Multi-period Structure Research Articles

Surface plasmon resonance biosensor with anti-crossing modulation readout

A novel approach to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors providing simplified label-free monitoring of biomolecular affinity binding events is reported. It is based on the interrogation of anti-crossing surface plasmon modes traveling along opposite interfaces of a thin metal film on the top of a tailored multi-periodic grating structure. It allows for diffraction-based backside excitation of surface plasmons without the need of optical matching of the sensor chip to a prism and it allows avoiding of optical probing through the analyzed liquid sample. In conjunction with low angular dispersion of resonantly excited surface plasmon modes, it provides sensitive and versatile optical interrogation of SPR changes associated with biomolecular binding-induced refractive index variations. Direct readout with a fiber optic probe, as well as multi-channel configuration compatible with regular SPR readers, is implemented with the use of sensor chips prepared by mass production-compatible UV-nanoimprint lithography. The potential of the reported SPR sensor chips is illustrated by its ability to characterize affinity interaction of antibodies specific to cancer biomarker CSPG4 on antifouling mixed thiolated self-assembled monolayer with zwitterionic carboxybetaine and sulfobetaine headgroups.

Description of multi-periodic signals generated by complex systems: NOCFASS - New possibilities of the Fourier analysis

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>Here, we show how to extend the possibilities of the conventional F-analysis and adapt it for quantitative description of multi-periodic signals recorded from different complex systems. The basic idea lies in filtration property of the Dirichlet function that allows finding the leading frequencies (having the predominant amplitudes) and the shortcut frequency band allows to fit the initial random signal with high accuracy (with the value of the relative error less than 5%). This modification defined as NOCFASS-approach (Non-Orthogonal Combined Fourier Analysis of the Smoothed Signals) can be applied to a wide class of different signals having multi-periodic structure. We want to underline here that the shortcut frequency dispersion has linear dependence <inline-formula><tex-math id="M1">\begin{document}$ \Omega_{k} = c.k+d $\end{document}</tex-math></inline-formula> that differs from the conventional dispersion accepted in the conventional Fourier transformation <inline-formula><tex-math id="M2">\begin{document}$ \omega(k) = \frac{2\pi k}{T} $\end{document}</tex-math></inline-formula>. (<i>T</i> is a period of the initial signal). With the help of integration procedure one can extract a low-frequency trend from trendless sequences that allows to applying the NOCFASS approach for calculation of the desired amplitude-frequency response (AFR) from different "noisy" random sequences. In order to underline the multi-periodic structure of random signals under analysis we consider two nontrivial examples. (a) The peculiarities of the AFR associated with Weierstrass-Mandelbrot function. (b) The random behavior of the voltammograms (VAGs) background measured for an electrochemical cell with one active electrode. We do suppose that the proposed NOCFASS-approach having new attractive properties as the simplicity of realization, agility to the problem formulated will find a wide propagation in the modern signal processing area.</p>

Estimating Perspectives of Oil and Gas in New Strata in the Southern and Surrounding Dayangshu Basin

On the basis of elaborating on the regional geological background, this paper analyzes the lithological and sedimentary characteristics and explorative prospects of new strata with oil and gas in the southern and surrounding areas of Dayangshu Basin. Based on the latest high-precision airborne gravity and magnetic comprehensive survey data, combined with the latest data from geological explorations, physical surveys, and drilling, and the use of basin structure layering combination methods, we clarified the characteristics of the bottom of the Jurassic–Cretaceous and the occurrence characteristics of the Upper Paleozoic in the study area and revealed the determinative effect of multi-period structures on the most important sedimentary layers. Then, we summarized the accumulation conditions and prediction methods of hydrocarbons and proposed the oil and gas prospects of these deep new strata. The results show that the Liuhe Sag in Dayangshu Basin, the depression in the northeast of Longjiang Basin, and the northern parts of the Taikang swell have good source–reservoir–cap combination conditions and favorable structural characteristics for oil and gas, where there is a high potential for exploration.

