Qualitative Behavior Research Articles

Reversibility of elementary cellular automata with fully asynchronous updating: An analysis of the rules with partial recurrence

Reversibility is a well-studied property for deterministic cellular automata but it is only partially explored when randomness appears in the update or in the transitions. Here, we present a detailed study of 21 finite-size elementary cellular automata with a fully asynchronous updating and periodic boundary conditions. We estimate their degree of reversibility by counting the number of recurrent configurations as a function of the size of the automaton (number of cells). We show that these rules exhibit various qualitative behaviours: some rules show a “strong reversibility” with a number of recurrent configurations that grows exponentially, while other rules have a “weak reversibility” with a linear growth. We also analyse the structure of the communication graph and report various scaling relations for the number of recurrent communication classes. We identify the cases where the divisibility of the size by 2 or 3 introduces some discontinuities in the behaviour. This study completes the characterisation of the 256 elementary cellular automata with regard to their recurrence properties.

Moment of inertia and compactness of quark stars within the context of f(R, T, L m ) gravity

Within the metric formalism of f(R, T, L m ) gravity theories, we investigate the hydrostatic equilibrium structure of compact stars taking into account both isotropic and anisotropic pressure. For this purpose, we focus on the f(R, T, L m ) = R + α TL m model, where α is a free parameter. We derive the modified TOV equations and the relativistic moment of inertia in the slowly rotating approximation. Using an equation of state (EoS) for color-superconducting quark stars, we examine the effects of the α TL m term on the different macroscopic properties of these stars. Our results reveal that the decrease of the parameter α leads to a noticeable increase in the maximum-mass values. For negative α with sufficiently small ∣α∣, we obtain a qualitative behavior similar to the general relativistic (GR) context, namely, it is possible to obtain a critical stellar configuration such that the mass reaches its maximum. However, for sufficiently large values of ∣α∣ keeping negative α, the critical point cannot be found on the mass-radius diagram. We also find that the inclusion of anisotropic pressure can provide masses and radii quite consistent with the current observational measurements, which opens an outstanding window onto the physics of anisotropic quark stars. By comparing the I − C relations of isotropic quark stars in modified gravity, we show that such a correlation remains almost unchanged as the parameter α varies from GR counterpart. On the other hand, given a fixed α, the I − C relation is insensitive to variations of the anisotropy parameter β to O(4%) .

Will the white blood cells tell? A potential novel tool to assess broiler chicken welfare.

This study assessed qualitative and quantitative leukocyte evaluation as potential broiler chicken welfare indicators, contributing to the limited literature on white blood cell (WBC) morphology as a diagnostic tool for welfare. Broiler chicken welfare within four poultry houses (PH) 1 to 4, each on a different farm, was assessed using on-field indicators of affective states and health, and WBC morphology was examined. Affective states were evaluated using the Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA), with 25 behavioral expressions scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and grouped into two categories. Health indicators included assessments of lameness, footpad dermatitis, dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas, hock burn, and feather cleaning. Blood samples were collected, differential leukocyte counts were performed, and a cell score was created for the recognition, classification, and interpretation of morphologic diversity of heterophils and lymphocytes. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L) was also determined. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models for binomial responses were used to analyze the results. PH4 differed from the other farms, showing a higher frequency of birds within QBA group 1 ('Attentive'to 'Desperate'), while birds in PH1, PH2, and PH3 were more frequent in QBA group 2 ('Relaxed' to 'Positively occupied'). Elevated proportions of heterophils in birds from PH4 (0.61, CI95%: 0.58; 0.64) and PH3 (0.60, CI95%: 0.57; 0.63) suggested higher stress levels and inflammatory responses. Birds in PH2 and PH4 exhibited higher frequencies of health issues such as dermatitis and lameness, and higher proportions of abnormalities in WBC number and morphology. PH3 and PH4 exhibited higher H/L ratios of 3.03 and 2.58, respectively, consistent with the on-field health and behavioral indicators. Blood samples from birds in PH2 and PH4 showed a proportion of 90% toxic change in heterophils, while in PH1 and PH3 it was 70%, indicating high levels of abnormal WBC morphology across all PHs. The findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of welfare impairments, including environmental conditions, health, and affective states. This highlights the need for indicators that reflect multiple welfare impacts, such as WBC counts and morphological alterations, which can serve as powerful tools in the complex task of assessing animal welfare.

