scholarly journals A Note on Confusion between Linear and Affine Functions and the Generalized Forms of Gradient

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Supriya Malla ◽  
Ganesh Malla

Background: Arguably the most frequently used term in science, particularly in mathematics and statistics, is linear. However, confusion arises from the various meanings of linearity instructed in different levels of mathematical courses. The definition of linearity taught in high school is less correct than the one learned in a linear algebra class. The correlation coefficient of two quantitative variables is a numerical measure of the affinity, not only linearity, of two variables. However, every statistics book loosely says it is a measure of linear relationship. This clearly show that there is some confusion between use of the terms the linear function and affine function. Objective: This article aims at clarifying the confusion between use of the terms linear function and affine function. It also provides more generalized forms of the gradient in different branches of mathematics and show their equivalency. Materials and Methods: We have used the pure analytical deductive methods to proof the statements.  Results: We have clearly presented that gradient is the measure of affinity, not just linearity. It becomes a special case of the derivative in calculus, of the least-squares estimate of the regression coefficient in statistics and matrix theory. The gradient can ­­­­be seen in terms of the inverse of the informative matrix in the most general setting of the linear model estimation. Conclusion: The article has been clearly written to show the distinction between the linear and affine functions in a concise and unambiguous manner. We hope that readers will clearly see various generalizations of the gradient and article itself would be a simple exposition, enlightening, and fun to read.

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Sarta ◽  
Rodolphe Durand ◽  
Jean-Philippe Vergne

Organizational adaptation is equivocal. On the one hand, the concept is ubiquitous in management research and acts as the glue binding together the central issues of organizational change, performance, and survival. On the other hand, it lurks around in various guises (e.g., “fit,” “alignment,” “congruence,” and “strategic change”) studied from multiple theoretical streams (e.g., behavioral, resource based, and institutional) and at different levels of analysis (e.g., organization and industry levels). In a novel approach to reviewing 443 adaptation articles that leverages both computational and hand-coded analysis, we produce an interactive visual of the themes most studied by adaptation scholars. We inductively draw out a definition of adaptation as intentional decision making undertaken by organizational members, leading to observable actions that aim to reduce the distance between an organization and its economic and institutional environments. We then review the literature across three main areas of inquiry and six theoretical perspectives that surfaced from our analysis and identify 11 difficulties that have hampered adaptation research in the past 50 years. Our review suggests ways to address these difficulties to enable future research to develop and cumulate.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 26-33
Author(s):  
M. A. Istomin ◽  
A. V. Nechkin

The article examines the history of the development of legal enlightenment in Russia, its modern legal regulation, as well as the theoretical basis associated with its implementation. Revealing the paramount importance of legal enlightenment for the formation of civil society and state of law, the authors point out the need to create a unified system of normative legal acts regulating this activity. Currently, the legal regulation of the activities of various subjects of legal enlightenment is unsystematic, since at different levels there are a large number of unrelated legal acts, which makes it difficult to achieve the goals of legal enlightenment. Among other things, the study carried out a comprehensive theoretical analysis of activities in legal enlightenment, on the basis of which the authors, on the one hand, conclude about the unity of rational and irrational moments in this activity, on the other, about the primary impact on the emotional-volitional side of a person in the process of legal enlightenment. Linking the structure of legal enlightenment with elements of legal awareness legal ideology and legal psychology, the authors point to the unity of legal training and legal literacy with in the framework of legal enlightenment, offering their definition of the concept of legal enlightenment.


Author(s):  
F. FERRUCCI ◽  
G. NOTA ◽  
G. PACINI ◽  
S. OREFICE ◽  
G. TORTORA

Refining a specification S1 means to provide another specification S2 which contains all the information given in S1 but with more detail. In this paper, we use logical implication from lower to higher levels of logic specifications to give a definition of refinement between these levels. This guarantees that any property of the higher level is also verified at the lower one. The definition of the relation "is refinement of" is given for specifications which are general first-order theories and it is proved to be transitive. A relevant aspect is that the different levels of logic specifications are in general not immediately comparable, because they can use different vocabularies. For this reason, the concept of transcription is introduced formally in our definition. Then the particular case of Horn specifications is considered. Horn specification semantics can be given by the methodology of least models. This may suggest definitions of the concept of refinement different from the one based on logical implication from lower to higher levels. However, conceptual problems can arise depending on the kind of the refinement definition chosen. Perhaps the most interesting effect is that the property of refinement transitivity may be lost. A possible way to restore the transitivity is provided.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-122
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Bulajić ◽  
Miomir Despotović ◽  
Thomas Lachmann

