Natural Interpretation Research Articles

Life settlement pricing with fuzzy parameters

Existing literature asserts that the growth of life settlement (LS) markets, where they exist, is hampered by limited policyholder participation and suggests that to foster this growth appropriate pricing of LS transactions is crucial. The pricing of LSs relies on quantifying two key variables: the insured's mortality multiplier and the internal rate of return (IRR). However, the available information on these parameters is often scarce and vague. To address this issue, this article proposes a novel framework that models these variables using triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs). This modelling approach aligns with how mortality multiplier and IRR data are typically provided in insurance markets and has the advantage of offering a natural interpretation for practitioners. When both the mortality multiplier and the IRR are represented as TFNs, the resulting LS price becomes a FN that no longer retains the triangular shape. Therefore, the paper introduces three alternative triangular approximations to simplify computations and enhance interpretation of the price. Additionally, six criteria are proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of each approximation method. These criteria go beyond the typical approach of assessing the approximation quality to the FN itself. They also consider the usability and comprehensibility for financial analysts with no prior knowledge of FNs. In summary, the framework presented in this paper represents a significant advancement in LS pricing. By incorporating TFNs, offering several triangular approximations and proposing goodness criteria of them, it addresses the challenges posed by limited and vague data, while also considering the practical needs of industry practitioners.

Paramagnetic radiation-induced radicals in calcium pyrophosphate polymorphs

Calcium pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7) is a promising material for biomedical and optical applications; however, relatively little is documented on the radiation-induced point defects of the material. This study reports on the formation, identity, and properties of X-ray-induced radicals in γ-, β-, and α-polymorphs of Ca2P2O7. Complementary thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques were combined to reveal the effects of ionising radiation on each polymorph. The high temperature polymorphs β-, and α-Ca2P2O7 exhibited diminishing variety and intensity of EPR signals, whereas the opposite trend was observed in the TSL response. TSL glow curves consisted of multiple peaks in the temperature range of 20–350 °C, with maximum emission intensity located at approximately 600 nm. Multiple electronic spin 1/2 paramagnetic centres were identified on the basis of spin-Hamiltonian parameters determined from EPR spectra simulations. Annealing kinetics of the individual paramagnetic centres were determined to provide an interpretation of the complex nature of TSL glow curves. A decrease of the 31P spin-lattice relaxation T1 times after irradiation was detected for all Ca2P2O7 polymorphs. The results highlight the importance of structure, morphology, and synthesis conditions on the formation of charge traps in Ca2P2O7 and expand the knowledge base on the variety of radiation-induced radicals in phosphate materials.

Generalizing probabilistic material implication and Bayesian conditionals

Conditional statements in natural language of the form “if A then B” have multiple interpretations that require different logical treatment. In this paper, we focus on probabilistic “if A then B” rules that are given either a Bayesian interpretation via conditional probabilities P(B|A), or couched as probabilistic material implication. While some have argued that Bayesian conditionals are the correct way to think about such rules, there are challenges with standard inferences such as modus ponens and modus tollens that might make probabilistic material implication a better candidate at times for rule-based systems employing forward-chaining; and arguably material implication is still suitable when information about prior or conditional probabilities is not available at all. We investigate a generalization of probabilistic material implication and Bayesian conditionals that combines the advantages of both formalisms in a systematic way and prove basic properties of the generalized implication, in particular, various bounds as well as properties of inference chains in graphs. And most importantly we provide a novel and natural interpretation of the generalized implication's main parameter.

Interpretation Center for the Revaluation of Flora and Fauna in Cusco, Perú

The purpose of this research is to propose an architectural design for an Interpretation Center aimed at the revaluation of the flora and fauna of Cusco, Peru, in 2023. Due to the lack of awareness spaces, deforestation, water pollution, and the planting of introduced species in the area, there is a loss of endemic flora and fauna. The methodologies used in this study included climatic analysis of the location, characterization of the flora and fauna, and the application of bioclimatic design strategies supported by the use of software (AutoCAD, Revit, and 3D Sun-path). Additionally, urban design strategies were employed based on the Inca worldview and the Sustainable Development Goals. The feasibility of implementing this urban and architectural proposal was compared with other projects such as the Sydney Water Restoration Project and the Ataria Nature Interpretation Center. As a result, an ecological network was designed for the preservation of endemic species. The project also includes green spaces, which account for 51% of the total area. These green spaces will facilitate carbon dioxide absorption and contribute to the revaluation of the Huantanay River and the creation of microclimates in the area.

