Qualitative Property Research Articles

К вопросу об общественном и популяционном здоровье.

In modern domestic scientific literature, various terms are used to define population health, often used as synonyms: “public health”, “population health”, “society health”, “social health” and others. Domestic sources note that public health reflects the qualitative property of society or the state of people, emphasizing the aspect of public health as an indicator of the viability of the country. Public health, considered as the medical, social and economic development potential of the country and society, is influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle of the population, and ensures an optimal level of quality and safety of life for the population. Foreign researchers are looking at population health from a variety of perspectives, including analysis of income inequality, social capital, macroeconomic determinants, information systems, health promotion, global burden of disease, physical activity, structural racism, etc. Since 2019. Population health issues are currently receiving unprecedented attention in many countries, with a sharp increase in research in this area during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Currently, the global health system is developing approaches that combine population and public health issues into a single discipline. With the emergence of a new generation of scientists, proposals are being made to focus efforts on coherence of ideas, values and priorities of a single discipline, identifying problems and opportunities for the development of a more unified field of health care.

Integrable Solutions and Continuous Dependence of a Nonlinear Singular Integral Inclusion of Fractional Orders and Applications

Let E be a reflexive Banach space. In this article we study the existence of integrable solutions in the space of all lesbesgue integrable functions on E, L1([0,T],E), of the nonlinear singular integral inclusion of fractional orders beneath the assumption that the multi-valued function G has Lipschitz selection in E. The main tool applied in this work is the Banach contraction fixed point theorem. Moreover, the paper explores a qualitative property associated with these solutions for the given problem such as the continuous dependence of the solutions on the set of selections S1G(τ,x(τ)). As an application, the existence of integrable solutions of the two nonlocal and weighted problems of the fractional differential inclusion is investigated. We additionally provide an example given as a numerical application to demonstrate the effectiveness and value of our results.

A bifurcation diagram of solutions to semilinear elliptic equations with general supercritical growth

We study the global bifurcation diagram of the positive solutions to the problem{Δu+λf(u)=0inB,u=0on∂B, where B is the unit ball in RN with N≥3. Under general supercritical growth conditions on f(u), we show that an unbounded bifurcation curve has no turning point, which indicates the existence of the singular extremal solution. In particular, our theory can be applied to the super-exponential cases of f(u), and we exhibit that a bifurcation curve for Δu+λf(u)=0 has the same qualitative property as a classical Gel'fand problem Δu+λeu=0 for N≥3 except N=10. Main technical tools are intrinsic transformations for semilinear elliptic equations and ODE techniques.

Approaches for the production of reference materials with qualitative properties—The new International Standard ISO 33406

The number of reference materials (RMs), including certified reference materials (CRMs) characterized for qualitative properties, has steadily increased in recent years. In response, the Technical Committee for Reference Materials of the International Organization for Standardization, ISO/TC 334, developed ISO 33406 to provide guidance to reference material producers (RMPs) on producing qualitative RMs. ISO 33406 builds on the general requirements in ISO 17034:2016 for RMP competence and offers specific guidance on value assignment, assessment of homogeneity and stability, statement of metrological traceability, and measurement uncertainty evaluation for RMs with qualitative property values.

L p positivity preservation and self-adjointness of Schrödinger operators on incomplete Riemannian manifolds

The aim of this paper is to prove a qualitative property, namely the preservation of positivity, for Schrödinger-type operators acting on $L^p$ functions defined on (possibly incomplete) Riemannian manifolds. A key assumption is a control of the behaviour of the potential of the operator near the Cauchy boundary of the manifolds. As a by-product, we establish the essential self-adjointness of such operators, as well as its generalization to the case $p\neq 2$ , i.e. the fact that smooth compactly supported functions are an operator core for the Schrödinger operator in $L^p$ .