Tipping points, multistability, and stochasticity in a two-dimensional traffic network dynamics

Mitigating traffic jams is a critical step for the betterment of the urban transportation system, which comprises a large number of interconnected routes to form an intricate network. To understand distinct features of vehicular traffic flow on a network, a macroscopic two-dimensional traffic network model is proposed incorporating intra-nodal and inter-nodal vehicular interaction. Utilizing the popular techniques of nonlinear dynamics, we investigate the impact of different parameters like occupancy, entry rates, and exit rates of vehicles. The existence of saddle-node, Hopf, homoclinic, Bogdanov–Takens, and cusp bifurcations have been shown using single or biparametric bifurcation diagrams. The occurrences of different multistability (bistability/tristability) phenomena, stochastic switching, and critical transitions are explored in detail. Further, we calculate the possibility of achieving each alternative state using the basin stability metric to characterize multistability. In addition, critical transitions from free flow to congestion are identified at different magnitudes of stochastic fluctuations. The applicability of critical slowing down based generic indicators, e.g., variance, lag-1 autocorrelation, skewness, kurtosis, and conditional heteroskedasticity are investigated to forewarn the critical transition from free flow to traffic congestion. It is demonstrated through the use of simulated data that not all of the measures exhibit sensitivity to rapid phase transitions in traffic flow. Our study reveals that traffic congestion emerges because of either bifurcation or stochasticity. The result provided in this study may serve as a paradigm to understand the qualitative behavior of traffic jams and to explore the tipping mechanisms occurring in transport phenomena.

Exploring multi-soliton patterns, bifurcation analysis, and chaos in (2+1) dimensions: A study on nonlinear dynamics

This study explores the intrinsic characteristics of the (2+1)-dimensional Schwarz-Korteweg-de Vries equation used to describe shallow water waves. The multiple solitons are successfully constructed using a technique involving multiple exponential functions. Graphical representations of the results are provided in 3D, 2D, and density plots to assess the compatibility of the solutions. Also, the dynamic nature of studied equation is examined based on bifurcation and chaos theory for nonlinear systems. Bifurcation signifies how our dynamical system is affected by physical parameters in planar dynamical system. After that, we apply the external force on planar dynamical system to show the chaotic like behavior of the studied model. Such behavior is confirmed by utilizing different chaos detecting tools. The obtained results serve to explain the effectiveness and applicability of the utilized methodologies in comprehend the exact solution and qualitative behavior of nonlinear physical models.

Mixed Variational Inequalities and Nonconvex Analysis

In this expository paper, we provide an account of fundamental aspects of mixed variational inequalities with major emphasis on the computational properties, various generalizations, dynamical systems, nonexpansive mappings, sensitivity analysis and their applications. Mixed variational inequalities can be viewed as novel extensions and generalizations of variational principles. A wide class of unrelated problems, which arise in various branches of pure and applied sciences are being investigated in the unified framework of mixed variational inequalities. It is well known that variational inequalities are equivalent to the fixed point problems. This equivalent fixed point formulation has played not only a crucial part in studying the qualitative behavior of complicated problems, but also provide us numerical techniques for finding the approximate solution of these problems. Our main focus is to suggest some new iterative methods for solving mixed variational inequalities and related optimization problems using resolvent methods, resolvent equations, splitting methods, auxiliary principle technique, self-adaptive method and dynamical systems coupled with finite difference technique. Convergence analysis of these methods is investigated under suitable conditions. Sensitivity analysis of the mixed variational inequalities is studied using the resolvent equations method. Iterative methods for solving some new classes of mixed variational inequalities are proposed and investigated. Our methods of discussing the results are simple ones as compared with other methods and techniques. Results proved in this paper can be viewed as significant and innovative refinement of the known results.