Wage-Price Spirals

ABSTRACT: We interpret recent inflation experience through the lens of a New Keynesian model with price and wage rigidities and nonlabor inputs in inelastic supply. The model provides a natural interpretation of some features of the recent episode: an initial surge of noncore inflation, followed by a lagged response of core inflation and a further lagged, persistent response of wage inflation. The model also provides a natural way of discussing the role and the strength of wage-price spiral dynamics in price-setting models. The model interprets recent developments as symptoms of underlying supply constraints, which can be triggered by both demand and supply shocks. The immediate manifestation of these constraints is in the relative price of scarce, inelastic nonlabor inputs (including energy). The secondary effects arise because they produce a gap between lowered real wage aspirations of firms—that try to make up for higher nonlabor costs—and increased real wage aspirations of workers—caused by increased labor demand. The gap produces a wage-price spiral, which continues as long as the initial relative scarcity of nonlabor inputs persists, even though input prices are falling. In this view, the fact that nominal wage growth is currently exceeding price inflation can be given a benign interpretation, as a sign of real wages going back to trend and not necessarily as a concern of an ongoing spiral.

Landscape through creative eyes: Strands spun by Doris Lusk, Charles Brasch, Bill Sutton, Lyell Cresswell and David Griffiths

This article explores previously undocumented connections between a group of New Zealand landscape paintings and the resulting poems, music and performance. This unplanned creative sequence, spanning 1964-2008, is the work of significant national cultural figures: Doris Lusk, Charles Brasch, W.A. Sutton, David Griffiths with The Ogen Trio, and Lyell Cresswell with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Questions arise around the meaning of creative interpretations of nature and landscape, the interface between different formats, and challenges in confirming the identity of artworks. The watercolours (several held in major institutions) and poems are reproduced, together with other supporting images and documentation.

Molecular hydrodynamic theory of the velocity autocorrelation function.

The velocity autocorrelation function (VACF) encapsulates extensive information about a fluid's molecular-structural and hydrodynamic properties. We address the following fundamental question: How well can a purely hydrodynamic description recover the molecular features of a fluid as exhibited by the VACF? To this end, we formulate a bona fide hydrodynamic theory of the tagged-particle VACF for simple fluids. Our approach is distinguished from previous efforts in two key ways: collective hydrodynamic modes and tagged-particle self-motion are modeled by linear hydrodynamic equations; the fluid's spatial velocity power spectrum is identified as a necessary initial condition for the momentum current correlation. This formulation leads to a natural physical interpretation of the VACF as a superposition of products of quasinormal hydrodynamic modes weighted commensurately with the spatial velocity power spectrum, the latter of which appears to physically bridge continuum hydrodynamical behavior and discrete-particle kinetics. The methodology yields VACF calculations quantitatively on par with existing approaches for liquid noble gases and alkali metals. Furthermore, we obtain a new, hydrodynamic form of the self-intermediate scattering function whose description has been extended to low densities where the Schmidt number is of order unity; various calculations are performed for gaseous and supercritical argon to support the general validity of the theory. Excellent quantitative agreement is obtained with recent MD calculations for a dense supercritical Lennard-Jones fluid.

Anion-π Interactions: What's in the Name?

The studies of the anion-π interactions advanced during the last two decades from the discussion of the mere existence of this counter-intuitive bonding to its utilization for anion recognition and transport, catalysis, and other applications. Yet, there are substantial differences in the interpretation of nature and the driving forces of anion-π bonding. Most surprisingly, there are still different opinions about the meaning of this term (i. e., which associations can be considered anion-π complexes). After a brief overview of the studies in this area (including early examples of such complexes), we suggested that anion-π bonding occurs when there is evidence of a net attraction between a (close-shell) anion and the face of an electrophilic π-system. This definition encompasses fundamentally similar supramolecular complexes comprising diverse π-systems and anions and its general acceptance would facilitate a discussion of the nature and distinct driving forces of this fascinating interaction.

Further Insights into the Mysteries of the Values of Zeta Functions at Integers

ABSTRACT We present a remarkably simple and surprisingly natural interpretation of the values of zeta functions at negative integers and zero. Namely, we are able to relate these values to areas related to partial sums of powers. We apply these results to further interpretations of values of L-functions at negative integers. We hint in a very brief way at some expected connections of this work with other current efforts to understand the mysteries of the values of zeta functions at integers.