The effect of splitting strategy on qualitative property preservation

The effect of splitting strategy on qualitative property preservation

Fractional dynamics and computational analysis of food chain model with disease in intermediate predator

<abstract> <p>In this paper, a fractional food chain system consisting of a Holling type Ⅱ functional response was studied in view of a fractional derivative operator. The considered fractional derivative operator provided nonsingular as well as a nonlocal kernel which was significantly better than other derivative operators. Fractional order modeling of a model was also useful to model the behavior of real systems and in the investigation of dynamical systems. This model depicted the relationship among four types of species: prey, susceptible intermediate predators (IP), infected intermediate predators, and apex predators. One of the significant aspects of this model was the inclusion of Michaelis-Menten type or Holling type Ⅱ functional response to represent the predator-prey link. A functional response depicted the rate at which the normal predator consumed the prey. The qualitative property and assumptions of the model were discussed in detail. The present work discussed the dynamics and analytical behavior of the food chain model in the context of fractional modeling. This study also examined the existence and uniqueness related analysis of solutions to the food chain system. In addition, the Ulam-Hyers stability approach was also discussed for the model. Moreover, the present work examined the numerical approach for the solution and simulation for the model with the help of graphical presentations.</p> </abstract>

Simple Time-Periodic Delay Can Support Complex Dynamics

In this paper, we investigate the complex dynamics of a mapping derived from a differential equation with simple time-periodic delay. Firstly, we calculate the truncated normal form of 1:1 resonance of the mapping at a degenerate fixed point and obtain an approximating system of the mapping by using Picard iteration. By analyzing the approximate system, we find that the mapping will undergo a 1:1 resonance at the degenerate fixed point. Secondly, the qualitative property and the stability of the degenerate fixed point are determined, which provide a new view to understand the dynamic of differential equation with simple time-periodic delay. However, the approximate system does not have the versal unfolding of the Bogdanov–Takens singularity of codimension 2. These phenomena show that simple time-periodic delay can support complex dynamics. Finally, a numerical simulation is carried out to verify the analytic results.

Optimal vaccination strategies for a heterogeneous population using multiple objectives: The case of [formula omitted] and [formula omitted]formulations

The choice of the objective functional in optimization problems coming from biomedical and epidemiological applications plays a key role in optimal control outcomes. In this study, we investigate the role of the objective functional on the structure of the optimal control solution for an epidemic model for sexually transmitted infections that includes a core group with higher sexual activity levels than the rest of the population. An optimal control problem is formulated to find a targeted vaccination program able to control the spread of the infection with minimum vaccine deployment. Both L1− and L2−objectives are considered as an attempt to explore the trade-offs between control dynamics and the functional form characterizing optimality. The results show that the optimal vaccination policies for both the L1− and the L2−formulation share one important qualitative property, that is, immunization of the core group should be prioritized by policymakers to achieve a fast reduction of the epidemic. However, quantitative aspects of this result can be significantly affected depending on the choice of the control weights between formulations. Overall, the results suggest that with appropriate weight constants, the optimal control outcomes are reasonably robust with respect to the L1− or L2−formulation. This is particularly true when the monetary cost of the control policy is substantially lower than the cost associated with the disease burden. Under these conditions, even if the L1−formulation is more realistic from a modeling perspective, the L2−formulation can be used as an approximation and yield qualitatively comparable outcomes.

A novel approach to measuring local mechanical properties via photothermal excitation of an atomic force microscope probe using an optical pump–probe inspired design

Obtaining and improving measurements of mechanical properties at the nanoscale has been made possible through the continuous advancement of atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques over the past several decades. Among these advancements include implementing multifunctional AFM probes and developing new detection schemes that enable sensitivity to local mechanical properties. In this work, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept for a detection scheme that enables a standard AFM configuration to produce qualitative local mechanical property maps through the use of an optical pump–probe scheme, alleviating a common requirement of incorporating additional piezoelectric actuators. Data from this work are presented for silicon carbide and epitaxially grown graphene on silicon carbide. Through preliminary analysis of resonant frequency maps acquired through dual-frequency resonance tracking, the local stiffness and elastic modulus can be estimated at each point. This work contributes to the field of scanning probe microscopy by providing a new opportunity for AFM systems that are not currently equipped for a mechanical mode to obtain local mechanical property data.

