Weak Guidance Research Articles

Initial allocation of SO2 emission rights based on the combination weighting method: evidence from China's thermal power plants.

Emission trading system is an effective market-oriented means to control pollutant emission, and reasonable initial allocation of emission rights is the premise of its smooth implementation. However, at present, the initial allocation of emission rights depends largely on the amount of emissions, which leads to weak positive guidance effect for enterprises. To explore the optimal initial allocation method of SO2 emission rights, this paper takes 8 thermal power plants in Dalian, China, as the research objects to calculate the initial allocation of SO2 emission rights, because SO2 is the main cause of acid rain, which is one of the most serious air pollution in China, and thermal power plants are among the main SO2 emitters. Firstly, an indicator system is established considering enterprise size, pollutant discharge, and social contributions, as well as pollution control capacity. Then, the combination weighting method is developed through integrating the subjective methods G1 and G2 with the objective ones, entropy and maximum deviation. The empirical results show that the enterprises with more desulfurization equipment or large heating supply are supposed to get more emission rights; the actual emission value of SO2 in half of the enterprises exceeds the theoretical ones; SO2 removal rate, desulfurization equipment quantity, and heating supply exert the most positive effects on the initial allocation of emission rights. The constructed model can be used as a reference for future research of initial allocation of other pollutants' emission rights. Also, the implications have been proposed for the government, industry, and enterprises.

Employability Factors Contributing to Youth Unemployment in the EAC Countries Data and Policy Analysis

This policy research paper analyses employability factors and challenges contributing to youth unemployment and also provides working recommendations for further dialogue and engagement on youth employability in the East African community EAC Countries. The policy analysis is based on the theory of 4-Es as propounded by International Labour Organization ILO and Youth Employment Network literature. The field research survey, focus group discussion, combined observational and consultations with key informants were major research methods used in collecting secondary and primary data and information. Data analysis uses non-parametric methods, mainly frequency and cross tabulations.
 The paper found that costs of doing business among the youth in the formal and informal economies are significantly high. There are weak limited skills matching systems and provision of relevant curriculum that produce an updated knowledge base. The problem of rural-urban migration is related to inadequate rural infrastructures; lack of establishment of sustainable agro-processing industries, limited provision of rural vocation and training programmes to equip youth with skills for employability. The education and training systems do not comply with regional, international standards and technological changes in the world. There are weak career counselling and guidance centres for youth. There is a limited access to good quality education and thus decent jobs for youth with disability.
 The policy solution is to enhance employability conditions. Relevant policy strategies include reducing cost of doing business, enhance business skills development and matching; minimizing rural-urban migration; creating conducive environment for business for youth with disability; increasing agricultural mechanization to enhance productivity, increasing rural connectivity and accessibility; improving VET and higher education learning systems; increasing access to schools, technical and vocational training for youth with disability; improving conditions and quality of employment systems and enhancing provision of information regarding employment opportunities in these EAC countries.

DRNet: A Depth-Based Regression Network for 6D Object Pose Estimation.

This paper focuses on 6Dof object pose estimation from a single RGB image. We tackle this challenging problem with a two-stage optimization framework. More specifically, we first introduce a translation estimation module to provide an initial translation based on an estimated depth map. Then, a pose regression module combines the ROI (Region of Interest) and the original image to predict the rotation and refine the translation. Compared with previous end-to-end methods that directly predict rotations and translations, our method can utilize depth information as weak guidance and significantly reduce the searching space for the subsequent module. Furthermore, we design a new loss function function for symmetric objects, an approach that has handled such exceptionally difficult cases in prior works. Experiments show that our model achieves state-of-the-art object pose estimation for the YCB- video dataset (Yale-CMU-Berkeley).

PSOFuzzer: A Target-Oriented Software Vulnerability Detection Technology Based on Particle Swarm Optimization

Coverage-oriented and target-oriented fuzzing are widely used in vulnerability detection. Compared with coverage-oriented fuzzing, target-oriented fuzzing concentrates more computing resources on suspected vulnerable points to improve the testing efficiency. However, the sample generation algorithm used in target-oriented vulnerability detection technology has some problems, such as weak guidance, weak sample penetration, and difficult sample generation. This paper proposes a new target-oriented fuzzer, PSOFuzzer, that uses particle swarm optimization to generate samples. PSOFuzzer can quickly learn high-quality features in historical samples and implant them into new samples that can be led to execute the suspected vulnerable point. The experimental results show that PSOFuzzer can generate more samples in the test process to reach the target point and can trigger vulnerabilities with 79% and 423% higher probability than AFLGo and Sidewinder, respectively, on tested software programs.