Qualitative behavior and variant soliton profiles of the generalized [formula omitted]-type equation with its sensitivity visualization

This study delves into the exploration of the dynamics of (3+1)-dimensional Painlevé integrable generalized model from different perspectives, which delineates the evolution of nonlinear phenomena in three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension, displaying the remarkable Painlevé integrability property. The ϕ6-expansion technique is applied to extract traveling wave solutions in the form of Jacobi elliptic functions. To give physical insights of obtained solutions, we present these solutions through graphs such as 2D, 3D and contour plots. Further, to understand the planar dynamical system, we employ the concepts of bifurcation, chaos theory and sensitivity analysis. Bifurcation analysis reveals the dependence on the solution of a planar dynamical system at critical points. Additionally, the detection of chaotic movements in the perturbed dynamical system is achieved by detecting tools. Also the sensitivity analysis of the model is investigate by three distinct initial conditions. The findings are innovative, valuable and captivating for the readers in exploring this model.

On the qualitative behavior and numerical analysis of a calcium oscillation model through Atangana–Baleanu operator in Caputo sense

In this research, we regard a miniature significant for many cell types and activates stimulants against external interventions, thereby causing calcium oscillation. We stage the dependent variables regarding the Atangana–Balenau derivative operator in terms of Caputo so that the model can be physically interpreted better. The study investigates the existence and uniqueness of solutions using fixed point theory, stability in terms of Hyers–Ulam, positivity and numerical solutions. In addition, spacetime, phase diagrams and three-dimensional graphic simulations are presented due to the Lagrange interpolation technique for parameter selections that match the existence and uniqueness condition of the solution.

Qualitative Behavior of Sixth Order of Rational Difference Equation

The field of difference equations (DEs)has gained considerable prominence in applied analysis. The primary aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the periodicity of solutions, local asymptotic stability, and global behavior of DEsUn+1=sUn−2+tUn−5+hUn−2+rUn−5/cUn−5−e, n=0,1,2, . . . .

The impact of gastrointestinal parasitism on the behaviour and welfare of weaned housed lambs

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is a health and production concern in sheep, yet its impact on animal welfare remains unclear. The impact of subclinical infections is especially ambiguous as GI parasitism often remains undiagnosed until clinical signs such as diarrhoea are evident. This study applied quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the effects of subclinical Teladorsagia circumcincta infection on the behaviour and welfare of 96 Suffolk-cross lambs (24 pens of 4 lambs) weaned at 10 weeks old. The hypothesis that parasitism causes negative affective states was tested. Lambs were divided into three groups at the pen level: ad-lib fed control (AC), restricted-fed control (RC), and ad-lib fed parasitised (AP). Parasitised lambs (AP) were dosed three times weekly with 7000 third stage T. circumcincta larvae (L3) from 16 weeks of age. Lambs in the RC group were pair fed to match AP feed intake to separate the effects of infection-induced anorexia from the potential direct impacts of infection. From 7 days pre-infection to 23 days post-infection, scan and behaviour samples were taken from video recordings to quantitatively monitor behaviour, and animal-based measures such as faecal soiling score (FSS) were recorded as welfare indicators. Lying, standing, eating, play and social behaviour were monitored. Qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA) was conducted weekly using the AWIN (2015) protocol to gain insight into the lambs’ affective states over the onset of infection. Parasitised lambs were more likely to stand inactive than AC lambs as the infection progressed (P=0.006). They were also less likely to display eating behaviour in the third daily scan sample than RC lambs (P<0.001). Principal Component Analysis of the QBA data revealed that the first dimension (PC1) described arousal levels, the second (PC2) described the valence of the animals’ affective states, and the third (PC3) described fearfulness and aggression levels. Parasitised lambs (est=10.64,SE=0.33) scored higher than RC lambs (est=9.42, SE=0.33) on PC3, the fearfulness dimension (P=0.030). There were no differences between fearfulness scores of AC and AP lambs or RC lambs and treatment group had no significant impact on the distribution of scores on PC1 or PC2. These findings demonstrate that subclinical GI parasitism negatively impacts lamb welfare not only in the health domain but in the behaviour and mental domains as well. This has implications for welfare assessments and early disease detection in lambs. Future research could explore remote monitoring of the indicators of parasitism identified in this study.