Mathematical modeling of acoustic wave propagation in elastic materials with multi-periodic hierarchical structure of heterogeneities

An asymptotic homogenization procedure is applied for acoustic waves' propagation in heterogeneous elastic medium with multi-periodic hierarchical structure of heterogeneities. We assume the existence of two periodic cells with characteristic sizes l_2 and l_1 respectfully. The ratio ε=l_2/l_1 is considered to be small and of the same order of magnitude as the ratio l_1/L, where L is the macroscopic characteristic size of a system. The solution of the problem will be largely determined by the relation between the wavelength λ and the characteristic sizes of the system. For the case when λ/l_1 ~1 we derive homogenized macroscopic equation for the displacement and obtain approximations to the displacement and frequency. Several illustrative examples are considered to show the effect of peculiarities of the structure on two different spacial scales on energy distribution in propagating wave.

Two-stage stochastic programming model and algorithm for mitigating supply disruption risk on aircraft manufacturing supply chain network design

Establishing business relationships with upstream supply enterprise is one of the features in aircraft manufacturing supply chain, given the long lead-time and high value-added components for airframe manufacturing. For the characteristics of multi-echelon, parallel modules, and multi-period structure in the aircraft manufacturing industry, the supply chain network design problem and the strategy of risk mitigation are investigated under uncertain supply disruption risk in this paper. The decisions for supplier selection, strategic partnership establishment and quantities of production and transportation for manufacturing components should be optimized under the uncertain supply disruptions. Therefore, a two-stage stochastic programming model is formulated. The overall objective is to minimize the cost of business relation establishment with upstreaming supply enterprises, production cost, inventory cost, transportation cost, as well as the penalty cost for unsatisfied demand under the environment of supply chain disruption risk. Given the structure of the mathematical model and the difficulties in resolving large-scale problem in practical situations, an improved Benders decomposition algorithm incorporating heuristic searching mechanism is designed to enhance the computational efficiency. The computational results manifest the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in view of accuracy and efficiency of convergence, which brings practical values to aircraft manufacturing industry in handling supply risk.

High resolution X-ray diffraction study in InAs/GaSb superlattice

In our experiment, the high-resolution X-ray diffraction rocking curves and AFM morphology of InAs/GaSb superlattices with different periods, thicknesses and soaked time are studied, which were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. We get the structural parameters of high-quality InAs/GaSb superlattices. During the growth process, the short-period InAs/GaSb superlattice has larger root mean square roughness than the long period, poor surface uniformity and weak stress release ability. The use of multi-period structure can better overcome stress and mismatch, the X-ray diffraction peak is modulated due to the change of InAs layer thickness and GaSb layer thickness. Through the position and distribution of diffraction peak, the strain characteristics of superlattice structure can be obtained, and then the regulation of energy band structure and shape of high-quality InAs/GaSb superlattice can be realized, which indicates good perspective for multi-period structure devices.

Multiperiod Portfolio Procurement Problem With Option Contracts

A multiperiodic structure always underlies the procurement problem in practice. Option contracts are widely used to make a firm capable of responding flexibly to high demand uncertainty. However, so far, the impact of different option contracts on the multiperiod decisions and performance of a firm has been not discussed. Motivated by this problem, in this paper we analyze the multiperiod procurement problem within the framework of wholesale price, call, put, and bidirectional option contracts. Based on the dynamic programming theory, we characterize the structure of the firm's optimal replenishment policy for each period in four cases. We then develop a heuristic to approximate the corresponding policy parameters. Through system comparisons of four cases, we examine the value of option contracts for the firm and discuss the best option contract type for the firm. The results show that the firm will gain higher profits after the option contracts are introduced. Moreover, if the unit purchase and exercise costs of the bidirectional option are equal to those of the unilateral option, then bidirectional option contracts are preferred over unilateral option contracts. If the unit purchase cost of the bidirectional option is higher than that of the unilateral option, unilateral option contracts may be more profitable than bidirectional option contracts. Furthermore, if the unit backlogging cost is high and the unit inventory holding cost is low, call option contracts are better than put option contracts; if the unit backlogging cost is low and the unit inventory holding cost is high, then put option contracts work better than call option contracts.