K-Factorizations of the full cycle and generalized Mahonian statistics on k-forests

We develop direct bijections between the set Fnk of minimal factorizations of the long cycle (01⋯kn) into (k+1)-cycle factors and the set Rnk of rooted labelled forests on vertices {1,…,n} with edges coloured with {0,1,…,k−1} that map natural statistics on the former to generalized Mahonian statistics on the latter. In particular, we examine the generalized major index on forests Rnk and show that it has a simple and natural interpretation in the context of factorizations. Our results extend those in [8], which treated the case k=1 through a different approach, and provide a bijective proof of the equidistribution observed by Yan [16] between displacement of k-parking functions and generalized inversions of k-forests.

Expressed Ableism

With increased frequency, reproductive technologies are placing prospective parents in the position of choosing whether to bring a disabled child into the world. The most well-known objection to the act of “selecting against disability” is known as the Expressivist Argument. The argument claims that such acts express a negative or disrespectful message about disabled people and that one has a moral reason to avoid sending such messages. We have two primary aims in this essay. The first is to critically examine the standard Expressivist Argument, which we analyze in terms of the expression of ableist attitudes. We distinguish three interpretations of the argument and argue that each version faces serious objections. Our second aim is to articulate two closely related arguments that also pertain to expressed ableist attitudes. The Expressive Harms Argument maintains that there is a moral reason to avoid actions that give rise to the perception of ableist attitudes in cases where this is likely to have negative consequences for disabled people. The Ableist Motivation Argument speaks against selecting against disability in cases where one would be motivated by ableist attitudes. While these two arguments face various objections, we seek to establish that they are more promising than the most natural interpretations of the Expressivist Argument.

Statistical ensembles and logarithmic corrections to black hole entropy

In this paper, we consider general statistical ensembles and compute logarithmic corrections to the microcanonical entropy resulting due to thermodynamic fluctuations which are controlled by the boundary conditions, i.e. due to choice of ensemble. The framework is applied to the case of non-extremal black holes to give certain logarithmic corrections to the Bekenstein–Hawking entropy. We argue that within the framework of black hole chemistry, where the cosmological constant is identified with bulk pressure, the isoenthalpic-isobaric entropy rather than microcanonical entropy carries a more natural and consistent thermodynamic interpretation as black hole entropy. Logarithmic corrections to both microcanonical and isoenthalpic-isobaric entropies of black holes are computed, and we show that the latter set of corrections in black hole chemistry are of the same form as corrections to the microcanonical entropy in theories where the cosmological constant is not interpreted as a thermodynamic pressure. Finally, we compute logarithmic corrections to entropy in the framework of holographic black hole chemistry. We emphasize upon the choice of statistical ensemble, both in the bulk and on the boundary, in order to have a consistent comparison between them. The corrections studied in this paper are distinct from those obtained from Euclidean quantum gravity.

조선 후기 학문 지형과 경전 해석의 변화

The change in international order in East Asia in the late Joseon Dynasty made it difficult to fully accept the Chinese-centered world order. Joseon claimed to be precious as a bearer of civilization, putting the Chunchudaeui(春秋大義) and the Jonjuron(尊周論). Joseon’s Sinocentrism centered on culture, brought about changes in the academic landscape. With a sense of crisis for Dohak(道學) and Dotong(道統), he deepened the dogmatic harmony of Neo- Confucianism, and the study centered on the theory of mind formed a trend. The psychological development of Neo-Confucianism in the late Joseon Dynasty aimed at establishing the moral subject, and in the process of constructing the thesis for each school, the interpretation of the scriptures was developed. On the other hand, a group of intellectuals who experienced the Qing Dynasty’s cultural and property system crossed the ideological boundary of Huai(華夷) and promoted Bukhak(北學), which prioritized people's livelihood and practical use. In particular, Hong Dae-yong’s cultural pluralistic perspective, which discussed the relativity of culture at the cosmic level, led to a re-evaluation of the value of Joseon's history and culture, and opened the way for Silhak based on sincerity. In addition, the change in the interpretation of the scriptures also showed the influence of Yangming Studies while re-questioning the origin of advanced Confucianism. Jeong Yak-yong took the method of interpreting the scriptures with the scriptures, but added his own views. The vast academic achievements did not stop at empirically arranging previous commentaries, but went on to a new interpretation of human nature. On the other hand, Choi Han-gi understood the change of academics in the past as the accumulation of empirical knowledge, and showed originality by taking the existing real world as a scripture, not a literal scripture. For Choi Han-gi, the scriptures were not texts and books, but rather the real world in motion. The thinking system of Unhwa and Gihak, which integrates the universe, nature and human beings, underpins this. Although Jeong Yak-yong and Choi Han-ki's understanding of the scriptures was different, a hermeneutical approach to the scriptures could be a path to explore the philosophical characteristics of both, who were distinguished in the academic landscape of the late Joseon Dynasty.