Abstract. The article discusses the emergence of a functional literacy construct and the rediscovery of illiteracy in industrialized countries during the second half of the 20th century. It offers a short explanation of how the construct evolved over time. In addition, it explores how functional (il)literacy is conceived differently by research discourses of cognitive and neural studies, on the one hand, and by prescriptive and normative international policy documents and adult education, on the other hand. Furthermore, it analyses how literacy skills surveys such as the Level One Study (leo.) or the PIAAC may help to bridge the gap between cognitive and more practical and educational approaches to literacy, the goal being to place the functional illiteracy (FI) construct within its existing scale levels. It also sheds more light on the way in which FI can be perceived in terms of different cognitive processes and underlying components of reading. By building on the previous work of other authors and previous definitions, the article brings together different views of FI and offers a perspective for a needed operational definition of the concept, which would be an appropriate reference point for future educational, political, and scientific utilization.


1996 ◽  
Vol 35 (04/05) ◽  
pp. 334-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.-P. Adlassnig ◽  
G. Kolarz ◽  
H. Leitich

Abstract:In 1987, the American Rheumatism Association issued a set of criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to provide a uniform definition of RA patients. Fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic were used to transform this set of criteria into a diagnostic tool that offers diagnoses at different levels of confidence: a definite level, which was consistent with the original criteria definition, as well as several possible and superdefinite levels. Two fuzzy models and a reference model which provided results at a definite level only were applied to 292 clinical cases from a hospital for rheumatic diseases. At the definite level, all models yielded a sensitivity rate of 72.6% and a specificity rate of 87.0%. Sensitivity and specificity rates at the possible levels ranged from 73.3% to 85.6% and from 83.6% to 87.0%. At the superdefinite levels, sensitivity rates ranged from 39.0% to 63.7% and specificity rates from 90.4% to 95.2%. Fuzzy techniques were helpful to add flexibility to preexisting diagnostic criteria in order to obtain diagnoses at the desired level of confidence.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Jaitin

This article covers several stages of the work of Pichon-Rivière. In the 1950s he introduced the hypothesis of "the link as a four way relationship" (of reciprocal love and hate) between the baby and the mother. Clinical work with psychosis and psychosomatic disorders prompted him to examine how mental illness arises; its areas of expression, the degree of symbolisation, and the different fields of clinical observation. From the 1960s onwards, his experience with groups and families led him to explore a second path leading to "the voices of the link"—the voice of the internal family sub-group, and the place of the social and cultural voice where the link develops. This brought him to the definition of the link as a "bi-corporal and tri-personal structure". The author brings together the different levels of the analysis of the link, using as a clinical example the process of a psychoanalytic couple therapy with second generation descendants of a genocide within the limits of the transferential and countertransferential field. Body language (the core of the transgenerational link) and the couple's absences and presence during sessions create a rhythm that gives rise to an illusion, ultimately transforming the intersubjective link between the partners in the couple and with the analyst.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. Baranovski

Nowadays, bioecological characteristics of species are the basis for flora and vegetation studying on the different levels. Bioecological characteristics of species is required in process of flora studying on the different levels such as biotopes or phytocenoses, floras of particular areas (floras of ecologically homogeneous habitats), and floras of certain territories. Ramensky scale is the one of first detailed ecological scales on plant species ordination in relation to various environmental factors; it developed in 1938 (Ramensky, 1971). A little later (1941), Pogrebnyak’s scale of forest stands was proposed. Ellenberg’s system developed in 1950 (Ellenberg, 1979) and Tsyganov’s system (Tsyganov, 1975) are best known as the systems of ecological scales on vascular plant species; these systems represent of habitat detection by ecotopic ecomorphs of plant species (phytoindication). Basically, the system proposed by Alexander Lyutsianovich Belgard was the one of first system of plant species that identiified ectomorphs in relation to environmental factors. As early as 1950, Belgard developed the tabulated system of ecomorphs using the Latin ecomorphs abbreviation; he also used the terminology proposed in the late 19th century by Dekandol (1956) and Warming (1903), as well as terminology of other authors. The article analyzes the features of Belgard’s system of ecomorphs on vascular plants. It has certain significance and advantages over other systems of ecomorphs. The use of abbreviated Latin names of ecomorphs in tabular form enables the use shortened form of ones. In the working scheme of Belgard’s system of ecomorphs relation of species to environmental factors are represented in the abbreviated Latin alphabetic version (Belgard, 1950). Combined into table, the ecomorphic analysis of plant species within association (ecological certification of species), biotope or area site (water area) gives an explicit pattern on ecological structure of flora within surveyed community, biotope or landscape, and on environmental conditions. Development and application by Belgrard the cenomorphs as «species’ adaptation to phytocenosis as a whole» were completely new in the development of systems of ecomorphs and, in this connection, different coenomorphs were distinguished. Like any concept, the system of ecomorphs by Belgard has the possibility and necessity to be developed and added. Long-time researches and analysis of literature sources allow to propose a new coenomorph in the context of Belgard’s system of ecomorphs development: silvomargoant (species of forest margin, from the Latin words margo – edge, boundary (Dvoretsky, 1976), margo – margin, ad margins silvarum – along the deciduous forest margins). As an example of ecomorphic characterization of species according to the system of ecomorphs by Belgard (when the abbreviated Latin ecomorph names are used in tabular form and the proposed cenomorph is used), it was given the part of the table on vascular plants ecomorphs in the National Nature Park «Orelsky» (Baranovsky et al). The Belgard’s system of ecomorphs is particularly convenient and can be successfully applied to data processing in the ecological analysis of the flora on wide areas with significant species richness, and the proposed ecomorph will be another necessary element in the Belgard’s system of ecomorphs. 