Examining the Application of Retroductive Theorizing in Realist-Informed Studies

Introduction: Transcendental realism, the philosophical perspective dealing with the existence of causal powers governed by universal laws of nature, provides a useful framework for research conducted in the social sciences, including the field of health policy and systems research. Transcendental realism has been criticized, however, for offering weak methodological guidance for conducting research. Consequently, realist-informed studies are deemed to be less robust and less transparent, particularly regarding data analysis and synthesis towards evidence generation. In particular, the extent to which retroductive theorizing, the central evidence generating activity in realist-informed research is applied remains unclear, mysterious, and esoteric. We aimed to examine the extent to which retroductive theorizing is applied and described in realist-informed studies. Methods: We conducted a summative content analysis of 311 manuscripts included in this study. The analysis involved the counting and comparisons of the four forms of inference-making methods namely deduction, induction, abduction, and retroduction. This was followed by interpretation of the underlying context in which they were used, for example, the identification and linking of relevant constructs towards the formulation of mechanism-based theories. Findings: We found that the explicit application and description of retroductive theorizing in realist-informed studies remain minimal and inadequate. Abductive reasoning was reported in only 09/311 (2.9%) of the studies while retroduction was reported in [21/311 (6.8%)]. Abduction and retroduction, although central to realist-informed research, are seldom explicitly applied and described in such studies whereas deduction and induction, while they are meant to support retroductive theorizing, continue to dominate the process of theory formulation. Conclusion: While retroductive theorizing is less formulaic, this study highlights further methodological inadequacies within realist-informed studies. We acknowledge that it is difficult to describe inferential logic in the abstract, but recommend that realist researchers should makes their retroductive theorizing an explicit activity illustrating their critical steps in concrete applications for improved transparency and trustworthiness.

Weak Guidance, Multi-index and Exact Mode Eigenvalue Calculation for Mode Intensity Profiles in Tapers

The fundamental mode intensity profile is calculated for different points along the transition of an optical fibre taper from standard size (125 μm external cladding diameter and 8 μm core diameter) down to micro (1 μm external fibre diameter) and submicro size (down to 440 nm fibre diameter) at 1550 nm operational wavelength. The first section of the taper was evaluated using weak guidance approximation, the second section was treated as a three-index layer structure (double-clad) and evaluated with eigenvalue equations for three refractive indices. An external medium being a liquid with a refractive index close to silica is being considered. The third and thinnest section of the taper was evaluated with the exact mode eigenvalue equation. The results show that the fundamental mode intensity for the third section show a discontinuity just at the fibre edge with a peak amplitude larger than the optical field at the centre of the fibre. The taper shape that complies with the adiabaticity criterion and how the mode intensity profile and the spot size (Petermann 1 definition) of the fundamental mode change along their position on the taper were determined.

Fundamental mode intensity evolution in tapered optical fibres

The mode field intensity, spot size, central peak intensity evolution and adiabaticity are calculated for different points along the transition of an optical fibre taper that adiabatically tapers from the standard 125 nm down to 1 µm and then to 440 nm diameter for low loss operation at 1550 nm wavelength. The first section of the taper is evaluated using a weak guidance approximation. The second section is treated as a three-index layer structure (double-clad) and evaluated with eigenvalue equations for three refractive indices. The third and thinnest section of the taper is studied using an exact mode eigenvalue equation. The results show that the fundamental mode for the third section has a discontinuity at the fibre edge with a peak intensity larger than the intensity at the centre of the fibre. Since the guiding by the core disappears in the first section of the taper, the mode field does not simply reduce monotonously along the taper with the outer diameter of the fibre. By this novel approach, and for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the taper shape that complies with the adiabaticity criterion, the mode intensity profile and the spot size (first Petermann definition) of the fundamental mode evolution, along their position on the taper are determined.

