Optimal bundling and pricing decisions for complementary products in a two-layer supply chain

This article explores bundling and pricing decisions for two complementary products in a two-layer supply chain consisting of a multi-product manufacturer and a retailer. We establish four different pricing models under cases of decentralized decision, while considering different portfolio-bundling strategies of the manufacturer and the retailer. A game-theoretical method is used to characterize the corresponding equilibrium outcomes in each scenario. By further analyzing and comparing the maximum profits of all four possible scenarios, optimal bundling and pricing decisions for the manufacturer and the retailer are obtained, respectively. Model extensions and numerical examples are enriched to highlight the factors affecting optimal decision-making. Finally, valuable and interesting managerial insights are summarized. Results show that the upstream manufacturer always profits more when he sells complementary products separately. However, the optimal bundling decision of the downstream retailer is jointly determined by product complementarity (as a major factor) and the difference of product profitability (as a secondary factor). Market power cannot exert an influence on both optimal bundling decisions, but it can partly affect pricing decisions.     

Which is the use of systems theory in literature analysis?: The discovery of the place in La Mancha in Don Quixote

The use of systems theory to attempt to determine which ''place in La Mancha'' was the one whose name Cervantes could not quite recall in his universal novel, appears to be ordained to change certain attitudes towards science held in Cervantine literature. The reason: after four centuries of literary analysis, systemic methodology has proven able to identify the famous ''place'' with acceptable accuracy. Nonetheless, certain reasonable doubts persist around the suitability of a strictly scientific analysis of literature. In light of those doubts, the present article aims primarily to facilitate critique both of the systemic approach adopted and its outcome.     

Null controllability of some degenerate wave equations

This paper is devoted to a study of the null controllability problems for one-dimensional linear degenerate wave equations through a boundary controller. First, the well-posedness of linear degenerate wave equations is discussed. Then the null controllability of some degenerate wave equations is established, when a control acts on the non-degenerate boundary. Different from the known controllability results in the case that a control acts on the degenerate boundary, any initial value in state space is controllable in this case. Also, an explicit expression for the controllability time is given. Furthermore, a counterexample on the controllability is given for some other degenerate wave equations.     

Backstepping approach to the adaptive regulator design for a one-dimensional wave equation with general input harmonic disturbance

This paper considers the parameter estimation and stabilization of an unstable one-dimensional wave equation with matched general harmonic disturbance at the controlled end. The backstepping method for infinite-dimensional system is adopted in the design of the adaptive regulator. It is shown that the resulting closed-loop system is asymptotically stable. Meanwhile, the estimated parameter is shown to be convergent to the unknown parameter as time goes to infinity.     

Glutenin macropolymer particles size distribution of six wheat varieties in eastern China

Size distribution of glutenin macropolymer(GMP) particles significantly affects the quality of final products in wheat. Six wheat varieties in eastern China were used for investigating the GMP content, particle size distribution and their relation. The results showed that the particle diameter of GMP changed from 0.38 μm to 269 μm. A typical bimodal curve of volume distribution of particles with peak values ranged from 4.44 μm to 5.36 μm and from 45.76 μm to 116.30 μm, respectively. Number distribution of particles showed the typical population with peak values in the range of 0.57-1.00 μm. Proportions of granules 12 μm, 12-80 μm and 80 μm were in the range of 17.1%-47.8%, 32.1%-50.3% and 10.2%-38.1% of total volume, respectively. The content of GMP was negatively correlated with the volume of GMP particles 12 μm, but positively correlated with the volume of particles 80 μm. The results suggested that the greater percentage of larger GMP particles is, the more GMP content there is in wheat grain.     

Transient pressure analysis for the reactor core and containment of a HTGR after a primary loop pressure boundary break accident

The pressure variances in the reactor core and containment of a High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) after a primary loop pressure boundary break accident determine the structural integrity and safety of the reactor. Based on mass conservation, energy conservation and state equations, explicit formulae for the transient pressure and temperature variances in the pressure vessels were deduced, and a set of differential equations for the transient pressure and temperature variances in the containment were developed. Numerical simulation was also conducted to investigate the transient pressure and temperature variances in the pressure vessels and containment. The results show that energy transformation due to expansion work cannot be neglected. The maximum pressure in the containment could increase by 40 percent due to blockage caused by air in the containment. Detailed numerical simulations of the transient pressure and temperature variance in the reactor core flow passages were also conducted. The results show that the pressures acting on the reactor core and containment are below acceptable values.     

The age of synthesis: From cognitive science to converging technologies and hereafter

This paper describes the development of two of the most important scientific disciplines in the last quarter of the 20th century, cognitive science, which emerged in 1975, and nano-bio-info-cogno (NBIC) converging technologies, which emerged in 2000. In this century, we will achieve cross-disciplinary integration, innovation in comprehensive knowledge and comprehensive devel opment in human resources. NBIC converging technologies will greatly expand human cognition and communication, improve human health, enhance social outcomes, strengthen national security and unify science and education. Cognitive science and converging technologies will have major effects on the future human development. I argue that the 21st century represents an age of synthesis, reflected in the continual reintegration between scientific disciplines in recent times. This new age of synthesis will require innovations in thought and methodology that differ from those underlying the age of analysis in the 20th century. I predict that these developments will allow every individual to realize comprehensive development. Accordingly, the education system will be transformed, and a comprehensive human resources system will be created.     

Nonextensivity and the <Emphasis Type="Italic">q</Emphasis>-distribution of a relativistic gas under an external electromagnetic field

We investigate the nonextensivity and the q-distribution of a relativistic gas under an external electromagnetic field. We derive an expression for the nonextensive parameter q based on the relativistic generalized Boltzmann equation, the relativistic q-H theorem and the relativistic version of the q-power-law distribution function in the nonextensive q-kinetic theory. We thus provide the connection between the parameter q≠1 and the spatial-temporal derivatives of the temperature field of the gas as well as the four-potential, and thereby present a clearly physical meaning for the nonextensivity for the relativistic gas.     

An important functional group,benzo[1,3]dioxole,of alkaloids induces the formation of the human telomeric DNA G-quadruplex

Over the past few decades, numerous molecules have been discovered or designed to interact efficiently and selectively with a peculiar DNA structure named G-quadruplex. Some of these molecules have been developed as anticancer agents. To aid the design of anticancer agents, the ability of alkaloids possessing Protoberberine and Benzophenanthridine groups to induce the formation of G-quadruplexes were studied using CD spectroscopy. By careful examination of their structures, we found that a benzo[1,3]dioxole group plays an important role in influencing their inductive properties. The more functional groups the alkaloids have, the stronger their G-quadruplex inductive ability.