Financial incentives to poor countries promote net emissions reductions in multilateral climate agreements

Financial incentives to poor countries promote net emissions reductions in multilateral climate agreements

Energy flux optimization in 1D multiperiodic four-component photonic crystals

The results of theoretical and numerical studies of finite one-dimensional (1D) three-periodic photonic crystals of the structure [(ab)3(cd)3]3, consisting of four different materials (dielectric oxides Al2O3, SiO 2, TiO 2, and ZrO 2) are presented. We study the transmittivity spectra and partial energy fluxes of the TE- and TM-modes in the range of 1–5 μm in the vicinity of the first photonic bandgap depending on the incidence angle and frequency of light. The obtained results can be used to create precise polarization-sensitive devices for an input–output of the radiation into an optical fiber. The optimization of the considered multiperiodic structures has been achieved at the telecommunication wavelength 1.55 μm both by changing incidence angle and adjusting the topology (i.e. thicknesses of the constituent layers). We discuss a principle of a new type of polarization splitter on the basis of three-periodic photonic crystal.

Modelling a multi-period production process: Evidence from the Japanese regional banks

This paper applies the additive relational network DEA model to examine the multi-period efficiency and productivity of Regional Banks I and II in Japan between 2002 and 2017. The examined timeframe covers two turbulent periods; the Global Financial Crisis and the economic recession in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. We extend the additive relational network DEA model into a multi-period structure in order to evaluate the overall efficiency for the time period in question, as well as the annual period efficiencies. We show that the overall efficiency can be expressed as a weighted average of the period efficiencies. In addition, we examine the implications of different returns to scale assumptions. The newly proposed model is able to calculate common-weight Malmquist Productivity Indices. The results reveal a dispersion of inefficiency levels for Japanese Regional Banks in general, and a difference between Regional Banks I and II in particular. Furthermore, the Global Financial Crisis caused a significant negative effect on the productivity growth and the technical progress of Japanese Regional Banks, while the Great East Japan Earthquake had a negative effect on the technical efficiency change.

A coordinated scheduling problem for the supply chain in a flexible job shop machine environment

In this study, a new coordinated scheduling problem is proposed for the multi-stage supply chain network. A multi-product and multi-period supply chain structure has been developed, including a factory, warehouses, and customers. Furthermore, the flexible job shop scheduling problem is integrated into the manufacturing part of the supply chain network to make the structure more comprehensive. In the proposed problem, each product includes a sequence of operations and is processed on a set of multi-functional machines at the factory to produce the final product. Final products are delivered to the warehouses to meet customers’ demands. If the demands of customers are not fulfilled, the shortage in the form of backorder may occur at any period. The problem is expressed as a bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. The first objective function is to minimize the total supply chain costs. On the other hand, the second objective function aims to minimize the makespan in all periods. A numerical example is presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed MILP model. Five multi-objective decision-making (MODM) methods, namely weighted sum, goal programming, goal attainment, LP metric, and max–min, are used to provide different alternative solutions to the decision-makers. The performance of the methods is evaluated according to both objective function values and CPU time criteria. In order to select the best solution technique, the displaced ideal solution method is applied. The results reveal that the weighted sum method is the best among all MODM methods.

Decomposition methods for large-scale network expansion problems

Network expansion problems are a special class of multi-period network design problems in which arcs can be opened gradually in different time periods but can never be closed. Motivated by practical applications, we focus on cases where demand between origin-destination pairs expands over a discrete time horizon. Arc opening decisions are taken in every period, and once an arc is opened it can be used throughout the remaining horizon to route several commodities. Our model captures a key timing trade-off: the earlier an arc is opened, the more periods it can be used for, but its fixed cost is higher, since it accounts not only for construction but also for maintenance over the remaining horizon. An overview of practical applications indicates that this trade-off is relevant in various settings. For the capacitated variant, we develop an arc-based Lagrange relaxation, combined with local improvement heuristics. For uncapacitated problems, we develop four Benders decomposition formulations and show how taking advantage of the problem structure leads to enhanced algorithmic performance. We then utilize real-world and artificial networks to generate 1080 instances, with which we conduct a computational study. Our results demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithms. Notably, for uncapacitated problems we are able to solve instances with 2.5 million variables to optimality in less than two hours of computing time. Finally, we provide insights into how instance characteristics influence the multi-period structure of solutions.