Digital health in a social health insurance system: new emergent market powers in Germany

Abstract Background This presentation analyses the dynamics of digital health from a governance perspective. It aims to explore the driving forces for the implementation of digital health in Germany. Germany is chosen as a case study of a social health insurance system, which is based on joint self-governance of sickness funds and providers, and strong corporatist power of the medical profession. Methods A qualitative explorative approach is applied, drawing on document analysis and other secondary sources. The research is based on a governance approach adapted from Glassman and Buse's model of public health policy reform. Results The WHO Global Strategy for Digital Health 2020-2024 serves as a key international policy framework. However, the analysis reveals firstly that implementation is shaped by national healthcare systems and may create different results; secondly, the global strategy provides only a weak guidance on the national level. In Germany, strong corporatism and weak state intervention is supporting market forces and private actors. Poorly developed digital health governance has opened a window of opportunity for market powers as driving forces for digital health, thus creating new risks of social inequalities. There is an urgent need for public health to step up advocacy for health literacy to improve the accessibility to digital health for all citizens. Conclusions National healthcare systems strongly shape the implementation of international digital health frameworks, which makes digital health an issue of governance. Stronger public health orientation and a people-centred approach are needed to counteract new emergent social inequalities created by market power. Key messages Market power and private actors are important drivers of digital health in the German healthcare system. Social health insurance systems may be vulnerable to market powers and new digital health inequalities.

The Compatibility of Higher Education Outcomes with the Requirements of the Labour Market in an Interior Design Programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to explore the compatibility between the outcomes of academic interior design programmes and the needs of the labour market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to fill gaps and ensure sustainable development. The study reviewed nineteen academic interior design programmes in different regions, both public and private institutions, and distributed two questionnaires to graduates and employees that assessed seven stages related to the design process and project management. The sample in this study consisted of sixty graduates and nineteen employers in the fields of design or architecture who hire local interior designers. The results indicated that interior design programmes do not fulfill the needs of the market because some regions do not have interior design programmes or the programmes are limited to women, and the image of interior design professions is not clear in some regions due to limited information in the community. Some study plans need to be updated and reviewed based on the latest changes in the labour market. The results also showed that graduates had good knowledge of and skills in the field of interior design, with some shortfalls in the project management skills required in the labour market, such as budget calculations and writing work contracts, timetables, and reports. This limitation may be due to a lack of communication between institutions and the labour market and weak academic guidance for students when choosing elective courses that support these skills. Finally, it is clear that the graduates had good communication, negotiation, persuasion and decision-making skills. The result of this study should help administrators of interior design programmes develop curricula that fulfill the needs of the labour market and help enrolled students increase their knowledge and skills. Finally, the results can inform employers about the necessary training for their interior designers.

Attention by Selection: A Deep Selective Attention Approach to Breast Cancer Classification.

Deep learning approaches are widely applied to histopathological image analysis due to the impressive levels of performance achieved. However, when dealing with high-resolution histopathological images, utilizing the original image as input to the deep learning model is computationally expensive, while resizing the original image to achieve low resolution incurs information loss. Some hard-attention based approaches have emerged to select possible lesion regions from images to avoid processing the original image. However, these hard-attention based approaches usually take a long time to converge with weak guidance, and valueless patches may be trained by the classifier. To overcome this problem, we propose a deep selective attention approach that aims to select valuable regions in the original images for classification. In our approach, a decision network is developed to decide where to crop and whether the cropped patch is necessary for classification. These selected patches are then trained by the classification network, which then provides feedback to the decision network to update its selection policy. With such a co-evolution training strategy, we show that our approach can achieve a fast convergence rate and high classification accuracy. Our approach is evaluated on a public breast cancer histopathological image database, where it demonstrates superior performance compared to state-of-the-art deep learning approaches, achieving approximately 98% classification accuracy while only taking 50% of the training time of the previous hard-attention approach.

Exploring barriers to the agroecological transition in Nicaragua: A Technological Innovation Systems Approach

ABSTRACTLatin America has historically been a vanguard of agroecology. In Nicaragua, an agroecological transition is occurring, with three decades of building a groundswell based on the farmer-to-farmer movement and the recent institutionalization of agroecology in national law. Yet, problems remain with agroecology’s diffusion. We introduce the Technological Innovation Systems approach to examine systemic barriers to the agroecological transition and cycles of blockages caused by barriers’ interactions. Based on qualitative data from north-central Nicaragua, we find the main barriers hindering the agroecological transition include weak guidance of the search for agroecology, insufficient capacities and quantities of resources, and lacking market development. Beyond the Nicaragua case, the analysis points at the importance of using socio-technical systems analysis to better understand and address the root causes behind issues blocking national agroecological transitions.