Skewed generalized parton distributions of proton from basis light-front quantization

We obtain all the leading-twist quark generalized parton distributions (GPDs) inside the proton at nonzero skewness within the basis light-front quantization framework. We employ the light-front wave functions of the proton from a light-front quantized Hamiltonian in the valence Fock sector consisting of a three-dimensional confinement potential and a one-gluon exchange interaction with fixed coupling. We find that the qualitative behaviors of our GPDs are similar to those of other theoretical calculations. We further examine the GPDs within the boost-invariant longitudinal coordinate, σ=12b−P+, which is identified as the Fourier conjugate of the skewness. The GPDs in the σ-space show diffraction patterns, which are akin to the diffractive scattering of a wave in optics.

Analysis of AP1000 Small-Break Loss-of-Coolant Accident Using Reactor Transient Simulator

The Westinghouse Electric Company’s Advanced Passive Reactor (AP1000) is characterized by the incorporation of passive safety systems (PSSs) designed to ensure core cooling during transient events. The assessment of PSSs requires evaluation of their performance through a combination of experiments and simulations employing various thermal-hydraulic codes. In addition, detailed evaluation of PSSs for a specific reactor system transient analysis such as loss-of-coolant-accident analysis supports understanding representative integral effects test facility development and the further evolution model development and assessment process. Developing a reactor system code is a complex and time-consuming process that requires significant engineering expertise and effort. It can take several months to even years to complete in the early stages of reactor system design and analysis. However, this process can be expedited through the use of transient simulator models for similar reactor systems, which can be used for lesson learning and training purposes. This study uses the Personal Computer Transient Analyzer (PCTRAN) code. The main advantage of PCTRAN is its ease of use and ability to run faster than real time. This study presents the results obtained for a small-break loss-of-coolant accident (SBLOCA) for two breaks using the full version (licensed) of PCTRAN. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the overall system behavior during the postulated SBLOCA event as well as assess the capability of the PCTRAN code to reproduce the system response during transient events. The obtained results were compared with the Westinghouse NOTRUMP system code. The PCTRAN code proved to be reliable in predicting the qualitative behavior of the system in both transient cases. As for the system response, it was found that it is contingent on the activation time of the PSSs. The differences in reactor coolant system pressure between the two codes were attributed to the critical flow model and simplification of mass and energy balance. Despite PCTRAN’s limitations, it can still provide a reasonable prediction of various reactor parameters such as pressure, mass flow rate, and void fraction during a SBLOCA scenario. It is worth noting that PCTRAN currently employs a bulk approach similar to that of the Modular Accident Analysis Program (MAAP) and MELCOR codes. However, the upcoming version of PCTRAN will include an artificial intelligence–based detection and accident prevention system, as well as different models for different reactor components. Consequently, PCTRAN has the potential to be upgraded to match the system thermal-hydraulic codes of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and become more widely used in cybersecurity to safeguard nuclear power plants from cyberattacks.

Deterministic vs. stochastic dynamics of a predator–prey system with disease in prey: Impact of fear and supplementary foods

In this study, we delve into the dynamics of a generalist predator–prey system with prevalence of a disease in the prey population and the presence of predator-induced fear. In this intricate ecological web, the fear response triggered by predators influences the birth rate of susceptible prey population and also escalates intra-specific competition among them. In an effort to encapsulate a more realistic scenario, we extend our deterministic model to its stochastic counterpart by introducing environmental white noise that impacts the mortality rates of both prey and predator species. Comprehensive mathematical analyses are performed on both the deterministic and stochastic systems to elucidate their qualitative behaviors. Specifically, we derive conditions under which the stochastic system exhibits a unique global positive solution and explore the potential extinction of species within the ecosystem. To unravel the intricate dynamics numerically, we perform sensitivity of parameters, and construct one- and two-parameter bifurcation diagrams. Our investigations reveal that when the costs of fear surpass specific thresholds and disease incidence is high, both the susceptible and infected prey populations face extinction. Notably, the introduction of supplementary foods can lead to system’s destabilization, potentially pushing it towards a state where only predators can persist. Moreover, we observe that lower intensities of white noise have minimal impact on the system’s dynamics, while higher noise intensities introduce substantial fluctuations and may precipitate the extinction of species within the ecosystem. Furthermore, we elucidate the abundances of prey and predator species within the ecosystem through histogram plots.