Old English terminological word-complexes in natural philosophic worldview (exemplified by terms of astronomy)

The research focuses on the study of terminological word-complexes in Old English. Following a complex multidisciplinary approach, it addresses the linguistic evidence from the viewpoint of terminology, phraseology and linguoculturology. The article analyzes the role of terminological word- complexes from the Anglo-Saxon Manual of Astronomy in the semiotic segment of natural philosophy in the Pre-Norman linguistic community of England. The research is conducted mainly within the framework of linguocultural approach. The 27 terminological word-complexes under analysis belong to the sphere of theoretical and observational astronomy and are taken from the text of the 10th century Anglo-Saxon Manual of Astronomy. The system of methods includes analysis of dictionary definitions, componential analysis, phraseological identification, contextual analysis, etc. The research proceeds from the assumption that Old English astronomic terms subsume culturally significant information on the Early Medieval prescientific worldview. Most terms are substantive phrases denoting heavenly bodies and their characteristics, peculiarities of the Universe’s physical structure, and events of the astronomic calendar. A number of inherent characteristics, such as recurrence of use and metaphoric transformation of the components’ semantics allow for treating the terminological word-complexes as phraseological entities. The entirety of word-complexes falls into two groups of word-combinations of idiomatic and phraseomatiс type. The research consecutively puts to scrutiny the terminological word-complexes verbalizing the concepts ‘heavenly body’, ‘outer space’, and ‘orbital rotation’. Attention is paid to the volume and character of culturally significant information conveyed by the astronomical terms in context and demonstrating the natural philosophical interpretation of the physical world structure as different from the modern scientific views. A conclusion is made that further research of phraseologically bound terminological word-complexes pertaining to various spheres of knowledge is needed to reconstruct the complete picture of natural philosophic worldview for the benefit of phraseology, terminology, linguoculturology and history of English.

Is this work? Revisiting the definition of work in the 21st century

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to specify the perceived outdated nature and lack of definitional clarity associated with the concept of work and further to outline that the nature of work has dramatically changed in the 21st century, while definitions of work referenced in research remain those that were dominant in the previous century. Lastly, the study aimed to propose an updated conceptualisation and definition of work to aid future research.Design/methodology/approachA scoping literature review was adopted as the methodology guiding the study. A scoping review is particularly suited to identifying the conceptual boundaries on a given multi-disciplinary topic and is used to map the key concepts underpinning a research area as well as to clarify working definitions.FindingsNine main themes underpinning the concept of work were extracted from the extant literature. These were assimilated with contemporary literature across multiple disciplines. Contexts of work as they relate to dimensions of work and workspace are developed and visualised. A proposed contemporary definition of work is presented.Research limitations/implicationsThe aim of the study was to address the problem with current and future research continuing to refer to traditional conceptualisations of work, while the nature of work has dramatically changed. The findings are preliminary and intended to stimulate further discourse towards a greater consensus of a definition. The implications of proposing an updated definition of work is that it is intended to better inform future research reflective of its multi-disciplinary and significantly changed nature.Practical implicationsThe implications to practice are the main impetus of this study. The authors found that research associated with work was being confounded by traditional and outdated interpretations, excluding alternative forms of work or not recognising its multi-dimensionality. It is proposed by the paper that an updated conceptualisation of the nature of work in this era, as it is reflected across disciplines and practice, would positively contribute to the understanding, management and conceptualisation of work in practice.Originality/valueA systematic literature review across disciplines of the definition of work will reveal the outdated nature and disparate interpretation of the concept of work. An inclusive, multi-disciplinary and contemporary definition of work has not been suggested. This scoping review was conducted to address this problem and gap in the literature. Further, this paper presents a multi-dimensional and spatial conceptualisation of work that is proposed to better inform future research and practice associated with work.

The Everything-Is-a-Quantum-Wave Interpretation of Quantum Physics

In this paper, I would like to outline what I think is the most natural interpretation of quantum mechanics. By natural, I simply mean that it requires the least amount of excess baggage and that it is universal in the sense that it can be consistently applied to all the observed phenomena, including the universe as a whole. I call it the “Everything is a Quantum Wave” Interpretation (EQWI) because I think this is a more appropriate name than the Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI). The paper explains why this is so.