Do we differ in terms of indications and demographics in cardiac resynchronisation recipients in Poland? Insights from the European CRT Survey II Registry

Multiple randomised clinical trials have proven that cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality in appropriately selected patients with congestive heart failure and is recommended for such patients as per the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. In this paper we compare the indications and demographics in cardiac resynchronisation recipients in Poland and other European countries. In 2015 and 2016, physicians from 42 European countries participated in the second edition of the European Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Survey. For 14 months, 288 implanting centres gathered data regarding demography, indications, implanting methods, and guidance compatibility from 11,088 patients receiving CRT. The survey revealed that a vast group of patients were eligible for CRT implantation (although some of them with rela-tively weak guidance recommendations) and showed essential variety in clinical practice when national data were benchmarked. The population of CRT recipients in Poland and other European countries did not differ in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. In most cases, indications for CRT were in accordance with the guidelines; however some devices were implanted in patients beyond the guideline recommendations. For these procedures, the decision regarding CRT im-plantation relies mainly on the physicians' experience.

Moving from information provision to co-careering: Integrated guidance as a new approach to e-guidance in Norway

Norway has invested heavily in its career guidance system. This has allowed it to move rapidly from a relatively weak guidance system to an innovative and emergent one. One of the advantages of the historic lack of development of career guidance in the country has been the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others and to try out new and innovative approaches. A key opportunity that the country is keen to make the most of is the potential to use digital technologies to support guidance. Following a process of exploration of this issue the government has resolved to establish an e-guidance service located in Tromsø. However, at present the nature of this service is unclear. In this article we argue that that the concepts of (1) integrated guidance, (2) instructional design and (3) co- careering should be at the heart of the new service and indeed at the heart of the delivery of guidance across Norway.

Haptic Guidance on Demand: A Grip-Force Based Scheduling of Guidance Forces.

In haptic shared control systems (HSC), a fixed strength of guidance force equates to a fixed level of control authority, which can be insufficient for complex tasks. An adaptable control authority based on operator input can allow the HSC system to better assist the operator under varied conditions. In this paper, we experimentally investigate () an adaptable authority HSC system that provides the operator with a direct way to adjust the control authority based on applied grip force. This system can serve as an intuitive 'manual override' function in case of HSC system malfunction. In a position tracking task, we explore two opposite approaches to adapt the control authority: increasing versus decreasing guidance strength with operator grip. These approaches were compared with unassisted control and two levels of fixed-level haptic guidance. Results show that the grip-adaptable approach allowed the operators to increase performance over unassisted control and over a weak guidance. At the same time, the approach substantially reduced the operator physical control effort required to cope with HSC system disturbances. Predictions based on the formalized model of the complete human-in-the-loop system corresponded to the experimental results, implying that such validated formalization can be used for model-based analysis and design of guidance systems.

An asymptotic expansion approach for variable refractive index optical fibers (in weak guidance case)

To study the propagation of guided modes in an optical fiber under weak guidance assumptions, we usually use a scalar approximation of the Maxwell’s system which generally leads to the Helmholtz equations. Most of works in the literature treat optical fibers where the refractive index is constant in the core. In this work, we give more detailed calculations and expend the study to the case where the index of refraction is variable in the core of the fiber. The technique of calculation we propose is based on a formal asymptotic expansion that allows us to derive the equation and the transmission conditions of the scalar eigenvalue problem from Maxwell’s equations in the vectorial case. In the case where the refractive index is variable, which is the main contribution of this work, we carry out asymptotic expansions of lower order and higher order leading to a scalar eigenvalue problem.