Author(s):  
Ross McKibbin

This book is an examination of Britain as a democratic society; what it means to describe it as such; and how we can attempt such an examination. The book does this via a number of ‘case-studies’ which approach the subject in different ways: J.M. Keynes and his analysis of British social structures; the political career of Harold Nicolson and his understanding of democratic politics; the novels of A.J. Cronin, especially The Citadel, and what they tell us about the definition of democracy in the interwar years. The book also investigates the evolution of the British party political system until the present day and attempts to suggest why it has become so apparently unstable. There are also two chapters on sport as representative of the British social system as a whole as well as the ways in which the British influenced the sporting systems of other countries. The book has a marked comparative theme, including one chapter which compares British and Australian political cultures and which shows British democracy in a somewhat different light from the one usually shone on it. The concluding chapter brings together the overall argument.


1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 482-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Bittanti ◽  
Fabrizio Lorito ◽  
Silvia Strada

In this paper, Linear Quadratic (LQ) optimal control concepts are applied for the active control of vibrations in helicopters. The study is based on an identified dynamic model of the rotor. The vibration effect is captured by suitably augmenting the state vector of the rotor model. Then, Kalman filtering concepts can be used to obtain a real-time estimate of the vibration, which is then fed back to form a suitable compensation signal. This design rationale is derived here starting from a rigorous problem position in an optimal control context. Among other things, this calls for a suitable definition of the performance index, of nonstandard type. The application of these ideas to a test helicopter, by means of computer simulations, shows good performances both in terms of disturbance rejection effectiveness and control effort limitation. The performance of the obtained controller is compared with the one achievable by the so called Higher Harmonic Control (HHC) approach, well known within the helicopter community.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (01) ◽  
pp. 045-052
Author(s):  
Mario Bazanelli Junqueira Ferraz ◽  
Guilherme Constante Preis Sella

AbstractNasal dorsal preservation surgery was described more than 100 years ago, but recently has gained prominence. Our objective is to show the surgical technique, the main indications and counterindications, and the complications. It is a technique that does not cause the detachment of the upper lateral cartilage (ULC) from the nasal septum, and has the main following sequence: preparation of the septum and its resection can be at different levels (high or low, i.e., SPAR [septum pyramidal adjustment and repositioning] A or B); preparation of the pyramid; transversal osteotomy; lateral osteotomy(s); and septopyramidal adjustment. The result is a nose with a lower radix than the original, a deprojection of the nasal dorsum tending to maintain its original shape; an increase in the interalar distance (IAD) and enlargement of the nasal middle ⅓; and loss of projection of the nasal tip and roundness of the nostrils. Thus, the ideal candidate is the one who benefits from such side effects, that is: tension nose, that is, high radix with projected dorsum, projected anterior nasal septal angle (ANSA), narrow middle ⅓, narrow IAD, thin nostrils and straight perpendicular plate of the ethmoid (PPE), and, depending on the characteristics, the deviated nose. The counterindications are low radix, irregularities in the nasal dorsum, ANSA lower than rhinion, and a wide middle ⅓. And the main stigmas are: a nose with a very low radix, middle ⅓ enlarged, residual hump, and saddling of the supratip area. Other issues of this technique are: the shape of the radix; the need or not to remove PPE; wide dorsum; irregular dorsum; ANSA lower than rhinion; weak cartilages; long nasal bone; deviated PPE; and obsessive patient. We conclude that this is a great technique for noses with characteristics suitable to it; care must be taken with the stigmas it can cause.


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