategy improves the vehicle cornering stability well, as well as can make the vehicle have better handling stability than conventional H2/H∞ and sliding mode control.

Examining the Use of Public Transportation by Tourists in Ten European Capitals Through the Lens of Hierarchical Leisure Constraints Theory

This study examines tourists’ use of public transportation through the lens of hierarchical leisure constraints theory. Drawing on data collected in 10 European capitals among 5,220 tourists, it aims to provide evidence supporting the relevance of the theory in this research domain, thereby deepening our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tourists’ use of public transportation. Except for the relationship between constraints and negotiation, all hypothesized relationships were statistically significant and aligned with the underlying theory. The multi-group analysis revealed, inter alia, a significant difference between cities with a high public transportation modal split and those with a low modal split in terms of the relationship between constraints and negotiation. Our research suggests that municipal authorities should proactively advocate for and invest in public transportation infrastructure. By prioritizing these modes of transportation, they contribute to a more responsible tourism landscape, preserving the authenticity and cultural richness of destinations for future generations.

Benefits of the Curious Behavior of Bayesian Hierarchical Item Response Theory Models-An in-Depth Investigation and Bias Correction.

When using Bayesian hierarchical modeling, a popular approach for Item Response Theory (IRT) models, researchers typically face a tradeoff between the precision and accuracy of the item parameter estimates. Given the pooling principle and variance-dependent shrinkage, the expected behavior of Bayesian hierarchical IRT models is to deliver more precise but biased item parameter estimates, compared to those obtained in nonhierarchical models. Previous research, however, points out the possibility that, in the context of the two-parameter logistic IRT model, the aforementioned tradeoff has not to be made. With a comprehensive simulation study, we provide an in-depth investigation into this possibility. The results show a superior performance, in terms of bias, RMSE and precision, of the hierarchical specifications compared to the nonhierarchical counterpart. Under certain conditions, the bias in the item parameter estimates is independent of the bias in the variance components. Moreover, we provide a bias correction procedure for item discrimination parameter estimates. In sum, we show that IRT models create a unique situation where the Bayesian hierarchical approach indeed yields parameter estimates that are not only more precise, but also more accurate, compared to nonhierarchical approaches. We discuss this beneficial behavior from both theoretical and applied point of views.

Framing Indonesia’s U20 World Cup Cancellation by Kompas.com and Beritasatu.com

Today’s mass media are entering the age of technology. Mass media generally has a structure that governs policy and social construction. Online mass media news can potentially to establish a significant framework that shapes public opinion. The U20 World Cup cancellation has emerged as a significant political topic. His study aims to analyze how Kompas.com and Beritasatu.com communicated the impact of the 2023 U20 World Cup cancellation in Indonesia. Ganjar Pranowo, a political figure, has emerged as the primary focus due to his anticipated participation in the 2024 elections. The qualitative research method employs the Zhongdang Pan and Gerald Kosicki models and Shoemaker and Reese’s hierarchical theory of media influence. Based on the framing analysis, the researchers discovered that Kompas.com and Beritasatu.com operate within distinct communication frameworks. Kompas.com reported on the consequences of the U20 World Cup’s cancellation, presenting both positive and bad aspects of the news. While Beritasatu.com emphasizes the government’s disappointment, the two media have different perspectives on the same news. On Beritasatu.com, rhetoric in the form of phrases is easy to find. The influence of media hierarchy extends to both media and its opposites. The five levels of hierarchy identify the role of Kompas.com’s gatekeeper in selecting outstanding words to attract attention while Beritasatu.com uses euphemism.

The relevance of hierarchical learning theory of Gagne in Nepal

After the eldest and the only central Tribhuvan University (TU) in Nepal, there are rest sixteen universities out of which some are regional and some other are related to particular stream of higher study. Reportedly in media and from different sources, TU alone is the faith of around eighty percent student of Nepalese students. Despite having science & technical, humanity & social sciences, management, law, agriculture and so on like opportunities of the studies in the Nepalese universities, now-a-days, a trend is in Nepal in the higher education level that the students prefer to go abroad. This is a big question mark on the learning pattern and the content of teaching for the stake holders and the government of Nepal. This research article tries to discuss on the relevant possible learning theory and some current different perspectives of higher education in Nepal from textbook and media sources giving focus on TU, thus, following the qualitative method. This study will help us an opportunity to discuss different learning theories among academic people in Nepal for qualitative teaching to cater the problems of Nepalese learners.