Existence and Qualitative Property of Differential Equation with Delayed Arguments

Existence and Qualitative Property of Differential Equation with Delayed Arguments

Rapid design of top-performing metal-organic frameworks with qualitative representations of building blocks

Data-driven materials design often encounters challenges where systems possess qualitative (categorical) information. Specifically, representing Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) through different building blocks poses a challenge for designers to incorporate qualitative information into design optimization, and leads to a combinatorial challenge, with large number of MOFs that could be explored. In this work, we integrated Latent Variable Gaussian Process (LVGP) and Multi-Objective Batch-Bayesian Optimization (MOBBO) to identify top-performing MOFs adaptively, autonomously, and efficiently. We showcased that our method (i) requires no specific physical descriptors and only uses building blocks that construct the MOFs for global optimization through qualitative representations, (ii) is application and property independent, and (iii) provides an interpretable model of building blocks with physical justification. By searching only ~1% of the design space, LVGP-MOBBO identified all MOFs on the Pareto front and 97% of the 50 top-performing designs for the CO2 working capacity and CO2/N2 selectivity properties.

Random attractors for a stochastic nonlocal delayed reaction–diffusion equation on a semi-infinite interval

Abstract The aim of this paper is to prove the existence and qualitative property of random attractors for a stochastic non-local delayed reaction–diffusion equation (SNDRDE) on a semi-infinite interval with a Dirichlet boundary condition at the finite end. This equation models the spatial–temporal evolution of the mature individuals for a two-stage species whose juvenile and adults both diffuse that lives on a semi-infinite domain and subject to random perturbations. By transforming the SNDRDE into a random evolution equation with delay, by means of a stationary conjugate transformation, we first establish the global existence and uniqueness of solutions to the equation, after which we show the solutions generate a random dynamical system. Then, we deduce uniform a priori estimates of the solutions and show the existence of bounded random absorbing sets. Subsequently, we prove the pullback asymptotic compactness of the random dynamical system generated by the SNDRDE with respect to the compact open topology, and hence obtain the existence of random attractors. At last, it is proved that the random attractor is an exponentially attracting stationary solution under appropriate conditions. The theoretical results are illustrated by application to the stochastic non-local delayed Nicholson’s blowfly equation.

Estimating resilience of manufacturing plants to physical disruptions: Model and application

The concept of Resilience is gaining an increasing importance in industrial systems, service networks and supply chains, as it extends traditional risk assessment methods by capturing both shortterm and long-term effects of accidents and disruptions. Resilience is, in fact, both a qualitative property and a performance indicator that measures the system's ability to survive disruptive events, and rapidly restore its functionality after the disruptive event has occurred. However, while literature about systems resilience is ample, comparatively scarce attention has been devoted to the evaluation of production systems resilience. As a contribution to fill this gap, in this paper a quantitative method for resilience estimation specifically aimed at manufacturing plants is developed. The method focuses on computing resilience of the manufacturing process, according to its structure, when resources are subjected to physical damage resulting from disruptive events such as sabotage, technical accidents or natural disasters. Overall, the paper allows to assess the economic loss and duration of production interruption in any kind of manufacturing plant when subjected to damage produced by the above causes. In particular, the method enables direct assessment of the initial capacity loss following a prescribed disruptive event, and explicit estimation of the time-dependent capacity recovery path based on the actual process structure and sequence of resources restoration tasks, also allowing the quantification of resulting economic losses. In the paper, after model development, an application example is provided to show model capabilities. Facility designers and emergency managers can use this model as a decision support tool for risk assessment, and to plan emergency actions and plant refurbishment aimed at resilience enhancement.