The net ecosystem services value in mainland China

Protection of the ecological environment is an effective strategy for maintaining ecosystem health, improving provision of ecosystem services, and increasing human well-being. However, traditional calculations of the value of ecosystem services (VES) provide weak guidance because they ignore the costs of these services, leading to economically inefficient strategies. To understand the difference between VES and the net ecosystem services value (NES, after subtracting costs from VES) and to improve evaluations of ecosystem services, we estimated NES for mainland China (including farmland, grassland, forest, and wetland). NES totaled 10.0×10 3 RMB ha −1 yr −1 in 2014, which is only 35.1% of the corresponding VES. Grassland NES was –0.7×10 3 RMB ha −1 yr −1 , in contrast with a positive grassland VES. NES of farmland, grassland, forest, and wetland in 2014 totaled 7.2×10 12 RMB, accounting for 27.0% of China’s GNP. Recent Chinese planning based on VES emphasizes forest conservation and ignores the conservation of other important ecosystems, such as grassland, leading to a continuing loss of China’s natural capital. Due to regional differences in economic conditions, resource endowments, and geographical characteristics, VES and NES differ among regions. To maximize the ecological benefits from conservation, it is necessary to account for these differences by comparing strategies based on NES, thereby choosing projects that maximize both economic and ecological benefits. To maintain the ecological balance, ecological restoration and socioeconomic activities should account for the costs of providing ecosystem services. This is essential to minimize the costs and maximize the benefits of projects.

High-Tc Superconducting Maglev Prototype Vehicle Running at a 160 km/h in an Evacuated Circular Track

Dynamic behavior of high-T c superconductor (HTS) and permanent magnetic guideway (PMG) based maglev system is intensively studied in China, Japan, Germany, and Brazil, mainly through static or vibration test. Few reports are available about the direct and effective assessment on the dynamic performance of the HTS maglev vehicle by running on a straight or circular PMG track with a speed higher than 50 km/h, due to a short length in a straight track or a weak guidance force in a circular track. By developing a side-suspended HTS-PMG maglev system, a running speed over 100 km/h in a circular track with a big curvature was reached. The realization of a high running speed in the side-suspended circular track maglev system critically relies on a high dynamic stability of the HTS-PMG system. By enhancing the dynamic stability and optimizing the side-suspension conditions, a new record high running speed of 160 km/h was achieved in an evacuated circular track with 6.5 m diameter when the pressure in the evacuated tube was reduced to 5 × 10 3 Pa.

Dual-target cost in visual search for multiple unfamiliar faces.

The efficiency of visual search for one (single-target) and either of two (dual-target) unfamiliar faces was explored to understand the manifestations of capacity and guidance limitations in face search. The visual similarity of distractor faces to target faces was manipulated using morphing (Experiments 1 and 2) and multidimensional scaling (Experiment 3). A dual-target cost was found in all experiments, evidenced by slower and less accurate search in dual- than single-target conditions. The dual-target cost was unequal across the targets, with performance being maintained on one target and reduced on the other, which we label "preferred" and "non-preferred" respectively. We calculated the capacity for each target face and show reduced capacity for representing the non-preferred target face. However, results show that the capacity for the non-preferred target can be increased when the dual-target condition is conducted after participants complete the single-target conditions. Analyses of eye movements revealed evidence for weak guidance of fixations in single-target search, and when searching for the preferred target in dual-target search. Overall, the experiments show dual-target search for faces is capacity- and guidance-limited, leading to superior search for 1 face over the other in dual-target search. However, learning faces individually may improve capacity with the second face. (PsycINFO Database Record

Modal cut off properties of a metal coated optical waveguide with trefoil cross-section under weak guidance approximation

In the present paper the author investigated the propagation of electromagnetic wave through the special cross-sectional waveguide whose guiding region consist three cores embedded in common metallic boundary. By choosing an appropriate coordinate system, the scalar wave equation is solved, and thereby characteristic equation for the guided modes under the weak guidance approximation is derived using analytical method. To understand the basic modal properties in a simple manner, the cutoff equation is derived, and the modal cutoff properties of some lower order modes are determined numerically. The author also gave a comparative study of metallic boundary instead of dielectric cladding boundary on the modal cutoff behavior of waveguide.

Analysis Of Waveguide Whose Guiding Region Filled With Dielectric Material Bounded By Two Equiangular Spirals Separating It From Two Dielectric Cladding Regions

We Make an analytical study of a waveguide whose guiding cross-section is bounded by two equiangular spirals in which core and cladding regions are filled with different dielectric materials having refractive index n1 and n2 where n1>n2. The characteristic equation is derived under the scalar wave approximation for weak guidance. Dispersion curves and cutoff curve are also shown and interpreted. Unlike the planar waveguide, a nonzero cutoff is deduced which may be attributed to the curvature of the boundaries and the flare.