An entropy-based measure of correlation for time series

In this paper, an information-based measure of association between time series, called information-based correlation coefficient (ICC), is introduced to potentially overcome some of the problems related to Pearson's correlation coefficient and other commonly used coefficients. The ICC, besides its simple definition, seems to have other interesting advantages over traditional correlation coefficients, such as a more natural interpretation in terms of the reciprocal informativeness between two series, higher reliability for independent white noise, Student's t, and AR(1) processes, higher reliability in the presence of spurious correlation and outliers, and a well-developed mathematical theory based on entropy. The ICC can also detect a number of nonlinear relationships, although it may not be equitable and general. Moreover, the ICC can be computed also for ordinal data, and it offers higher reliability for independent ordinal-valued time series. Monte Carlo simulations, applications to real data, properties of the estimator and asymptotics under independence are also discussed in this paper. In particular, the paper includes applications to signal processing, chaotic time series, macroeconomic and weather data.

Research on Aesthetic Orientation of painting themes of Lingnan Temple Monks in Ming and Qing Dynasties

Monk painting is an important part of Chinese painting art and a unique cultural phenomenon in Chinese art history. Monks in successive dynasties have made great achievements in landscape painting, figures, flowers and animals. These eminent monks who have entered the Buddhist gate often have a deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture, a more thorough insight, understanding and interpretation of human and nature, and a more lofty perspective. Their works are obviously different from other kinds of paintings. The selection of painting themes is not random, but careful consideration based on life experience and emotional expression. They not only contain the artist's clever conception of objective objects, but also embody rich emotion and aesthetic consciousness. In the study of the aesthetic orientation of the painting themes of Lingnan monks in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the elements and means commonly used in the paintings of monks can be regarded as a form of the use of image symbols. This paper will try to use the research method of image semiotics to analyze its theme orientation from the perspective of painting specialty, trying to clarify the unique artistic features of the paintings of Lingnan monks in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and then reveal the uniqueness of the theme orientation of the paintings of Lingnan monks in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

What drives cryptocurrency returns? A sparse statistical jump model approach

We apply the statistical sparse jump model, a recently developed, interpretable and robust regime-switching model, to infer key features that drive the return dynamics of the largest cryptocurrencies. The algorithm jointly performs feature selection, parameter estimation, and state classification. Our large set of candidate features are based on cryptocurrency, sentiment and financial market-based time series that have been identified in the emerging literature to affect cryptocurrency returns, while others are new. In our empirical work, we demonstrate that a three-state model best describes the dynamics of cryptocurrency returns. The states have natural market-based interpretations as they correspond to bull, neutral, and bear market regimes, respectively. Using the data-driven feature selection methodology, we are able to determine which features are important and which ones are not. In particular, out of the set of candidate features, we show that first moments of returns, features representing trends and reversal signals, market activity and public attention are key drivers of crypto market dynamics.

The Fractal Approach in the Biomimetic Urban Design: Le Corbusier and Patrick Schumacher

Biomimetic design process approaches have been emphasized systematically as a result of works among disciplines of current technology and biological science. In order to find solutions for a decrease in biodiversity, pollution, and issues of the ecosystem, the nature experience shows itself in areas of biomimetic products, architecture, and urban designs in which nature-focused invasions are basically being imitated. Nature-focused designs have set their own framework by examining forms of different nature dynamics (scale, function, formation process) by presenting a sustainable environment. It can be seen that designs are made real by adhering to the resolution of forms, understanding, and interpretation of nature and by embracing fractal designs with the effort of creating a sustainable environment. In this study, emphasis was placed on revealed nature-based design approaches. The article addresses biomimetic design processes, reveals the role of fractal parameters in the design process, and examines the use of biomimetic approaches. By drawing attention to the importance of studying and understanding these internal dynamics, the contribution of natural inspiration and fractal concepts to the design process is examined. We examine research related to the concept of biomimetics, creation/development of conceptual proposals, and analysis of the established theoretical proposal through selected urban design examples in order to determine the respective overlaps between these areas. Our study takes the form of an analysis of the formal organization of living things together with a formal analysis focusing on the design principles. We try to analyze the design principles and the changes in the principles, and discuss the resulting data within the framework of these concepts. The urban designs of Le Corbusier and Patrick Schumacher, who are important names of the 20th century, were examined in line with the findings obtained in terms of biomimesis levels, namely, the organism level, behavior level, ecosystem level, and functional level. Comparisons of urban design approaches are made using the meta-analysis method with respect to findings obtained as a result of an examination of the golden ratio, modular system, fractal, and parameter concepts of urban design. For this reason, when the fractal concept, which is one of the dynamics of biomimetic-oriented nature, is handled with biomimetic levels and its contribution to the design processes is investigated, we are able to determine that it has important parameters in terms of sustainability. This study aims to contribute to the field of industrial products and urban design disciplines in architectural design.