Qualitative properties, bifurcations and chaos of a discrete predator–prey system with weak Allee effect on the predator

In this work, the qualitative properties of the fixed points in the non-hyperbolic and degenerate cases, codimension-one bifurcations and Marotto’s chaos of a discrete predator–prey system with weak Allee effect on the predator are investigated. Utilizing the center manifold theorem and the reduction principle, the qualitative property of each fixed point in the non-hyperbolic case is explored. Based on the approximate flow theory, the qualitative property of the boundary fixed point in the degenerate case is investigated. Making use of the center manifold theorem and the bifurcation theory, all the potential codimension-one bifurcation types of the co-existence fixed point are explored, including flip bifurcation and Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. For each type of these bifurcations, not only the concise non-degenerate condition expressed by the system parameters is given, but also the analytical expression of the system orbit caused by the bifurcation is derived. Based on the non-negativity of the bifurcation critical values, the non-resonant and non-degenerate conditions for the occurrence of these bifurcations, the system parameter plane is divided into several regions using tools such as the polynomial complete discriminant system theory, real root separation theory, dichotomy method, implicit function theorem and Cardan’s formula. In each region, the direction and stability of these bifurcations are studied, which helps to theoretically explain the impact of Allee effect on the system. By proving that the co-existence fixed point is a snap-back repeller under appropriate conditions, it is obtained that the system is chaotic. Numerical simulations are completely consistent with all the theoretical analyses. The research results show that the impact of Allee effect on the population system depends not only on the assumption and construction of the system, but also on the system parameter and initial value of the system.

Meta-uncertainty and the proof paradoxes

Various real and imagined criminal law cases rest on “naked statistical evidence”. That is, they rest more or less entirely on a probability for guilt/liability derived from a single statistical model. The intuition is that there is something missing in these cases, high as the probability for guilt/liability may be, such that the relevant standard for legal proof is not met. Here we contribute to the considerable debate about how this intuition is best explained and what it teaches us about evidential reasoning in the legal setting. We part ways with the recent scholarship, however. Unlike most others, our diagnosis is not that there is an important qualitative property that some evidence or bodies of evidence have, and that naked statistical evidence, most strikingly, lacks. Rather, we see cases resting on naked statistical evidence as lying at the extreme of a continuum of cases that are vulnerable to challenge due to “meta-uncertainty” about the underlying model.

A mosquito population suppression model with a saturated Wolbachia release strategy in seasonal succession

Releasing Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes to suppress wild female mosquitoes through cytoplasmic incompatibility has shown great promise in controlling and preventing mosquito-borne diseases. To make the release logistically and economically feasible, we propose a saturated release strategy, which is only implemented during the epidemic season of mosquito-borne diseases. Under this assumption, the model becomes a seasonally switching ordinary differential equation model. The seasonal switch brings rich dynamics, including the existence of a unique periodic solution or exactly two periodic solutions, which are proved by using the qualitative property of the Poincaré map. Sufficient conditions are also obtained for determining the stability of the periodic solutions.

KCK-tag-induced quantitative and qualitative property changes of DNA-binding protein ParB.

Lysine-cysteine-lysine (KCK) tags are commonly employed to label proteins with maleimide-fluorescent dye conjugates to enhance dye-labeling efficiency. In our study, we systematically quantified the actions of a DNA-binding CTPase ParB protein and its KCK-tagged versions on flow-stretched lambda DNA using an in vitro single-molecule DNA flow-stretching assay. We measured DNA compaction rates in a series of experimental conditions, including the presence of the specific binding sequence (parS), CTP, or its non-hydrolyzable analog CTPγS. We found that KCK tag (either at N- or C-terminus) artificially increased the compaction rates of flow-stretched DNAs and even reversed ParB proteins’ response to these experimental conditions. DNA flow-stretching experiments with fluorescently-labeled ParB protein showed that the appended KCK-tag enhances protein loading onto a DNA. Furthermore, DNA compaction by ParB protein with a negatively-charged glutamate-cysteine-glutamate (ECE) tag was inefficient compared with its non-tagged ParB protein. These results suggest that the quantitative and qualitative changes of the KCK-tagged proteins were, at least in part, derived from electrostatic interactions between positively-charged KCK-tag and negatively-charged DNA backbone. Interestingly, we found that the KCK-tagged ParB proteins do not lead to any noticeable changes from in vivo fluorescence imaging and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. It implies that a lack of perturbation in in vivo assays does not necessarily guarantee intact in vitro results. Despite the small size of KCK-tag, when it is used for fluorescent-dye labeling on a protein, rigorous test must be accompanied to ensure absence of any in vitro artifacts.