A slacks-based measure approach for efficiency decomposition in multi-period two-stage systems

Two-stage production systems are often encountered in many real applications where the production process is divided into two processes. In contrast to the conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, two-stage DEA models take the operations of the internal processes into account. A number of studies have used two-stage DEA models in order to evaluate the performance of decision making units (DMUs) having a network structure. In this paper, we use a non-radial DEA model called the network slacks-based measure (NSBM) model to measure the efficiency of a system with a multi-period two-stage structure. Then we describe the properties of the proposed model in details. Moreover, we shall decompose the overall efficiency of the system over a number of time periods as a weighted average of the efficiency in each period. The efficiency of the stages, in respect to the entire periods shall be decomposed in terms of the weighted average efficiency of the stages in each period. Finally, the real data of Mellat bank branches in Tehran extracted from extant literature is used to illustrate the proposed approach.

Continuous-wave stability and multipulse structures in a universal complex Ginzburg–Landau model for passively mode-locked lasers with a saturable absorber

The stability of continuous waves and the dynamics of multipulse structures are studied theoretically for a generic model of passively mode-locked fiber lasers with arbitrary nonlinearity. The model is characterized by a complex Ginzburg–Landau equation with a nonlinear term I m / ( 1 + Γ I ) n , where I is the field intensity, m and n are real numbers, and Γ is the saturation power. Fixed-point solutions of the governing equations reveal an interesting loci of singular points in the amplitude-frequency plane consisting of zero, one, or two fixed points, depending on the values of m and n . The continuous-wave stability is analyzed within the framework of the modulational-instability theory, and the results demonstrate a bifurcation in the continuous-wave amplitude growth rate and propagation constant characteristic of multiperiodic wave structures. In the full nonlinear regime, these multiperiodic wave structures turn out to be multipulse trains, unveiled via numerical simulations of the model nonlinear equation, the rich variety of which is highlighted by considering different combinations of values for the pair ( m , n ). The results are consistent with previous analyses of the dynamics of multipulse structures in several contexts of passively mode-locked lasers with a saturable absorber, as well as with predictions about the existence of multipulse structures and bound-state solitons in optical fibers with strong optical nonlinearity, such as cubic-quintic and saturable nonlinearities.

Continuous-time limits of multi-period cost-of-capital margins

Abstract We consider multi-period cost-of-capital valuation of a liability cash flow subject to repeated capital requirements that are partly financed by capital injections from capital providers with limited liability. Limited liability means that, in any given period, the capital provider is not liable for further payment in the event that the capital provided at the beginning of the period turns out to be insufficient to cover both the current-period payments and the updated value of the remaining cash flow. The liability cash flow is modeled as a continuous-time stochastic process on [ 0 , T ] {[0,T]} . The multi-period structure is given by a partition of [ 0 , T ] {[0,T]} into subintervals, and on the corresponding finite set of times, a discrete-time cost-of-capital-margin process is defined. Our main objective is the analysis of existence and properties of continuous-time limits of discrete-time cost-of-capital-margin processes corresponding to a sequence of partitions whose meshes tend to zero. Moreover, we provide explicit expressions for the limit processes when cash flows are given by Itô diffusions and processes with independent increments.

Inventory routing for the last mile delivery of humanitarian relief supplies

Fast and equitable distribution of the humanitarian relief supplies is key to the success of relief operations. Delayed and inequitable deliveries can result in suffering of affected people and loss of lives. In this study, we analyze the routing operations for the delivery of relief supplies from a distribution center to the dispensing sites. We assume that the relief supplies to be distributed arrive at the distribution center in batches and are consumed at the dispensing sites with a certain daily rate. When forming delivery schedules, we use the ratio of the inventory to the daily consumption rate at the dispensing sites as our decision criterion. This ratio is called the slack and can be considered as the safety stock (when positive) in case of a delay in the deliveries. Negative value for the slack means the dispensing site has stock-outs. Our objective is to maximize the minimum value of this slack among all dispensing sites. This is equivalent to maximizing the minimum safety stock or minimizing the maximum duration of the stock-outs. Due to multi-period structure of the problem, it is modeled as a variant of the Inventory Routing Problem. To address the problem, we propose a general framework which includes clustering, routing and improvement steps. The proposed framework considers the interdependence between all three types of decisions (clustering, routing and resource allocation) and makes the decisions in an integrated manner. We test the proposed framework on randomly generated instances and compare its performance against the benchmark algorithms in the literature. The proposed framework not only outperforms the benchmark algorithms by at least 1% less optimality gap but also provides high-quality solutions with around 2–3% optimality gaps.