Traveling wave solution and qualitative behavior of fractional stochastic Kraenkel–Manna–Merle equation in ferromagnetic materials

The main purpose of this article is to investigate the qualitative behavior and traveling wave solutions of the fractional stochastic Kraenkel–Manna–Merle equations, which is commonly used to simulate the zero conductivity nonlinear propagation behavior of short waves in saturated ferromagnetic materials. Firstly, fractional stochastic Kraenkel–Manna–Merle equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations by using the traveling wave transformation. Secondly, the phase portraits, sensitivity analysis, and Poincaré sections of the two-dimensional dynamic system and its perturbation system of ordinary differential equations are drawn. Finally, the traveling wave solutions of fractional stochastic Kraenkel–Manna–Merle equations are obtained based on the analysis theory of planar dynamical system. Moreover, the obtained three-dimensional graphs of random solutions, two-dimensional graphs of random solutions, and three-dimensional graphs of deterministic solutions are drawn.

How safety value is exchanged in Chinese modern megaprojects: A stakeholder value network perspective

To visualize and quantify these exchanges among primary stakeholders in megaprojects, this study introduces network stakeholder value network as the core methodology. Starting with a qualitative organizational safety behavior model encompassing 8 stakeholders and 61 value flows, it's built based on 3 organizational safety behavior categories. Moreover, questionnaire data from 356 experts quantifies the model, and the design structure matrix identifies 13845 safety value paths, including 4827 cycles. Analysis delves into critical cycles, stakeholders, flows, and organizational safety behavior types to refine safety strategies. The findings, based on Chinese megaprojects, suggest that contractors and governments must lead safety awareness efforts, with safety compliance paramount for all parties. The study's contributions are threefold: firstly, it broadens the scope to encompass organizational safety behavior; secondly, it introduces a novel approach to visualize and quantify safety value flows; and thirdly, it considers multiple types of value exchanges, underscores their significance in promoting safety value, and offers practical recommendations to strengthen construction safety performance.

The evolution of olfactory sensitivity, preferences, and behavioral responses in Mexican cavefish is influenced by fish personality.

Animals are adapted to their natural habitats and lifestyles. Their brains perceive the external world via their sensory systems, compute information together with that of internal states and autonomous activity, and generate appropriate behavioral outputs. However, how do these processes evolve across evolution? Here, focusing on the sense of olfaction, we have studied the evolution in olfactory sensitivity, preferences, and behavioral responses to six different food-related amino acid odors in the two eco-morphs of the fish Astyanax mexicanus. To this end, we have developed a high-throughput behavioral setup and pipeline of quantitative and qualitative behavior analysis, and we have tested 489 six-week-old Astyanax larvae. The blind, dark-adapted morphs of the species showed markedly distinct basal swimming patterns and behavioral responses to odors, higher olfactory sensitivity, and a strong preference for alanine, as compared to their river-dwelling eyed conspecifics. In addition, we discovered that fish have an individual 'swimming personality', and that this personality influences their capability to respond efficiently to odors and find the source. Importantly, the personality traits that favored significant responses to odors were different in surface fish and cavefish. Moreover, the responses displayed by second-generation cave × surface F2 hybrids suggested that olfactory-driven behavior and olfactory sensitivity is a quantitative genetic trait. Our findings show that olfactory processing has rapidly evolved in cavefish at several levels: detection threshold, odor preference, and foraging behavior strategy. Cavefish is therefore an outstanding model to understand the genetic, molecular, and neurophysiological basis of sensory specialization in response to environmental change.