Assessment of resin systems as solution for well integrity challenge in carbonate reservoirs

Well integrity is defined as technical, operational, and organizational solutions specifically aimed at the reduction of the risk of formation fluids release throughout a well's life cycle. Cement integrity is one of the main aspects that comprises well integrity. Cement integrity must be ensured throughout a well's life cycle as well as after abandonment. If the cement was to lose its integrity, the consequences for the personnel, the equipment, and the environment could be severe. Cement failures might lead to leakages that can seep through the cement pathways; sealant materials are used to plug these pathways. The actual and real-time disputes are mainly dependent on the technical approaches currently available to limit the main causes of well integrity deficiency. These include cementing jobs, substantial design based on downhole conditions, material selection criticality, well construction performance, and technological resources. Additionally, in this specific context, well integrity also refers to the control of the flow inside the wellbore (between different horizons) and the flow from the well (especially in the annulus behind the casing). The worst-case scenario would be the loss of wellbore integrity, and it would be identified as the collapse of the well caused by failure of the construction material. The focal point of the research presented in this paper is the cement quality and its role in developing the most vigorous well casing possible. The focus was centered around resin additives such as microbond, latex, and crystal seal. Microbond is a white mineral cement-based liquid with exceptional performances when combined with cement. Latex is composed of rubber particles dispersed in water, usually found in white liquid form. Crystal seal is a yellow colloidal material highly regarded for sealing properties when mixed with concrete mixtures. These additives were individually incorporated into cement-based samples, in varying concentrations, for testing the changes in properties suitable for well integrity considerations. Highly specialized and sophisticated cement testing apparatuses, such as the ultrasonic cement analyzer (UCA), static gel Strength machine (SGSM), and curing chamber, have been used to perform qualitative and quantitative property gradient tests. Based on the performed experimental tests results, the optimal additive resin for a class G cement slurry is the microbond additive at a concentration of 7.5%. The results highlighted its ability to enhance the cement compressive strength by 52%. Additionally, the transit time showed a 26–42% range decrease in the travel period, indicating that the cement was stronger under increased pressure and temperature. This can clear up the permeable section of the well wherein the cement-resin slurry could efficiently close off wellbore intersecting faults and, therefore, prevent possible connections between the wellbore and water zones in the subsurface. As a result, microbond, latex, and crystal seal, respectively, show the effect of varying controlled conditions as functions of the increase in concentration, curing time, and temperature to its comparable properties such as breakload, compressive strength, and ultimate break force. This study can further support future analysis in improving the reliability of petroleum well constructions.

Differential initial-value privacy and observability of linear dynamical systems

This paper studies the relationship between the differential privacy of initial values and the observability for general linear dynamical systems with Gaussian process and sensor noises, where certain initial values are privacy-sensitive and the rest is assumed to be public. First of all, necessary and sufficient conditions are established for preserving the differential privacy and unobservability of the global sensitive initial values, respectively to show their independent properties. Specifically, we show that the observability matrix reduced by the set of sensitive initial states not only characterizes the structural property of noises for achieving the differential privacy, but also affects the achievable privacy levels, while the unobservability relies on the rank of such reduced observability matrix. Next, the inherent network nature of the considered linear system is explored, where each individual state corresponds to a node and the state and output matrices induce interaction and sensing graphs, leading to a network system. Under this network perspective, the previously established results are extended for initial values of local nodes to study their differential privacy and connections with their observability. Moreover, it is shown that the qualitative property of the differential initial-value privacy is either preserved generically or lost generically, which is the same as the unobservability in the local sense, while subject to a subtle difference from the unobservability in the global sense that is either preserved fully or lost generically. Finally, a privacy-preserving consensus algorithm is revisited to illustrate the effectiveness of the established results.