One-dimensional multiperiodic photonic structures: A new route in photonics (four-component media)

We study the transmittivity spectra of one-dimensional finite three-periodic photonic crystals of the structure [(ab)N(cd)M]K composed of four different layers a, b, c, and d being dielectric oxides Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, and ZrO2, respectively. We analyze modification of the transmittivity spectra of near-infrared electromagnetic waves of the TE and TM polarizations in the vicinity of the photonic bandgaps with variations of the sub-cell numbers N and M and super-cell number K, the incidence angle, and the order of the layers in the structure. We propose the classification of three-periodic photonic crystals by the magnitude and sign of the optical contrast between the layers in pairs (ab) and (cd) forming the sub-cells and discuss common spectral properties as well as their differences in these structures.

A Theory of Multiperiod Debt Structure

Abstract We develop a theory of multiperiod debt structure. A simple trade-off between the termination threat required to make debt repayments incentive compatible and the desire to avoid early liquidation determines the number of repayments, their timing, and amounts. As firms increase their borrowing, they add periodic risky repayments from the back of the maturity structure, with the time between repayments increasing in cash-flow risk. Cash-flow growth or a significant risk-free cash-flow component limits the number of risky repayments. Firms with a significant risk-free cash-flow component choose dispersed maturity profiles with smaller, relatively safe repayments every period, rather than riskier periodic repayments. Received May 31, 2017; editorial decision October 8, 2018 by Editor Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh.

Multiperiod structure of electroweak phase transition in the 3-3-1-1 model

The electroweak phase transition (EWPT) is considered in the framework of 3-3-1-1 model for Dark Matter. The phase structure within three or two periods is approximated for the theory with many vacuum expectation values (VEVs) at TeV and Electroweak scales. In the mentioned model, there are two pictures. The first picture containing two periods of EWPT, has a transition $SU(3) \rightarrow SU(2)$ at 6 TeV scale and another is $SU(2) \rightarrow U(1)$ transition which is the like-standard model EWPT. The second picture is an EWPT structure containing three periods, in which two first periods are similar to those of the first picture and another one is the symmetry breaking process of $U(1)_N$ subgroup. Our study leads to the conclusion that EWPTs are the first order phase transitions when new bosons are triggers and their masses are within range of some TeVs. Especially, in two pictures, the maximum strength of the $SU(2) \rightarrow U(1)$ phase transition is equal to 2.12 so this EWPT is not strong. Moreover, neutral fermions, which are candidates for Dark Matter and obey the Fermi-Dirac distribution, can be a negative trigger for EWPT. However, they do not make lose the first-order EWPT at TeV scale. Furthermore, in order to be the strong first-order EWPT at TeV scale, the symmetry breaking processes must produce more bosons than fermions or the mass of bosons must be much larger than that of fermions.

The application of a non-doped composite hole transport layer of [MoO3/CBP] n with multi-periodic structure for high power efficiency organic light-emitting diodes.

A non-doped multi-periodic structure of composite hole transport layer of [MoO3/CBP]n was applied to organic light-emitting diodes. All devices with such hole transport layers showed low turn-on voltage of about 3 V, ultra-high luminance of >110 000 cd m−2, high current efficiency of >50 cd A−1, and high EQE of more than 15%. The optimized device exhibited power efficiency increase of 66% and 18% relative to the single periodic and doped structure OLEDs. The achievement of the reduced driving voltage and improved power efficiency can be attributed to the significantly enhanced hole injection and transport induced by the multi-periodic structure of composite hole transport layer, which was demonstrated via a series of hole-only devices. For improved hole injection and transport mechanism, we also provided a detailed discussion in combination with atomic force microscopy measurements.