Dynamics of the Desai-Zwanzig model in multiwell and random energy landscapes

We analyze a variant of the Desai-Zwanzig model [J. Stat. Phys. {\bf 19}1-24 (1978)]. In particular, we study stationary states of the mean field limit for a system of weakly interacting diffusions moving in a multi-well potential energy landscape, coupled via a Curie-Weiss type (quadratic) interaction potential. The location and depth of the local minima of the potential are either deterministic or random. We characterize the structure and nature of bifurcations and phase transitions for this system, by means of extensive numerical simulations and of analytical calculations for an explicitly solvable model. Our numerical experiments are based on Monte Carlo simulations, the numerical solution of the time-dependent nonlinear Fokker-Planck (McKean-Vlasov equation), the minimization of the free energy functional and a continuation algorithm for the stationary solutions

Fuzzy logic as a decision-making support system for the indication of bariatric surgery based on an index (MAFOI) generated by the association between body fat and body mass index.

Background: A fuzzy obesity index (MAFOI) for use as an alternative to bariatric surgery indication (BSI) is presented. The search for a more accurate method to evaluate obesity and to indicate a better treatment is important in the world health context. BMI (body mass index) is considered the main criteria for obesity treatment and BSI. Nevertheless, the fat excess related to the percentage of Body Fat (%BF) is actually the principal harmful factor in obesity disease that is usually neglected. This paper presents a new fuzzy mechanism for evaluating obesity by associating BMI with %BF that yields a fuzzy obesity index for obesity evaluation and treatment and allows building up a Fuzzy Decision Support System (FDSS) for BSI. Methods: Seventy-two patients were evaluated for both BMI and %BF. These data are modified and treated as fuzzy sets. Afterwards, the BMI and %BF classes are aggregated yielding a new index (MAFOI) for input linguistic variable are considered the BMI and %BF, and as output linguistic variable is employed the MAFOI, an obesity classification with entirely new classes of obesity in the fuzzy context as well as is used for BSI. Results: There is gradual, smooth obesity classification and BSI when using the proposed fuzzy obesity index when compared with other traditional methods for dealing with obesity.
Conclusion: The BMI is not adequate for surgical indication in all the conditions and fuzzy logic becomes an alternative for decision making in bariatric surgery indication based on the MAFOI

LOCATION DETERMINANTS OF FDI: A LITERATURE REVIEW

The development of economic activity and the rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent decades has prompted a great deal of research into the phenomenon of multinational companies. A vast amount of empirical literature on FDI catalogues a long list of determinants that try to explain direct investment by multinational companies in a particular location, but it is noticeable that the results are not always consensual. This article provides a review of the theoretical approaches to and empirical studies on FDI in an attempt to single out the most robust factors for explaining the geographic distribution of FDI flows worldwide. It also suggests paths for future research in this area.FDI, determinants of FDI, literature review

Determining the Extent of Frost Damage in Maize Seed Using the Tetrazolium Test

Frost damage in seed corn causes a significant decrease in seed quality. The tetrazolium (TZ) test has been used to identify types of physiological damage in several plant species, including frost damage in corn. Quantifying the amount of seed damaged by frost and the consequent loss of seed vigor are important for making management decisions. The current tetrazolium test procedures provide seed viability information but do not estimate seed vigor. In our project, the tetrazolium staining procedure was modified to allow separation of viable seeds into vigor categories. Vigor categories were defined based on Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) recommendations, previous research, and current observations. The results from the tetrazolium test were compared with standard germination and saturated cold tests during the first 6 months of storage. The staining procedure aided in visual identification of frost damage. Although a strong correlation was found between seed viability as determined by the tetrazolium test, the standard germination test, and the saturated cold test, sorting seeds into vigor categories in the tetrazolium test did not improve the correlation between the tetrazolium test and the saturated cold test

Alternating Temperatures Promote Seed Germination of Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis can propagate through seed. However, there is little information regarding seed germination requirements. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal germination temperature requirements for the species. Seed germination was studied using a two-way thermogra- dient table without light. The temperature gradient in the table had 30 cells with alternating day/night temperatures and 6 cells with constant tempera- tures. The constant temperature cells were 10, 16, 22, 28, 34, and 40 °C, and the alternating temperature cells were a combination of these same temperatures. Fifteen of the alternating temperatures were higher for 16 h and lower for 8 h. The other 15 alternating temperatures were higher for 8 h and lower for 16 h. Seeds exposed to alternating temperatures showed a higher ger- mination percentage value than those at constant temperatures. The highest germination percentage was recorded in cells with a temperature combination of 16 °C for 16 h and 22 °C for 8 h. These results are important to seed analysts developing a standard germination protocol for Miscanthus sinensis seed