The brain dynamics of visuospatial perspective-taking captured by intracranial EEG

Visuospatial perspective-taking (VPT) is the ability to imagine a scene from a position different from the one used in self-perspective judgments (SPJ). We typically use VPT to understand how others see the environment. VPT requires overcoming the self-perspective, and impairments in this process are implicated in various brain disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. However, the underlying brain areas of VPT are not well distinguished from SPJ-related ones and from domain-general responses to both perspectives. In addition, hierarchical processing theory suggests that domain-specific processes emerge over time from domain-general ones. It mainly focuses on the sensory system, but outside of it, support for this hypothesis is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to spatiotemporally distinguish brain responses domain-specific to VPT from the specific ones to self-perspective, and domain-general responses to both perspectives. In particular, we intended to test whether VPT- and SPJ specific responses begin later than the general ones. We recorded intracranial EEG data from 30 patients with epilepsy who performed a task requiring laterality judgments during VPT and SPJ, and analyzed the spatiotemporal features of responses in the broad gamma band (50–150 Hz). We found VPT-specific processing in a more extensive brain network than SPJ-specific processing. Their dynamics were similar, but both differed from the general responses, which began earlier and lasted longer. Our results anatomically distinguish VPT-specific from SPJ-specific processing. Furthermore, we temporally differentiate between domain-specific and domain-general processes both inside and outside the sensory system, which serves as a novel example of hierarchical processing.

Converter valve state evaluation method based on hierarchical graded fuzzy theory

As the core equipment of the DC power transmission project, the operation status of the converter valve is the key to the safety and stability of the DC system. Existing assessment methods cannot accurately assess the health status of the converter valve in project operation. According to the independence of the function and structure of each component of the converter valve, this paper proposes a converter valve state evaluation method based on hierarchical grading fuzzy theory. The data used are various information characterizing the state of the converter valve, such as voltage, current, sound, image, and other data. According to hierarchical grading, the evaluation index system is constructed. Based on the fuzzy theory, the affiliation function is proposed, and the affiliation probability of four hierarchical states is output for the state evaluation results of the converter valve and its group components. Experiments show that the method improves the accuracy and practicability of converter valve evaluation in engineering sites.

MARKETING IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE SYSTEM OF ENSURING ECONOMIC SECURITY

The main purpose is to characterize the features of marketing in public administration in the system of ensuring economic security. The article defines the marketing system in public administration as the object of research. It has been proved that the necessary scientific task in the framework of our study is to identify and determine the way to counteract the negative factors of the implementation of marketing in public administration in the system of ensuring economic security. The research methodology involves the use of the method of hierarchical analysis and graph theory, which will properly distribute negative factors according to the priority of counteraction. As a result of the study, a model of hierarchical counteraction to the negative influence of factors on the implementation of marketing in public administration in the system of ensuring economic security is presented. The innovativeness of the results obtained is revealed in the form of a proposed methodological approach to counteract the negative influence of factors. The study has a limitation in the form of not taking into account all possible factors that negatively affect the implementation of marketing in public administration in the system of ensuring economic security. Prospects for further research should be devoted to reviewing more factors and challenges facing the public administration system.

Viscoelastic Multiscale Mechanical Indexes for Assessing Liver Fibrosis and Treatment Outcomes.

Understanding liver tissue mechanics, particularly in the context of liver pathologies like fibrosis, cirrhosis, and carcinoma, holds pivotal significance for assessing disease severity and prognosis. Although the static mechanical properties of livers have been gradually studied, the intricacies of their dynamic mechanics remain enigmatic. Here, we characterize the dynamic creep responses of healthy, fibrotic, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-treated fibrotic lives. Strikingly, we unearth a ubiquitous two-stage power-law rheology of livers across different time scales with the exponents and their distribution profiles highly correlated to liver status. Moreover, our self-similar hierarchical theory effectively captures the delicate changes in the dynamical mechanics of livers. Notably, the viscoelastic multiscale mechanical indexes (i.e., power-law exponents and elastic stiffnesses of different hierarchies) and their distribution characteristics prominently vary with liver fibrosis and MSCs therapy. This study unveils the viscoelastic characteristics of livers and underscores the potential of proposed mechanical criteria for assessing disease evolution and prognosis.

A Hierarchical Theory for the Tensile Stiffness of Non-Buckling Fractal-Inspired Interconnects.

The design of non-buckling interconnects with thick sections has gained important applications in stretchable inorganic electronics due to their simultaneous achievement of high stretchability, low resistance, and low heat generation. However, at the same time, such a design sharply increased the tensile stiffness, which is detrimental to the conformal fit and skin comfort. Introducing the fractal design into the non-buckling interconnects is a promising approach to greatly reduce the tensile stiffness while maintaining other excellent performances. Here, a hierarchical theory is proposed for the tensile stiffness of the non-buckling fractal-inspired interconnects with an arbitrary shape at each order, which is verified by the finite element analysis. The results show that the tensile stiffness of the non-buckling fractal-inspired interconnects decreases with the increase in either the height/span ratio or the number of fractal orders but is not highly correlated with the ratio of the two adjacent dimensions. When the ratio of the two adjacent dimensions and height/span ratio are fixed, the tensile stiffness of the serpentine fractal-inspired interconnect is smaller than that of sinusoidal and zigzag fractal-inspired interconnects. These findings are of great significance for the design of non-buckling fractal-inspired interconnects of stretchable inorganic electronics.