The evolution of olfactory sensitivity, preferences, and behavioral responses in Mexican cavefish is influenced by fish personality

Animals are adapted to their natural habitats and lifestyles. Their brains perceive the external world via their sensory systems, compute information together with that of internal states and autonomous activity, and generate appropriate behavioral outputs. However, how do these processes evolve across evolution? Here, focusing on the sense of olfaction, we have studied the evolution in olfactory sensitivity, preferences, and behavioral responses to six different food-related amino acid odors in the two eco-morphs of the fish Astyanax mexicanus. To this end, we have developed a high-throughput behavioral setup and pipeline of quantitative and qualitative behavior analysis, and we have tested 489 six-week-old Astyanax larvae. The blind, dark-adapted morphs of the species showed markedly distinct basal swimming patterns and behavioral responses to odors, higher olfactory sensitivity, and a strong preference for alanine, as compared to their river-dwelling eyed conspecifics. In addition, we discovered that fish have an individual ‘swimming personality’, and that this personality influences their capability to respond efficiently to odors and find the source. Importantly, the personality traits that favored significant responses to odors were different in surface fish and cavefish. Moreover, the responses displayed by second-generation cave × surface F2 hybrids suggested that olfactory-driven behavior and olfactory sensitivity is a quantitative genetic trait. Our findings show that olfactory processing has rapidly evolved in cavefish at several levels: detection threshold, odor preference, and foraging behavior strategy. Cavefish is therefore an outstanding model to understand the genetic, molecular, and neurophysiological basis of sensory specialization in response to environmental change.

Native ESI-MS and Collision-Induced Unfolding (CIU) of the Complex between Bacterial Elongation Factor-Tu and the Antibiotic Enacyloxin IIa.

Collision-induced unfolding (CIU) of protein ions, monitored by ion mobility-mass spectrometry, can be used to assess the stability of their compact gas-phase fold and hence provide structural information. The bacterial elongation factor EF-Tu, a key protein for mRNA translation in prokaryotes and hence a promising antibiotic target, has been studied by CIU. The major [M + 12H]12+ ion of EF-Tu unfolded in collision with Ar atoms between 40 and 50 V, corresponding to an Elab energy of 480-500 eV. Binding of the cofactor analogue GDPNP and the antibiotic enacyloxin IIa stabilized the compact fold of EF-Tu, although dissociation of the latter from the complex diminished its stabilizing effect at higher collision energies. Molecular dynamics simulations of the [M + 12H]12+ EF-Tu ion showed similar qualitative behavior to the experimental results.

Chaos and bifurcations of a two-dimensional hepatitis C virus model with hepatocyte homeostasis.

In this paper, we delve into the intricate local dynamics at equilibria within a two-dimensional model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) alongside hepatocyte homeostasis. The study investigates the existence of bifurcation sets and conducts a comprehensive bifurcation analysis to elucidate the system's behavior under varying conditions. A significant focus lies on understanding how changes in parameters can lead to bifurcations, which are pivotal points where the qualitative behavior of the system undergoes fundamental transformations. Moreover, the paper introduces and employs hybrid control feedback and Ott-Grebogi-Yorke strategies as tools to manage and mitigate chaos inherent within the HCV model. This chaos arises due to the presence of flip and Neimark-Sacker bifurcations, which can induce erratic behavior in the system. Through the implementation of these control strategies, the study aims to stabilize the system and restore it to a more manageable and predictable state. Furthermore, to validate the theoretical findings and the efficacy of the proposed control strategies, extensive numerical simulations are conducted. These simulations serve as a means of confirming the theoretical predictions and provide insight into the practical implications of the proposed control methodologies. By combining theoretical analysis with computational simulations, the paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the HCV model and provides valuable insights into potential strategies for controlling and managing chaos in such complex biological systems.

Entropy Production in Reaction-Diffusion Systems Confined in Narrow Channels.

This work analyzes the effect of wall geometry when a reaction-diffusion system is confined to a narrow channel. In particular, we study the entropy production density in the reversible Gray-Scott system. Using an effective diffusion equation that considers modifications by the channel characteristics, we find that the entropy density changes its value but not its qualitative behavior, which helps explore the structure-formation space.